cover image The Branded Cookbook: 85 Recipes for the World's Favorite Food Brands

The Branded Cookbook: 85 Recipes for the World's Favorite Food Brands

Nick Sandler, Johnny Acton. Kyle Cathie Limited, $24.95 (160pp) ISBN 978-1-904920-91-5

Veteran cookbook authors Sandler and Acton (Soup, Mushroom) empty the larder in this eye-catching collection of dishes that rely on ingredients most cooks already have on-hand. Though clearly designed with Brits in mind (Camp coffee, Colman's mustard, Marmite and Vegemite are featured players), the duo has plenty to offer Yanks as well, with recommendations for all-American favorites like Coca Cola Cake, Philly Cream Cheesecake and Hellman's-based potato salad. Many recipes serve double duty in the brand-name department: Pork Tenderloin with Sweet and Sour Sauce uses Heinz ketchup and Kikkoman soy sauce, a recipe for fish sticks with tartar sauce incorporates Quaker Oats, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Hellman's Mayonnaise and Colman's mustard. Lest cooks think they can skimp by substituting cheaper knockoffs, the authors offer spirited arguments for the superiority of name brands one-page product studies. Recipes are rarely as off-beat as one might expect: Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Dumplings, Pad Thai (using Skippy peanut butter), Duck Breasts with Cashews and Kikkoman Soy Sauce, Nutella Brownies and truffles are all worthwhile standards for cooks with a well-stocked pantry. Though far from essential, this volume should hold great interest for brand loyalists who want new ways to enjoy their packaged favorites.