Synonymous with new beginnings and self improvement, there could hardly be a better time than the New Year to investigate a book like Clean Start, by Terry Walters. A sequel to the original Clean Food, Clean Start might be more accurately be considered the prequel to the series, as it attempts to break down the basics in terms simple enough for the most uninitiated of cooks. Organized seasonally, the emphasis is placed on beginning with quality ingredients, and then doing your best not to ruin their natural flavor and vigor in the process of cooking. Terry would never state such a mission outright, though; Guiding readers with gentle, non-judgmental words, it’s all about doing the best you can with your time and skills, to ultimately arrive at a healthier destination. Peppered with glorious color photos throughout, the images really bring the recipes to life, making them seem appear much greater than the sum of their ingredients.
Skipping ahead to the “fall” section, I couldn’t resist the Carrot Cashew Miso Spread (page 90). A popular pick, this is a recipe I had been hearing raves about since before I owned a copy of the book. Combining a mere four ingredients, I had to see what all the hype could be about. Surprisingly sweet, owing to the natural sugars of the carrots, for lack of a better description, it has an undeniably “clean” flavor. Even more satisfying than the usual hummus, the cashews add heft that give it real staying power; an ideal snack for a demanding day. With an excellent hit of salt from the miso, this humble spread really does live up to expectations.
Flipping back a few pages to summer, the Cucumber Mint Salad (page 64) was calling my name. Despite feeling odd chopping up a big bowl of cucumbers mid-January, I can easily see how this would be the ideal dish at a warm, sunny picnic a few months down the road. Cool, light, and refreshing, it’s so simple that it’s more of an idea than a recipe, but that’s also the beauty of the dish. Allowing the cucumbers to shine, accented with complimentary dill and mint, this preparation would make for a fantastic pairing to any heavier main dish.
Returning to autumnal ideas, Ginger Shiitake Soup with Cabbage and Edamame Beans (page 98), hardly takes all of 15 minutes to pull together, but bursts with complex flavor in every spoonful. Admittedly, I reduced the amount of water significantly (down to 5 cups rather than 8) which would undoubtedly concentrate flavors, but I prefer a soup packed with goodies, and certainly nothing watery. Shiitake mushrooms take the stage, lending powerfully rich, savory undertones throughout. Every component is remarkably well balanced – A theme repeated throughout each recipe on trial. Move over “chicken” noodle soup: This newcomer might be the new go-to sick day soup around here.
Buttercup Squash with Quinoa, Apricot and Sage Stuffing (page 152) may be a mouthful of a title, but it’s hardly more complex than preheating on the oven while simultaneously bringing water to a boil. A celebratory dish if I ever saw one, one of these golden squashes would be right at home as part of any holiday spread. Though buttercup squashes evaded my grasp, acorn filled the void quite nicely, and next time I’ll have to take Terry’s suggestion of a delicata substitution. Working to reduce food prejudices, I embraced the addition of dried apricots in this savory application- Diced very, very finely, of course. Happily, the cheerful orange fruits melded in seamlessly, indiscernible from the rest of the stuffing. Tasting instantly like the holidays thanks to the sage, I only wish there was a bit more texture throughout. Almonds add delightful crunch on top, but it becomes a bit of a mushy drudge to eat through all of the center stuffing. An easy issue to remedy with nuts mixed into all of the quinoa instead, I would have no quibbles serving this at a festive gathering, or a quiet night at home.
Some of the “recipes” in Clean Start struck me more as just common sense, such concepts make this a perfectly approachable entry to the newbie cook, seeking healthy options. Lest that sounds like criticism, it bears repeating that every recipe I sampled reveled in that simplicity, carefully calibrated to keep all components in balance. In other words, don’t expect haute cuisine, innovative techniques, or unconventional flavor pairings to leap forth from these pages. Simplicity rules, especially for the home cook seeking painless recipes to add to their everyday repertoire.
I love this book! It’s clean and beautiful on the inside and out. Thanks for the review, Hannah!
