Deconstructed Zucchini Manicotti on a blue plate with a brown marbled background
Cookbook Reviews

Inspiralized

Cookbook by: Ali Maffuci

Picture of Inspiralized cookbook cover on a tan background

“Inspiralized is what your meal and you become – a healthy and inspired version of the original,” Ali Maffucci.

The recipes are really easy to understand and straight forward. Any home chef would be able to follow along. I have used both the KitchenAid stand mixer spiralizing attachment and a regular spiralizer for these recipes – both work well. You can also make these recipes using store bought spiralized veggies in the fresh or frozen section to save a little time.

Bacon Cacio e Peppe in a white bowl with black accents on a brown marbled background

Bacon Cacio e Pepe

I love bacon and was really excited to find this recipe. The flavor in this dish was so tasty. One thing to note is the recipe does not clarify if you should wipe or drain any of the bacon grease from the pan. I have made this wiping out the grease and also leaving the grease. If you leave the grease the cheese can get a little clumpy when you add it in. I would recommend getting rid of some of the grease but not all of it, so you still get the flavoring on the zucchini. Seasoning is a must for this dish – I thought I had generously peppered it, but it still needed more. Such a filling and satisfying meal. I love to add some grilled chicken to it to make an entire meal.

Deconstructed Zucchini Manicotti on a blue plate with a brown marbled background

Deconstructed Zucchini Manicotti

A great dish to use up left over zucchini and spinach that you don’t want to have to throw out. An important note for this recipe is to remember to cut the zucchini spirals before putting them in the pan so you don’t wind up with one long spiral. (I’ve forgotten and done this before – makes it easier to serve if you remember to cut them).

I like a lot of tomatoes and next time I would add another can to the recipe. When using so many veggies seasoning is really important to taste before serving to make sure you don’t need any more pepper.

Cookbook Ratings: Recipe directions easy to follow: yes, Ingredients easy to find: yes, Specialty ingredients needed: no, Specialty equipment needed: yes, Accurate time estimates: yes, Best for home chef skill level: novice, Taste/flavor: delicious, Family friendly: yes, specialty diet: no, How many recipes are unique: most, overall cookbook rating: love it

Inspiralized is a great cookbook for all home cooks who are looking to make healthier great tasting dishes. The recipes are clear and concise. I found that some of the recipes needed a little more pepper – but that is a personal decision. These recipes would be a fun way to get your children involved in cooking as it’s fun to see veggies turn into spiral noodles.

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