For Food Sake resets the bar for Thermomix cookbooks!
Once upon a time, in a land far away, a Thermomix temptress was born. (Her name was Tenina.) When the sun shone upon the land Tenina was invited to play at at the castle. There she cooked feasts for all to share in the wonders of the Thermomix. She wrote down the recipes and people came from near and far to follow on facebook and learn of these new ways. Tenina made the paste called Umami of flavours so mysterious that its secret proved irresistible to thieves across the sea! As days turned to nights Tenina strove to make it so and soon there was not only a little book but also an app.
But Thermomix fans in the land grew restless and wanted more. Even people across the waters began to ask of this Thermomix Temptress. So Tenina wrote a new book. And the book was pretty, and its pages, tempting. It contained seasoned salts and the formula for making powdered malt. There were salads, soups, and a pesto-roasted lamb to please any king. Deserts to soothe dragons, seduce princes, and impress legions. And all who saw it wanted the book: For Food’s Sake.
For Food’s Sake
by Tenina Holder
Hub and Spoke Publishing, 160 pages, $49.99 AUD
2012, printed in Australia
New Thermomix cookbook, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
Okay, I’ve never been much of a cookbook user. 
I usually prefer recipes that create themselves in the moment, based on what’s at hand, driven by the mood. And because I prefer savoury to sweet, many generic recipes are just not quite right for me. Tenina’s new book is an exception. Caught myself smiling more with each page I turned and quickly fell hard in love with this book, and no, not just because it’s so darned pretty — though it is all that and more. Whether you measure it by its recipes or its panache, For Food’s Sake rivals all other Thermomix cookbooks.
Totally usable recipes
The first way to evaluate any book is to leaf through it to see how many of its recipes we might actually be inclined to cook. That’s what I did when For Food’s Sake first arrived. I put on the critical reading glasses and set about to find the ‘few’ recipes I might be interested in trying. But the result was shocking. Turning page after page after page I couldn’t find one recipe that I didn’t want to make — right then and there!
For me, a few that hold particular appeal: Caramelised Garlic Paste, Savoury Potted Cheese, Cheats Sourdough, French Baguette, Quinoa and Spelt Crackers, Lemon Parmesan Wafers, Artichoke Potato Gratins, Beef and Ale Pie, Pecan Dacquoise with Orange Chocolate Cream, Lime Mousse Pie. And when I’m ready for something really sweet (especially for serving at parties), it will be the one in the top photo at right — Maple Chocolate Fudge!
Each recipe is limited to one page in length so it’s brilliantly concise. All are totally doable with simple instructions and precious little tips sprinkled through out.
And yes, pretty does make it better!
Gorgeous photos go a long way to making us begin the cooking process even before we handle the ingredients. The eyes engage the mind — engages the stomach — engages the mind all over again and we are excited and satisfied before sitting at table. The photos in For Food’s Sake are all winners. But there’s more going on here. Little hand-written notes adorn some pages to add an interesting element and make the book all that much more fun to read. You’re gonna luv it.
More than great photos
Don’t forget to read the words! Sounds a bit silly, I know — but there are more than just recipes here. Tenina’s introductions to each recipe and her savvy culinary tips are full of passion experience and yes, personality. (Seriously, you’ll want to read every word because, as much as she is known for her recipes Tenina is a helluva good writer too. ) Watch the notes to learn which of these recipes started Tenina on her journey into food publishing. You’ll also find out which party treat is “the little black dress” recipe.
Your turn!
There are more reasons to call For Food’s Sake a winner… did I mention the vintage feel with modern tones? Thick rich, semi-glossy pages, bulletproof binding and oh yes… the significant made-in-Australia factor? A clear simple layout that makes it easy to see where you are and what’s to be done next? The design that lays flat and stays open when laid on the benchtop?
Okay, now it’s your turn: please let me know what you find special about this book. Which recipes will you try first? I’m going leave you now, off to make me some of that Caramelized Garlic Paste ;-)
Want more?