I have this book too and it’s been a while since I opened it. That soup is calling my name. Thanks for the reminder!
you know, i LOVE clean food cookbook. i’ve made a bunch of stuff out of there, ALWAYS with great results. the only drawback is no photos ;( but i’ve been thinking of getting clean start for a while. i guess this post is kicking me in the butt to get it sooner rather than later ;)
Those pictures look amazing!
oh my! That soup…I have never looked at a soup and instantly thought, “Soup, I need you in my life,” but that just happened!
Thank you for this review; it gave me a thorough understanding of the book and for whom it’s best suited. The soup especially looks delicious!
YUM! Am currently freezing my little buns off in the kitchen and would loooove to whip up some of that Ginger Shiitake Soup with Cabbage and Edamame Beans! Thanks for sharing!
That is an awesome post. I’m really impressed with the photos. Did you take them yourself, and how? or, are they from the book? I would love to learn how to do something like that.
Thank you! They are all my own photos, and though there’s a lot that goes into each one, it ultimately just takes a lot of practice and good light.
What brand of crackers/melba toasts are featured in the first picture. They look really good! (Sorry about the random question, haha!)
Quite alright, I thought the exact same thing! I was planning on using rice crackers in the photograph to go with the miso/asian concept, but when I saw these, it just sounded like a better idea. They’re Trader Joe’s Sesame Melba Round Crackers.
Thank you!
This book sounds like it will provide clean, delicious food around the clock and throughout the year! I definitely want to try that stuffed squash. I know you’re iffy on dried fruit in savory dishes…but I LOVE it.
A great review and gorgeous pictures!.. love the soup and the simple carrot miso spread. Life comes back full circle.. from eating simple and clean foods at home cooked by mom, to crazy processed food college life and now back to clean eating.. this year will hopefully find me sticking to a lot of local and clean foods.
This sounds like exactly the sort of cookbook I would like. I’m adding it to my (ever growing) wish list. The soup looks perfect, and I’m with you on the side of less water more “stuff!”
I always need little reminders like this. Like all my cookbooks, I do not use this beautiful book nearly enough. I have made the carrot-miso dip, though, and I totally understand why it’s so popular.
I think this is the kind of book not so common in France, even though the American green wave is starting to come over here – then people will think more about their health and will try to be more careful about what they eat.
Anyway, that is nice to show the kind of recipes that can be found in this book, they are really colorful, and I am sure you totally honored them.
Oops my mistake I clicked on “post comment” before I finished my message.
I did not know the buttercup squash and just googled it, we call it “Buttercup” too here. The inside made me think about an eggplant, but maybe is it the lighting.
I like the presentation of the salad in a verrine, it changes from the usual bowl and for once we can see everything and not 3 cucumber dice battling to be on the picture !
The soup looks amazing! I really have a strong desire to eat clean food this January, but I get off track with little cravings for sweets.
I surely will need this book for this year. Oh those lovely picture and your review I am so getting it.
You’ve been busy making some delicous foods. That soup is gorgeous!
The carrot spread sounds and looks fab.
I’ve only made a few recipes from Clean Start so far, but they’ve all been great. I was eying the carrot spread too. Beautiful photos, as always!
I love the clean start, it’s true most of us are looking for healthy food after everything we ate on the hollidays, all the food looks delicious
Miso is quite popular as a recipe ingredients these days, isn’t it? The stuffed squash looks lovely, although I’m also a little bit wary of fruit in dishes like this ever since the trauma that was my mum’s lamb and prune casserole.
Nice variety of yummy looking dishes! I haven’t heard of the cookbook before but I do like recipes with simple ingredients. I’ll have to check it. Thanks! :-)
This looks like a fantastically simple book. The Ginger Shiitake Soup with Cabbage and Edamame Beans is absolutely calling my name!
i love love the book. Everything is so delicious and easy to make. I’m thankful to Santa for placing it in my stocking.
Your photos are stunning!
I will have to check this book out! Thanks Hannah!
[…] found some real edible gems in Terry Walters’ work. A prolific recipe writer, I’ve been enjoying her food for years now, and this brief feature itself is long overdue. Eat Clean, Live Well was released well over a […]