Life's Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom

I have been a huge fan of Prue Leith for many years. Not only a wonderful chef and baker but someone who does for others and her community. I was so thankful to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me enjoy this wonderful cookbook. This cookbook is packed with everything to help you create some great recipes that aren’t so complicated to do. The book helps even with the basics like how to cook the perfect steak and how to prepare an avocado.Leith includes directions on how to use the book and advice throughout the book with hacks and ideas. Even better, the book includes QR codes to link to videos to help you watch and see how things are done. The recipes are wonderful and easy to understand. They include descriptions, detailed ingredients and easy to follow step-by-step directions. The food photographs are stunning and mouth-watering. The recipes are so fun and creative. I found some new family favorites like the Sushi forScaredy-cats, Herbed Salmon Parcels and Dark Chocolate and Orange Trifle.These were so delicious and quickly loved by the whole family. This book is great even for beginners and to anyone with a passion for cooking, especially with family. Enjoy this delicious adventure with your family.

I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of Prue's new cookbook. It is filled with great, easy recipes, tricks of the trade, and Prue's Handy Hacks. I was worried that a lot of the ingredients wouldn't translate to an American kitchen, but they're all common materials easily found in grocery stores. I'm very excited to try several of the recipes including her variations on hummus.

Prue does hacks...

Cooking hacks, that is.
This is the full package, tips, recipes, photos, QR codes and of course, hacks.
Filled with interesting flavors, this cookbook has it all breakfast, mains, drinks (you betcha!), baking and treats.
Highly recommend.

Anyone who watches baking shows knows who the inimitable Prue Leith is. However, she has done more in life than spend time with Paul Hollywood as this book shows.

This is a brilliant cookbook. There are the expected sections such as breakfast, etc and many recipes that I would like to try. There are also many tips and “hacks” to help. Even better, there are q codes that link to cooking demonstrations!

I highly recommend this title to home cooks.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto publishing group for this title. All opinions are my own.

I love Prue Leith, not just because we share a name! She’s down to earth and the recipes reflect that, there are lots of variations and most recipes have “Prue’s Handy Hack” to help you make the recipe, for example prepping different fruits and vegetables to skinning a fish filet. The pictures are gorgeous as well. Don’t read this one when you’re hungry!

I love the GBBS and so this was a no brainer for me to want to read. Prue's recipes are lovely as are the pictures. I feel like you can learn a lot from this cookbook and become a better cook. Highly recommend!

Life's Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom is an appealingly cozy collection of recipes, tips, tricks, hacks, and time-saving advice collected by Prue Leith. Released 15th Oct 2024 by Quarto on their Carnival imprint,it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The author has a wonderfully funny and wise attitude to cooking and life in general. The recipes are well written and each is accompanied by useful tricks which she's gleaned over her long career. The book is annotated throughout and there are QR codes which link to relevant online video content.

The recipes are arranged thematically: breakfasts, starters, mains, desserts, baking, and sides sauces & drinks. The appendices include table of content links arranged by subject: how to prepare vegetables & fruit, how to deal with eggs & dairy, how to deal with meat & fish, storage, staple/pantry stuff, etc.

Recipes are written with a description, bullet list of ingredients in a sidebar, and step by step instructions. Ingredient measures are provided in both metric measurements and imperial (American). (Yay!).

The majority of the recipes are accompanied by one or more color photos (roughly 80%). The photography throughout is beautifully rendered and serving suggestions are appropriate, well styled, and appealing. Even simple dishes like neeps & tatties are pretty and appetizing.

Five stars. Very well done. The video links are maybe a little trendy, but they're full of additional info which would've otherwise made this into a 700 page monster of a book. A+ for visual learners. Highly recommended for public library acquisition, home use, or possibly for housewarming/moving out present for a young person.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this eCopy to review

Life's Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom is a delightful cookbook that emphasizes simplicity and practicality in the kitchen. Prue Leith, a renowned chef and TV personality, shares her philosophy that life is too short to spend it on overly complicated recipes. The book is packed with 80 delicious recipes, kitchen shortcuts, and hacks that make cooking enjoyable and stress-free.

The book is divided into various sections, each focusing on different types of dishes, from starters to desserts. Leith provides fool proof recipes that are easy to follow, along with handy tips and tricks to save time and effort. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this book has something for everyone.

Leith’s warm and approachable writing style makes her feel like a trusted friend guiding you through the recipes. Her personality shines through, making the book not just a collection of recipes but a journey through her culinary philosophy. and encourages readers to embrace shortcuts and ready-made ingredients when appropriate, without compromising on flavour or quality.

Leith’s writing is clear, concise, and engaging. She provides detailed instructions and helpful hints that make even the most complex recipes seem easy. The book is beautifully illustrated, with vibrant photos that inspire you to try the recipes. The inclusion of QR codes linking to instructional videos adds an extra layer of support for readers.

Life's Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom is a fantastic cookbook that demystifies cooking and makes it enjoyable for everyone. With its practical advice, delicious recipes, and charming writing, it’s a must-have for any kitchen. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine and enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.

This cookbook is one of the best modern cookbooks I have read. The inclusion of QR codes and videos for readers who are hoping to build their culinary skills are unique and a great touch. I found myself interested in the types of food Pure eats and the story telling was great in this book.

I have been a fan of Prue Leith for years after watching her in Bake Off for the first time, and knew immediately that this cookbook was going to be on my holiday recommendations this year. It's bright, colorful, filled with great-looking recipes and illustrated with beautiful photography that actually gives you an idea of what the recipe you're trying out is supposed to look like. The inclusion of tips and tricks is super useful, and I'm excited to try them out!