Every summer, I pick 2 or 3 recipe goals for myself – usually, they’re great recipes for get-togethers, and by the end of the summer I’ve perfected them. Last summer, it was mine Grilled Pizza and by Amy Chaplin Black sesame bread–I’ve been making them so often that I don’t even need to refer to the recipe anymore. By August, they became my new signature dish. This year, my summer mood board revolves around long lazy lunches on the Spanish coast, so my cooking plan follows: whole grain stuffed with lemon and herbs, laced with blueberries. with fresh tomatoes and clams is my “summer 2022 dish”. ”
For me, any new recipe goal always starts with a Sunday afternoon on the couch with a good playlist and stack of my best cookbooks ever – these are the ear-marked, splattered, lovingly worn ao dai books that I reach out for over and over again – books that have inspired and guided my own approach to cooking, keeping me on track. Get access to new flavor combinations, kitchen shortcuts, and ways to make even cabbage delicious (look at you, Joshua McFadden.) Because you guys actually voted for me to write about this topic on IG, it’s time to share the cookbooks that I actually cook from all the time. But with only one condition: leave a comment and let me know yours!
Editor’s Note: This list originally appeared in my Breathing Space newsletter, where I share what’s on my mind, in my cart, on my plate, and more, such as lists This is the best cookbook. I wanted to share some small samples of what you will get if you sign up, so if you love this, why not? Register here?
Gjelina
Oh Gjelina, your dining room is the scene of more unforgettable dinners for me than anywhere else, and your cookbook has inspired endless creation of my own recipes. I could dedicate an entire newsletter to my love of Gjelina, but let’s just say this is one of the best cookbooks I turn to when I don’t know what to make. I spend a few minutes scrolling through her pages making me say, “What about the Little Gem Salad with Persimmons… and maybe I’ll make Cioppino eventually!” or excitedly take the dough to make pizza.
Favorite recipe: Pizza with Spinach, Feta and Garlic– It actually inspired my own version here: Spinach and Ricotta pizza with aromatic olive oil.
Every day is Saturday
As the name suggests, this book makes me want to live each day as if it were the weekend. And really, what more could you ask for from a cookbook? Sarah Copeland has created the rare book where I want to take literally every recipe in its pages, from Chocolate Snack Bread to Moroccan Tomato Toast to Braised Rib Dinner. All are sacred and created to be shared with those you love.
Favorite recipe: Warm apple tart is easier than pie beautiful and simple and too satisfying to take out of the oven.
Six Seasons
Joshua McFaddenthe chef of beloved Portland restaurants Ava Gene’s, Cicoria and Tusk, visited our studio when his cookbook crashed a few years ago, and I will never forget it. “Chinese” Beef and Broccoli he beat us to convincing me with just one bite: this guy knows his way around a vegetable. For me, his cookbook ignited my obsession with pickles as well as an excitement to try humble vegetables I might have otherwise overlooked: turnips, cabbage, and kohlrabi. There are separate chapters filled with interesting ideas for using them. My CSA box has never been the same.
Favorite recipe: Grilled eggplant with tomatoes, croissants, and a variety of herbs
ColombIana
If you came across our interview with Author Mariana Velásquezthis should come as no surprise: her cookbooks are as amazing as she is – it makes me want to build her playlist, stroke red lips and start cooking. This is one of the best cookbooks when I crave flavors and cultural traditions in a way that makes me feel adventurous, just by cooking my way. If you’re feeling bored in life, I’ve got the antidote: buy this cookbook, open a random page and start learning.
Favorite recipe: Bogotánian Ajiáco: Potato Soup with Corn, Chicken & Capers
Eating in
My mom gave me this cookbook in 2017 (I know, because she always writes a date sheet on the inside cover, a tradition I love) – and I cook my own way. from that. This is the cookbook I tend to pull out on special occasions – not because it’s complicated (it’s not) but because Alison manages to create unexpected flavor combinations and feels great. especially. She’s also unafraid of butter and cream – and honestly, sometimes a date night just requires a pot of bucatini with tomatoes that’s been roasted in 1/2 cup of olive oil (really.) But really, the public Alison’s recipes strike the perfect balance between fun and just really tasty.
Favorite recipe: Salty butter and chocolate shortbread – they are legends. I used to drink with Alison in New York and no kidding, she sent me home with a bag she had baked earlier that day. Of course, I devoured them all during the taxi ride home and still dream about it to this day.
Cook whole foods every day
If your body is craving a reset, this is one of the best cookbooks to check out. It never fails to inspire a Saturday morning spent soaking beans, soaking carrots, and making the aforementioned Black Sesame Bread to have on hand for a week to eat clean. This is the bible of preparing healthy meals, friends. I Interview with Amy when this book came out, and ever since, she’s been my anonymous mentor when it comes to healthy vegetarian recipes that always leave you in awe.
Favorite recipe: Pumpkin Rosemary Soup with Toasted Hazelnut Milk (scroll to bottom of post for recipe)
Cannelle et Vanille
Everything about this book makes me swoon, from the stunning photographs (by multi-talented author, Aran Goyoaga) to the descriptions of the vanilla and cinnamon-scented arroz from her childhood in the country. Basque. Everything in this book is both simple yet incredibly thoughtful – with each ingredient serving its purpose and allowed to shine in all its beauty. It’s how I like to cook everyday and as a reminder to slow down and enjoy the process. Our group recently went to Seattle to photograph Aran in her kitchen for How I collect series, and the magic is palpable bit by bit. PS — This is without a doubt one of the best cookbooks for dietary restrictions, as everything is gluten-free and many are dairy-free as well.
Favorite recipe: Chocolate, Olive Oil and Citrus Cake.
Some of the other best cookbooks of all time…
Okay, this email is being received looooongbut here are other well-loved cookbooks that should literally hit your shelves:
