Ready or Not!: 150+ Make-Ahead, Make-Over, and Make-Now Recipes by Nom Nom Paleo (Volume 2)

Our family sincerely appreciates the efforts of Michelle and Henry in creating this fantastic recipe book. Several factors make this the go-to initial recipe book for those on a Paleo/Primal/Keto diet:1) Your prototypical recipe book these days seems to be geared towards the Pottery Barn crowd stylistically speaking, which can be uninviting as a layout model to some of us. Here, the layout is in very attractive 'comic-book' layout and bright, vibrant coloring, inviting me to look at the recipes even when I'm not preparing to cook something. This is the first cookbook I've ever looked at all the recipes before making one; typically I'd just thumb through them casually, but this book is so attractive in it's presentation that you feel compelled to grab it and thumb through it.2) This layout has the additional feature of being perfect for step-by-step cooking instructions. While the layout and style get a lot of deserved credit, the pictures and very clear yet concise instructions deserve just as much credit (I have yet to be confused by a single instruction/step).3) Beyond the aesthetic and structural aspects of the book itself, it's physically constructed like an old-school encyclopedia in an elementary school library: the implication is that you will grab the book, your kids will grab it, pages will be pulled on hard, the cover will be banged and bashed around the kitchen a lot (and the car; yep, I've even grabbed this to take out the door to know what ingredients to pick up on my way home for dinner it's that good!). The book is constructed with the physicality of a tank, meant to withstand years of abuse.4) Most importantly are the recipes. So far all have been above great and most are simply excellent. Quite simply put, we likely make around 20+ dinner meals a month out of these recipes since we opened this Christmas 2017. The option to use either slow-cooker vs instapot in many recipes is a fantastic feature. I now have a semi-regular habit of going to the butcher on Sundays, book in stow, looking to get cuts for the week of cooking ahead.5) You don't have to have children or a family to appreciate this book in the least, though the recipe quantities are perfectly constructed around a family of 4 (in line with the co-author's family unit). The couple w/o children will find nice left-overs for lunch the next day. A couple with a pair of guests will find the perfect number portions to go around. The lone wolf will find a great way to meal plan without much work.6) Probably the most telling feature of this book on it's quality and value are the ways it's giving the family a way to eat whole foods together, even when everyone isn't eating according to the Paleo/Primal/Keto (insert whatever label you prefer here) approach. Literally just cook the grain/starch on the side of any of these recipes and everyone is happy.7) Umami finally gets it's fair share of the limelight. Some of the best items in here are ones that use heavy-doses of umami flavoring. This is what sets the book way above other Paleo recipes: their saliva-inducing responses upon first bite. Other highly notable recipes are the simplest: kimchi for instance. Some of the recipes are a bit more carb heavy (honey, dates for example) so it's not a one-size-fits-all, but what is in this age of hyper-individualization?I'll most certainly be purchasing the Nom Nom book sometime in the future.

I'm an idiot when it comes to cooking. I need a photos for every step in the process and I need to know what the dish should look like at the end of every step (because most likely mine will look nothing like it.) That's why, when I add a cookbook to my collection it HAS to have 2-3 photos for every recipe. I'm not imaginative to know how to cook with random items in my pantry, but less visualize how big to chop those onions.So I need lots of help in the kitchen and I need to be treated like a 6 year old when it comes to cooking. I need bright, big, colorful photos and text and very short, clear instructions. Well if you're like me, you'll love this cookbook. It is a thick, gorgeous, funny, well organized and well-indexed cookbook. Besides the fact that every recipe is clearly explained and accompanied by beautiful step-by-step photos, the dishes seem easy to make and delicious! She's also provided a "cheat sheet" with 4 weekly dinner plans for every day of the week, with a shopping list and daily prep tips. She's also organized the recipes by dish type (poultry, seafood, etc) and your level of panic when it comes to dinner (kinda ready! not ready!).I've tried a couple of recipes from her blog, and they were delicious! I can't wait to dive into these recipes. The funny thing is, I'm not even on the Paleo diet. I just like the recipes because they're delicious and I stumbled onto her blog by looking for easy Instant Pot recipes (and she has about a dozen of those too!) Do yourself a favor. Buy the book!

