I wasn’t holding my breath on Sophie Dahl’s debut cookbook.
I’ve become wary of anything that smacks of celebrity in the least. and a book penned by a former model who bears the name of a famous literary grandfather did not sound promising. But the cover is charming and that is why I picked it up. Though I honestly didn’t hold out much hope for Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights.
I’ll fully admit I was wrong.
The book is charming—with beautiful design and a colorful bohemian style. Sophie tells bits of her own story, which was more interesting than expected. As a former plus-sized model, she had an entire country having an opinion about her size and what she ate. That she seemed more interested in what there was to eat on her modeling location shoots than anything else comes off as endearing. She doesn’t take herself too seriously.
And the recipes are solid. Some of them have already made their way into my permanent repertoire (the pear muffins convinced me to take the book home in the first place). The food is a mix of English favorites given spiffy new versions (this rhubarb Eaton Mess is making me long for spring), family favorites, and her own creations. This might not be the ideal cookbook for uber-foodies (not challenging enough) or for vegetarians, as about half of the suppers include fish or meat (though there is plenty that is meat-free).
It is, however, a perfect cookbook for those setting out in their own kitchens. This would be an inspiring gift for a new graduate having to cook for the first time, or for a serviceable cook who wants to bring extra sophistication to their meals. The ingredients may introduce you to new things, but nothing is too intimidating. The photos are lush, and while the recipes have global accents, at the end of the day these are filling and satisfying meals, unfussy and appealing.
And did I mention the charming package? The recipes are laid out seasonally, with breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for each. They’re a nice mix of fresh ideas and reinterpreted nostalgia, all styled beautifully. This is a book that was born to live in Anthropologie, and I mean that in the best way.
I didn’t have high expectations, but I ended up quite a fan of Miss Sophie Dahl and her voluptuous delights.
Leave a comment if you’d like to be entered in the giveaway. This could be a lovely gift, for yourself or someone else. You can find more about Sophie Dahl on her website, or watch clips of her British cooking show on YouTube. This is the perfect season to cozy up with some of these cozy dishes. And check back tomorrow, for both the winner and the next book. Happy December, everyone!
DISCLAIMER: Because of the vagaries of the postal system, and because these books are being sent from the publisher, I cannot guarantee their arrival time. Please take this into consideration. I’d hate to disappoint anyone in their holiday gifting plans. Also—and it pains me to say this—I’m afraid I am going to have to restrict this to North American postal addresses only, as I’ve had problems with overseas deliveries in the past. I’m very sorry for this, and appreciate your understanding.
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I love cookbooks that are laid out seasonally (especially the Big Sur Bakery cookbook). I’d love to win it!
This is quite a stunning looking book. I love food porn.
Perhaps it will even inspire to actually cook something….
Isn’t always nice to be pleasantly surprised?
The photographs look so pretty. Thanks for the giveaway, and happy holidays!
i have heard good things about this cookbook from other reviews. the photos that you’ve shown here look nice too. thanks for the giveaways!
Well, you convinced me that this was a cookbook worth checking out, and I of course haven’t quite gotten around to doing that yet. What a perfect chance make it happen!
This would be the perfect gift for my sister-in-law to-be!
This looks like a great book! I’d love to give a copy to my sister!
Mmm. This looks completely delicious. Thanks for hosting these giveaways!
How I love your blog!
I would love to be entered in the giveaway, and I will try my hardest to pay it forward, if I’m a winner, and gift someone with it!
This one sounds like fun! I love the pictures. I must look for it at the library.
Just the title makes me happy! What a great idea for a giveaway. I know some cooks who would love this in their kitchen. Or maybe I’d be sneaky and keep it for myself!
What a provocative title for a cookbook! Enter me, please!
“Voluptuous” is such a …. voluptuous word. Who wouldn’t want a cookbook with that in the title.
Please enter me in the giveaway.
I would LOVE to win this book!
Looks like a fun one!
This cookbook looks absolutely adorable! I would love a copy.
My girlfriend would love this!!
I love the way this book looks! You are right on with your reference to anthrolopolgie, which is my favorite store.
I have been most intrigued by this book and your post about the recipes you have made from it. I would love to have a copy, selfishly as a gift to myself (though I would share the cooking and baking with others!)
Looking forward to seeing what other books made your list…
I’ve been meaning to look into this book, as I thought the cover was so cute. I’ll definitely be sure to check it out now!
Looks like a great cookbook! I also loooove the title.
I had a gift card for Anthropologie…bought a cookbook! So I understand completely
I’d love this beauty! Thanks.
I want an Eton Mess! I love British-y cookbooks
“ten days of books” — I like this. Some version of this rhubarb Eton Mess is going to have to find its way into my kitchen come rhubarb season.
I have sighed over this book so many times. I would so love to add it to my cookbook world!
Well, Tea, it seems that I really must have this book because I am the poor and unfortunate “serviceable cook”, lol. This book looks completely charming. Believe it or not, I have quite the cookbook collection and read them for their sheer beauty and inspiration.
