It’s been a while since I reviewed anything, and I find myself missing it. I’m half working on an idea involving reviews, which is one reason I’ve been holding them back. But anyway, here’s my new favorite cookbook:
A Man, A Can, A Plan: 50 Great Guy Meals Even You Can Make is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Each meal is simple, with central ingredients that come from cans. A few non canned items are sometimes required, but nothing complicated – usually just a sliced tomato or a bag of shredded cheese. The book is divided into sections by the associated manly main ingredient: ham, chicken, fish, chili, beans, spaghettiOs, veggies, fruit, and beer.
Yes, there is an entire section dedicated to spaghettiOs. I’ve fallen in love with SpaghettiO Western – two cans of Os, one can of black beans. Mix in a skillet and heat until hot. (Of course, since this is a manly book, I don’t “mix” items. I am directed to “dump” the cans together) Sprinkle with cheese, and eat. If I’m feeling adventurous, I add in some corn. It’s ridiculously cheap and simple to make, tastes miles better than the Os alone, and leaves me with tons of leftovers. That’s the easy end of the spectrum. Others, like the Ham-and-‘shroom Scramble that I made, feel more like actual cooking.
There’s no earth-shattering culinary tips in this book, but it gave me a ton of great ideas for easy bachelor meals that I wouldn’t have hit on otherwise. If I have one complaint, it’s that a number of the 50 recipes are more side dishes or desserts than a full meal. But there’s still a pretty good assortment. Each one is better than another frozen pizza any day.