I was given a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. I also pre-ordered the hardback copy, which should come today. Michelle Tam is my favorite paleo author. No one compares. Even when I’m not eating Paleo, I use her original cookbook regularly, and I’ve given away at least three copies to friends. I also refer to the website, NomNomPaleo.com, where Her Super Easy Tandoori Chicken appears—it’s terrific.I love the Ready or Not concept, in which she sorts recipes based on what you have on hand—or not. Paleo cooking cuts out so many ingredients, that it's important to have some staples on hand. But I bought the book sight unseen because Tam knows how to cook great food.The Cracklin’ Chicken Thighs recipe in this book is one of my favorite recipes—the chicken skin is like bacon, and the meat is tender and moist. I made the Sweet and Sour Soup, which is delicious, fast, and easy.I made her Wimpchi over the weekend—it’s the not-spicy version of her Kimchi recipe—also in the book. I’m dying to try the Betel Leaf Beef Rolls, her Thai Roasted Chicken, the Asian Citrus Brussels Sprouts Slaw, the Mango Cabbage Slaw, and the Potsticker Stir Fry.Both of her cookbooks have staples to substitute for non-Whole30-compliant condiments. The Sriracha in her first cookbook is a must-have. I’m anxious to try her Fauxchujang, a substitute for the noncompliant Korean Gochujang (served with Bo Ssam) and her Sunbutter Hoisin Sauce. I love Vietnamese food, so I was happy to have her compliant pickled carrots recipe from her original book, and there’s a recipe in this book for Fridge-Pickled Cucumbers.I own at least ten books on Paleo cooking, and this one, with her original book, Nom Nom Paleo, is the best!

Like some of the other more negative reviews, I was a bit overwhelmed by the layout of this cookbook at first glance. However after making a cup of tea and sitting down to attack it like a novel (how I consume most cookbooks...) I began to appreciate it more and more. I've been a fan of Michelle Tam's blog and first cookbook for a long time now. The first one quickly became my go-to for recipes I could rely on as she is truly a MASTER of developing flavor. This new book has been no exception and the recipes we've tried so far have been fantastic as expected.I read one reviewer comment about how her pictures of every step of the cooking process are "insulting." To that I say, not everyone is a seasoned cook and beginner cooks likely appreciate the attention to detail. I can only assume that Michelle wants readers to get maximum flavor out of every recipe and hopes that each one readers attack come out successfully.I'm still on the fence about deviating from traditional cook book organization (appetizers, snacks, mains, sides...) and the ready, almost ready, not ready can feel a bit confusing. However I got used to it pretty quickly and I think for the most part it makes sense and can be helpful. The Kinda Ready section makes the least sense to me because you have to assume that you have some things prepared already (sauces, etc.) If you don't have them on hand, then these recipes could easily take as long to prepare as the Ready section.With all of that said you can tell Michelle and hubbie put a TON of work into this cookbook. You could live off the recipes, meal ideas, and variations in this cookbook for a year and never get bored. (And I think if you did this you would become an expert at meal planning, whole food cooking, and flavor development...). I love the book and I highly recommend it. Just keep an open mind about the new layout and way it's organized. The genius of the recipes themselves outweigh anything else people are complaining about!!!! Happy eating.

AMAZING! Quality throughout - great content, exceptional binding. Wow.Being a fan of Nom Nom Paleo, I knew I'd like this cookbook, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I do. The recipes are outstanding, and every recipe has a photo for every step of the recipe, done comic book style. I love having a lot of photos in cookbooks, but the photos in READY OR NOT go above and beyond. I like how the book inspires me to create my own recipes, too. I take ideas from the book and turn them into my own.READY OR NOT is an educational and fun read that is also lighthearted. This is a cookbook that will make you smile as well as help you get healthy. It is expertly written and has tons of practical advice.I am a book lover who, in addition to loving to read, also loves it when books are beautifully produced. If you are the same way, be prepared for a glorious surprise when you unpack this book. The binding is high quality, the pages are thick and glossy with color photos throughout, there is an attached bookmark, the cover is two dimensional with solid construction and a finish that will allow you to wipe off spills.

KINDLE REVIEW only!!!!I just received my book this morning and was looking at it on my iPad. So far (as expected), the recipes look amazing. I also had the opportunity to make some of the dishes earlier, because I pre-ordered my book and received some "preview recipes." Those meals seriously delivered on taste, health, and simplicity...YAY!!!!I'm only giving the book 4 stars, because of how frustrating the Kindle edition is to use. Here are my reasons: 1. The "Table of Contents" only has the titles of the different sections. So in order to get to a recipe, you have to remember what section it's in, click on the section, and then click on the recipe. 2. You can go to the Table of Contents, select Recipe Index, and then view the recipes listed, too. From there, you can click on the recipe. However, it still involves tons of page swiping. 3. For the actual recipes, you still have to swipe through every single step for the recipe. In other words, the ingredients and directions don't all show up on one page. This can be a little annoying if you're cooking and want to see the next few steps or go back to a previous step.Other than the negatives with the Kindle version, I think this is an awesome cookbook and would normally give it 5 stars. If you're looking to make a healthy change to your diet and want a cookbook with simple recipes, this is the book for you! One other thing I will mention - Yes, there might be ingredients that some people may find "obscure," however, those items are used frequently, so you're not wasting your money on buying an ingredient once, only to throw it out because it expired.

