“High Flavor. Low Labor” Cookbook

On set with J.M. Hirsch, National Food Editor for The Associated Press

Wow! Once I get to the office every day, it’s non-stop. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my crazy schedule. It’s just…CRAZY!

After grabbing my morning cup o’ joe, I usually stop by our test kitchen to see how things are going, followed by a quick hello to the rest of the gang, and then I head into my office to see what’s on tap for the day. Usually I start by reviewing my calendar, to see if it’s physically possible to be in two places at the same time. I haven’t quite mastered that one yet, but if it was up to my team, they’d find a way.

Next I usually go through a pile of products, cookbooks, gizmos & gadgets that people send in for us to review. Some are quite clever and, you guessed it, occasionally some are pretty silly or useless.

One book that caught my attention recently was High Flavor. Low Labor by J.M. Hirsch.  Have you heard his name? He’s the national food editor for The Associated Press and, whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably read many of his articles in your local newspaper. The reason his book made me stand up and take notice is, as you know, I’m a big fan of any recipe that’s high in flavor and low in labor. How refreshing! A book — or, should I say, a man — after my own heart.

The more I read High Flavor. Low Labor, the more drawn in I got. Let me tell you, this guy can really write, not to mention cook! I’m not talking fancy schmancy chef-like cooking. I’m referring to getting-dinner-on-the-table-without-a-lot-of-work kind of cooking. His trick is to use high-flavor ingredients like Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar and bacon to really add a punch to every dish.

I was so impressed with J.M.’s  book that I invited him to do a show with me so I could share his no-fuss, flavor-packed style with all of you. Howard, who oversees my TV show, will share more details of J.M.’s visit in his own blog soon but, for now, let me just tell you that the recipe J.M. and I made together was dangerously delicious! (Notice there’s chocolate in this photo!) You’re gonna love it!