No shame in being a serviceable cook, Patricia! Such folks get dinner on the table and fill empty bellies, no? That is the most important part.
Ohhh it looks so pretty, what a lovely treat to have a new cookbook for the holidays.
What a lovely idea your book giveaway is! Thank you.
I look forward to your other book recommendations!
Now Tara, you must pick me. One of my first hardbound books was James and the Giant Peach, and while Miss Dahl was discovered by a famous stylist in Covent Garden, she winnowed her way down, and one of my favorite ads of hers was for Pringle, a wonderful oversized V necked argyle sweater. And to blatantly bribe you, I will save you on postage by meeting you for Seattle’s best Macarons – the anti- cupcake. Of course, if not I will drown my sorrows in a v neck cashmere sweater.
Charming! I can’t help but be drawn to Miss Dahl. It would be great to own this just for the photography, let alone the recipes. Thanks for offering the giveaway.
This looks like a beautiful cookbook. The pictures are lovely!
the photos do look lovely. thanks. i’ve been wanting to try the pear muffins since you’ve written about them.
Such an interesting sounding book. It is so sad that we still have not been able to create the logistics to deliver around the world. I would have loved to own a copy of this. I’ll just put it on my list ask someone to get it for me. :-”)
I wonder if my library has this book. Must remember to check today!
Looks like a charming book, and good recipes, as well!
Thanks for your cookbook reviews this holiday season!
I’m having a ball looking through cook books right now and I would love to have the chance to read this one. Enter me please!
I have rhubarb in the fridge right now, bought at the Santa Barbara farmers’ market. The seller told me it is the Queen Ann variety (I think) which grows year round, at least in this part of the world! Even if I win the book it won’t get here in time for me to try the recipe, but it’s a reminder to roast it up this weekend!
You mentioned this cookbook in one of your earlier posts and totally turned me on to it. It’s been patiently sitting ony my Amazon wish list since, so I’d love the chance to win it. There are other books on that list that have been sitting pretty, waiting their turns! Please enter me.
I love the pear muffins and I love cookbooks so I would love the chance to win this! Thanks so much for this cookbook review season – what a lovely idea.
Stunning looking cookbook definitly inviting. Great blog merry christmas.
I’ve been curious about this tome. Glad to know it is good!
P.S. Hi!
I am a big fan of cookbooks that are organized by season!
looks wonderful…
Looks like a fun book!
A perfect cookbook for those setting out in their own kitchens… your description has me sold. Thanks for the recommendation!
I have heard good things about this book. It looks pretty and it’s good to know it has workable recipes.
Looks like a fun book:)
I would love a copy of Sophie Dahl’s cookbook. It looks lovely and I like your endorsement for the recipes.
And, I love your site and your writing! Thanks.
This looks great! Would love to check it out.
Looks beautiful…would love to read writing from the off-spring of one of my childhood favorite authors.
Looks like a great cookbook!
Thanks for this contest!
I love love love her on the cover! I could never make my hunter boots look so good. What a pro!
Beautiful layout, charming and good recipes? That definitely puts a book on my wishlist
I love it when a book that seems doubtful, ends up being a treasure!
indeed, how charming!
That looks like beet soup to me! Now I definitely want to win.
I added this book to my wish list after seeing your pear muffin post. It looks both lovely and practical.
What a beautiful book. It looks like the type I’d adore flipping through every so often simply for the sake of looking at it. Not to mention using the recipes and loving it that way too!
I so totally love pears–I’m trying that recipe!
Looks lovely – and how wonderful to know that Roald Dahl’s granddaughter is up to something wonderful!
Looks like she’s my kind of gal. Would love to read this!
It’s so nice when something is not only beautifully packaged but useful.
Yumm, I could eat the book!
Please count me in as an entry to win!
I loved Sophie Dahl’s autobiographical novel, Playing with the Grown Ups, but haven’t seen her cookbook yet. An endorsement from you makes me more inclined to seek it out!
This book sounds wonderful! And it sound perfect for my daughter – a new college grad now in a demanding grad program! Someday she’ll be cooking for ME!
i love her spread in food & wine a couple of years ago- crossing my fingers that i’ll be the lucky winner!
I am completely obsessed with cookbooks — and that’s a euphemism– so this is very interesting, especially in the light of the author’s background… And relative!
That being said, I realise how much composition, illustrations, photos and design of the page matter to me now when I pick one years ago, cookbooks were scarcely illustrated and held no story than the recipes themselves. They have become gorgeous works of art. As are some blogs like yours. They make me… happy, in a sense. They tell stories, beautifully illustrated, and you get recipes on top of all that pleasure. Heaven, really.
Isn’t it true that food books have become such works of art in recent years. Lovely to see!
I need to get hold of this book! Lovely..
This looks like a gorgeous book. There really is something about British cookbooks that are so appealing.
Hi there,
I just found you today. I have just had three cups of tea and lots of cookies as I read through some of your earlier posts. I am looking forward to coming back to read some more. I have just moved to the USA from Ireland and I remember watching the TV series that accompanied this book. I still dream about some of the scenes, imagine those pages coming to life. I loved it and am glad you approve !