How to Grow Your Family

January 17, 2022
The “‘eating for two’ myth is total rubbish,” argues British chef Shaw (also known as At Dad’s Table on Instagram) in his practical and charming debut, a culinary primer for growing families. Dishes come together quickly, with pregnancy recipes designed to meet the needs of fetal development. First-trimester foods provide an energy boost by way of complex carbs and folate in recipes that include tempting variations on pestos, and a creamy butternut squash mac ’n’ cheese. Second-trimester fare contains omega-3s, vitamin D, and iron-rich foods such as lemongrass-roasted salmon with miso noodle salad. For the third trimester—which demands an extra 200 calories per day—Shaw broadens his scope to recommend nutritious snacks, and easy batch risottos, soups, and tagines (he suggests doubling recipes and freezing half) for the grueling days of new parenthood ahead. Chapters on one-handed foods for breastfeeding moms and single-serving desserts (because “my wife informed me she would like to be left alone in bed with a tray of tiramisu and a fork”) are a testament to Shaw’s own experience supporting his partner in the infant-care trenches, while his chops as a trained chef appear in such subtle touches as a drizzle of parsley oil for roasted cod. The struggle of new parenthood is real, and this is sure to be a welcome balm.