- buy For Food’s Sake online
- catch Tenina on Facebook
- See Tenina’s blog
- watch this space for a giveaway contest coming very soon
Thanks Cookie1 — I agree — this book ticks ALL the boxes. I was torn about whether or not to mention those Swiss Cheese and Ham Pastries… they are also a favourite of mine. I think that one might be the best photo of the entire book!
Oooh, sounds delightful! And I’m so impressed by the photos I’ve seen tempting us on Facebook – wow! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book…
Nope not interested. Not gunna buy another cookbook . But wait, caramalised garlic paste,
Parmesan and lemon wafers, and OMG savory potted cheese all done in the Thermomix.
Hex on you Helene. You should not be allowed to review cookbooks . Not fair. Not at all. Got to have it right now. I mean it . Right now. Instantly.
WOW! I ordered my copy first thing this morning! Can’t wait for it to arrive and will be keenly watching what Tenina is up to next! I did her Celebrate and Bake Class in Sydney, and loved meeting her!
Ha Ha Gretchen — you are welcome to join the “League of Savouries” any time ;-)
I know — aren’t these recipes impossible to resist? I mean, I’m a hard one to impress, I’ve seen it all. Well I thought so. She had me at “flavoured salts” and then that Caramelized Garlic Paste, OMG…. but get this > the method for that is not what you’d expect either. Different and delightful. Wait till you see the Chicken Stock Powder… made from DRIED ROAST CHICKEN & VEG powdered in TMX !!! Brilliant, simply brill.
There’s a Rosemary and Fennel Applesauce too. Isn’t that just perfect for savoury lovers!? (Plenty of great desserts too.)
Lucky you Amanda — I bet that class was fun! The name alone “Celebrate and Bake” is so appropriate. That Tenina has such a way with words. (Did I mention that in my review? I meant to…)
You made me love it. I didn’t wanna do it.I didn’t wanna do it……..but when you just mentioned the Chicken Stock Powder it sent me over the edge. How on earth? I have gotto see THAT!
Order placed and I now need patience as you say.
I am so glad I ordered this book this morning. Gertrude, I am not like you, I am a real cookbook junkie. But this one does look special. Helene, thanks for the great review.
In a land far away sat a maiden (Erica) reading a new scroll (blog post) that had just arrived from the Queen (Helene)…”Hark” it said, “Hear ye, hear ye”…”the Temptress has released her new book”… and there was much rejoicing by the maiden as she had been stuggling to soothe dragons and tempt Princes up until now :)
LOL LOL LOL … too funny Erica!
You are hysterical Helene, thanks so much for a funny review…who knew you could wax lyrical about a boring old cookbook! Launch was awesome, response has been mind blowing, I have writers cramp from signing autographs…thanks to all for purchasing. Gotta go pack more orders…hahaha
EXCUUUSE ME?! “Boring ol’ cookbook?! This is truly ‘for the people’ and ‘we the people’ are loving it up Tenina. It’s perfect. I don’t think you could have improved it in any way. Maybe you should quit while you’re ahead cuz I don’t see how you can improve on this, lol ;-)
Helene what a hilarious review. All that you have said is very true. The book is really down to earth and realistic. I was fortunate enough to be there last night at the launch which I felt was a great evening. Tenina even used her Thermomix at it.
I love the book and also the classes Tenina does. She is an entertaining lady and has worked very hard to get this book out.
I’m not sure what I’ll make first. The Umami paste is a necessity. Maybe the Cranberry
and Almond Granuesli or maybe the Swiss Cheese and Ham Pastries.
Oh helene love the review… Your talents never cease to amaze me….But now you have made the wait for my copy to arrive in the land of freezing cold even more unbearable… Shame on you lol!!! The book sounds even better than i imagined… Tenina you are a star!
Hmmmm… giveaway?? pretty please??? ;D
Soon Mara, soon ;-)
Oh yes Frozzie, this one is a must-have!
