This is a beautiful book, which is almost enough on its own to attract me. The recipes are not fussy, but there isn't a lot in the way of background or technique. That said, I love Mediterranean food of all stripes, and there seem to be a great mix of staples and unique twists on recipes that fit the blue zone diet.

I would buy this cookbook for the artistic illustrations alone!
Here is a compilation of Mediterranean recipes that look quite appealing. Most of the recipes are accompanied by a mouthwatering photo. Many were pretty standard fare of the region but some ( fermented blueberry and chia jam , crispy lemon and chickpea cakes , crab roulade and cauliflower tabbouleh and chicken meatballs particularly intrigued me.
Loved that recipes were simple with not so many ingredients but with an emphasis on fresh!
This is a cookbook that will really get a lot of use in my home for basics like hummus, falafel and bowls ( California, vegan Poke, etc) . I feel that the sides and tapas are the stars of the book but also will try the duck entree!
I do wish that the authors had included more commentary of the health benefits of these recipes and the Mediterranean life style.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for the ARC to preview. This will be on my cookbook shelf March 4

***ARC from Netgalley***

This book is based on the Blue Zone diet and is comprised of only recipes. There is no information on the diet or resources or equipment recommended for making these recipes. This is not a negative, just an indication that this book is best suited for either the experienced cook or someone well versed in this particular diet.

The recipes are very straightforward and easy to follow. The photography is stunning. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for new recipes for the Blue Zone diet.

I requested this book because I took the title to be a reference to the blue zones, but I was disappointed by the recipes. I would say it is 50/50 plant-based vs meat-based recipes. That being said, the recipes seem straight forward and tasty.

Book Review: The Blue Kitchen: 100+ Recipes from the Happiest, Healthiest Corners of the World

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I recently picked up The Blue Kitchen by Cider Mill Press, and I have to say, it’s been a game changer in my kitchen! From the moment I flipped open the cover—can we just take a moment to appreciate that stunning design?—I knew I was in for something special. This book is packed with over a hundred recipes that promise not just to nourish the body but to elevate your entire lifestyle.

What I love most about The Blue Kitchen is its emphasis on the power of food in shaping our happiness and health. Each recipe draws from time-honored traditions and nutritional wisdom, making it clear that what we eat can truly transform our lives. The collection includes everything from vibrant salads to wholesome grain bowls, showcasing how delicious healthy eating can be. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about embracing a way of life that's both fulfilling and sustainable.

As I leafed through the pages, I was entranced by the beautiful photographs of each dish. They practically jump off the page and make your mouth water! The recipes cater to a broad range of tastes, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in the family. Plus, the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow, making it a breeze for home chefs of all skill levels. I was thrilled to find that most ingredients are readily available at my local grocery store, so I didn’t have to go on a wild scavenger hunt for anything exotic.

Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight meals or innovative appetizers that will impress your guests, this book has it all. Plus, it offers handy tips to keep you motivated on your journey toward healthier living. After diving into these recipes, I feel empowered to embrace a more balanced lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.

In short, The Blue Kitchen is more than just a cookbook; it's an invitation to live life to the fullest through the art of cooking. I’m giving it two enthusiastic thumbs up! If you’re in the market for delicious, wholesome recipes that will inspire you to eat better and feel great, then you definitely need this book on your shelf. Happy cooking!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

An interesting book with some delightful recipes to try. But not only the recipes, the photos and also all the tips for a healthier living are appreciated as well. I learned some new things reading this book and anyone wanting to change even just a bit of their life to better and healthier one will enjoy this book.

"The Blue Kitchen isn’t just about cooking—it’s about transforming your lifestyle. This book brings the very best of these dishes into your home and proves that living a long life is not just a matter of luck, but something that we can take control of."

There are lots of delicious and nutritious recipes in the Blue Kitchen, with lots of beautiful photographs of the dishes. And even if you're unsure about making your diet a little more plant-forward, there are plenty of recipes to appeal to most home chefs. Most ingredients are available at large grocery stores or local smaller specialty stores, which I appreciate. There are some recipes that sound great but have difficult to find ingredients, but like I said, most are available without having to order online or place specialty orders.

The stuffed avocados, squash bisque, and the coffee and ancho carrots look particularly appealing!

I received a free ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one. It had some great info and included some delicious looking recipes with lots of bright pictures of them. A good resource for those looking for healthy eating options.

The Blue Kitchen by Cider Mill Press contains many great photographs of the dishes in the cookbook. Because I have been following a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle for several years, there wasn't much new to me in this book, unfortunately. However, for someone looking to improve their health through diet, this will be a helpful guide.

Thanks to Cider Mill Press and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.

Not quite sure what to make of this cookbook. There is no author listed, nor any stories or introductions of the recipes. However, the recipes seem straightforward and easy to follow. Will try some of them.


Thank you NetGalley and Cedar Mill Press for the opportunity to review this book.

This is a fine combination of very simple recipes and mostly plant based- I think it could have been much more complex especially as it travels through 5 very different geographical regions with vastly variant culinary traditions, but was pleasant to read in any case.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

This is a beautiful cookbook, with stunning illustrations as well as photography.

The range of recipes is so diverse, and I have so many saved ready to try. The salads and Bowls section was my favourite, with combinations of food from all over the world, and ingredients that I can’t wait find and start experimenting with. The instructions seem very clear and easy to follow, it’s definitely a book I will get in physical form, to fill with notes and scribbles as I learn to cook better.

This is a beautiful cookbook and I enjoyed that there are many recipes at different levels of complexity. There are a lot of really appealing options in here. However it was disconcerting that none of the recipes came with any explanation - especially since many are from unfamiliar cuisines, including the recipe titles. I was left trying to parse what exactly the recipe was from reading the ingredients and description - making it hard to know at a glance what recipes I actually want to try.

Thank you Netgalley, the Publisher and the author for the advanced reader copy of this publication.
I have been lucky to travel quite often and experience many flavors in the blue regions. To now have access to the recipes to make at home and the ingredients so easy to find in markets in the US. This is the greatest addition to any mid-level home chef's kitchen.

This is an excellent cookbook, filled with recipes for dishes that I've been trying to master from some of my favorite Mediterranean restaurants. Each section incudes multiple great recipes, many of which are also accompanied by beautiful pictures. My mouth was literally watering looking at this cookbook. Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy this one before the release date!

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

I fun, interesting cookbook that follows the blue zone idea. I found lots of wonderful looking and tasting recipes in this book.

This is an interesting cookbook, the illustrated chapter introductions were beautiful but I didn't love the photography style of the recipes. I also wish the recipes came with an introduction. There were quite a few that didn't have photos and wasn't a very recognizable dish so I would've had to google what the dish is prior to making it. I would say it does have some interesting health recipes in here, but would make for a companion book to someone who's already familiar with Blue Zone cooking.

Splendid collection of recipes that most people can actually make. I loved the pictures and the entire visual format too.

THE BLUE KITCHEN is based on the very popular current idea of ‘blue zones’ where inhabitants live healthy, active lives throughout even their very senior years. The recipes inside adhere to the Mediterranean Diet and do a beautiful job of explaining ingredients and providing photos of the finished product. There are some valuable additions to the standard Mediterranean Diet cookbook, making this well worth adding to the home cook’s bookshelf. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

This is such a beautiful cookbook. It's also laid out well and easy to follow. I haven't had the chance to cook from the recipes yet but I'm excited to do so. I also can't wait to get a physical copy. It's full of beautifully simple, clean foods that seem easy to prepare.

Thank you NetGalley and Cedar Mill Press for the opportunity to review this book.