The Naptime Chef

March 5, 2012
Banfield started her blog thenaptimechef.com after her daughter was born. A self-professed foodie, Banfield was frustrated by her inability to cook good food and care for a baby at the same time. She became “focused on preparing food efficiently while still maintaining quality and taste.” She found that her daughter’s naptime provided her with the time she needed to once again assemble delicious meals. Assuming that your child naps, that you are home when these naps take place, and that you yourself don’t partake in “sleeping when the baby sleeps,” Banfield might just provide the answers you’ve been looking for regarding making satisfying meals for your family. She addresses working parents, suggesting “be a bedtime chef and prepare dinner ahead for the next day.” She also suggests cooking while your children are at, say, soccer practice, so you had better hope your kids are athletic as well as good sleepers. The book contains some tasty recipes such as sweet potato and lentil stew, artichoke lasagna, Dutch oven pulled pork, and pumpkin spice bars with maple cream cheese frosting. Banfield’s make-ahead tips, like how to properly store certain foods like guacamole and toasted almonds, are also helpful. Agent: Jenni Ferrari-Adler.

February 15, 2012

Don't assume that this book is interchangeable with Debbie Koenig's recent Parents Need To Eat Too. While both books address the same audience--new parents struggling to put healthy, satisfying meals on the table--they take different approaches. Blogger Banfield (www.thenaptimechef.com) focuses on recipes that can be prepped and cooked in short intervals, like Ham & Corn Chowder, Poached Salmon with Leeks, and Gingerbread Cupcakes with Meyer Lemon Glaze. VERDICT Banfield's book is less comprehensive and nutritionally informative than Koenig's, but its simpler design will help readers quickly find the recipes they have time to tackle. Great for new parents.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.