#READYORNOTROCKSAlthough I’m not paleo, I love Michelle’s flavor packed recipes.The book is heavy using quality paper and printing. On the counter, it lies flat and open to your chosen page but is a bit cumbersome in your lap.The photos are gorgeous. Although the use of step by step photos are not necessary for a seasoned cook, they are delightful. At first the cartoon illustrations seem to clutter the book but they are actually quite informative. Together they show the pride and commitment that went into this book. I don’t think any recipe requires that you turn a page while cooking. Most seem to span the left and right pages for a single recipe or idea.This book has an unconventional layout but makes so much sense. The book is sectioned into recipes for staples to be prepared in advance and used in later recipes. It is then further divided based upon your available time and state of readiness. It will require a few trips through the book to become comfortable and familiar with the concept.The “Get Set” section contains basic sauces and dressings that are used creatively throughout the other sections. It would have been nice if the recipe page for the sauces and dressings would indicate which other recipes made use of them. I found this can be accomplished looking the sauce up in the index but that’s a cumbersome work around.Other reviewers mentioned their books arriving in boxes. Mine was in a padded envelope and the corners were all damaged. Since that reflects poorly on Amazon’s shipping, I will not allow it to effect this review, which is for the cookbook itself.I will be making my second trip through the book now with a notepad to list the recipes I want to try first. The list will be long!

Excellent, easy to follow recipes presented with great humor! A must for anyone who wants easy, healthy, and inexpensive kid tested food.Usually, a cookbook has one or two recipes that rise to the top and that is it. With Ready or Not I am having a hard time narrowing down a favorite because so far they are all so yummy!When we decided to do a low carb, whole food lifestyle we were at a loss and overwhelmed by the thought of all the things we would no longer eat. Through Michelle Tam's blog and now her cookbooks (yes we have both!) the world of delicous easy to make food has us going forward in healthier bodies and not looking back at all the processed items we used to eat.Food is a joy and this book helped us rekindle that joy. Thank you Michelle Tam!Do your body and mind a solid--buy the book, make a recipe, and enjoy. Careful becasue her recipes become addicting and your family is going to be requesting them over and over again.

Michelle Tam already runs a fantastic blog with many quality recipes available for free, but this book is 100% worth it. I love the concept of the book where the recipes are grouped according to how ready you are and / or how much time you have, which is helpful for meal prepping. In her typical manner, Michelle's book is informative, colorful, fun, and packed with adorable graphics of her family. Oh yes, did I mention the tasty recipes? One reason why I always go back to Nom Nom Paleo is because she does not use complicated or hard-to-find ingredients, and her recipes come together relatively quickly. Thus far, I have made: ginger sesame sauce, tex mex rice casserole, chicken thinga, bangin' baby back ribs, and none disappointed. If anything, I was very pleasantly surprised at how good and easy homemade ribs were!Even if you are a complete beginner in the kitchen, the book's step by step photos as well as many variations (3 ways to cook one dish: pressure cooker, slow cooker, stove or oven) are immensely helpful and clear. All in all, I must say this second book clear blew the first one out of the water (not that the first one was not good...) and I am very glad I bought it!

Love this book and use it a lot!!! Super easy to follow any recipe and they taste soooo good!!!

A great book to share and cook with the grandchildren.

Me encantan los libros de esta autora, tengo los dos. Tiene muy buenas ideas de aderezos, especias y acompañamientos. Me gusta la presentación que es completamente gráfica, llena de imágenes. Si tuviera que poner una pega seria que tiene demasiadas recetas de carne, pero se un libro de dieta paleo, es normal...

This book is incredible! Most importantly, Michelle's recipes are delicious. However, this book goes next level by being organized in such a way that you can prep some key sauces / marinades, etc. in advance and also use leftovers in different recipes/formats. I appreciate that the recipe index indicates if it is Whole30 complaint, freezer friendly, etc. as well as cross-referencing what recipes in the book will use the sauces you prepped as well as your leftovers. This book is brilliant. THANK YOU, Michelle and Henry for this masterpiece!