My name is Rosario Kern ,I am one on the sell representative in Sourth of Spain and I sharing this page and recepis whit my peoples and they love it ,thak you so much to share
Hola Rosario;
Muchas gracias por escribir un mensaje en Inglés! Por mucho que te gusta este blog, estoy igualmente feliz cuando amigos españoles Thermomix venir aquí a leer y visitar. Gracias por sus amables palabras — Thank you ;-)
You are one hilarious lady Helene and I suspect you are enjoying your life just that little bit more since the Thermomix came into it. I’m still waiting for my copy of the book but I will be a patient person and just soak up all the reviews and comments from fellow Thermomixers for the time being.
Ha ha, thanks Judy — Right you are about Thermomix adding a ton of fun into my life. Now I think about you being ‘patient’ as you wait for your copy and I’m thinking it’s probably quite easy to be patient when someone is as busy as you are… managing things over there on on everyone’s favourite forum ;-)
I loved your post about Tenina’s new book Helene. Can’t wait for mine to arrive to have a good look. Looking forward to my super spatula’s arriving also!!!!!
Thanks Trudy! I look forward to your book arriving too — and the spatulas ;-) What a fun-filled month!
Stop already darn you. Stop I say, I will place my order as soon as I can but mention not again the yummy sounding food. After a week of blegh food (long story) things like Caramelised Garlic Paste, Savoury Potted Cheese, Cheats Sourdough, French Baguette, Lemon Parmesan Wafers, Beef and Ale Pie, Pecan Dacquoise with Orange Chocolate Cream, Lime Mousse Pie all sound utterly gorgeous! I could eat the digital bits right now!
Oh Robert, I swoon. A man after my own good taste.
Oh! Robert I feel for you !!!!!
Exactly right Trudy.
Sorry to sound boring, but does this recipe book have everyday recipes, and ones for which we would have the ingredients in the cupboard? I find so many books have exotic dishes and ingredients that I would never have on hand, and that would be difficult to buy where we live.
Julie, I am one of the lucky ones to already have this book and I can guarantee you that the recipes are for everyday cooks. I have already cooked about 10 of the recipes and they are SIMPLY STUNNING! And more often than not, I have all the ingredients on hand. Go on, buy it…it is the best thermomix cookbook out there, by a mile! Beautiful photos and easy to follow instructions. It’s a winner, can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you Chris! Somehow I missed Julie’s question, as it’s been sooo busy around here lately and though I thought I was managing to catch all comments, hers slipped past. I agree with you — and I hoped to convey this in my review above, but these recipes are all SO DOABLE. It’s one of the main reasons this book is such a winner. Love, love, love this book!
Thanks Chris and Helene. I will definitely order one now. By the way, when I went to order online, I got a message that there is a problem with the website’s security certificate. I have emailed Hub & Spoke and they are looking into it. Seems there is no problem, just a technical hitch. Just to be sure I am ordering over the phone.
Thanks for the heads-up Julie — I trust this will get resolved soon, there are so many people wanting the book! I also think if Tenina’s publisher reads this, he’ll be sure to give us an update on the situation ;-)
OMG! My copy of “For Foods Sake” arrived this morning. Just goes to show,never say never. If I had not read your review Helene, I never would have bought it and I would have regretted it big time. I have now got to buy one for my daughter because I don’t want to share.
Ha ha Gretchen — I’m so pleased you were pleased =) It’s a wonderful book and deserves to be shared all the more. (Though in truth, I think you are such a “Super Fan” of the kitchen machine that it’s probably hard for you NOT to get excited ;-)
Helene, you tempt too much… I swear I’m going to have to rehaul the weekly budget and buy one… I’m sure the other half won’t notice too much – I’m in charge of the kitchen and both Thermomixes… ;-)
TWO? DID you say “BOTH”??? Okay, you MUST have this book, no question. Tenina is “on fire” these days. You will love it Ceejay. Go, run out there right now and get yours!
Thanks Helene, I’ll use your recommendation with much enthusiasm! :D
And yes… I did say “both”. Lucky us hey? ;-)