A Non-Cook's Books

September is always nostalgic of back to school, so in honor of this time of year, I thought I'd share my favorite cookbooks. There are true cooks, and then there are those who forage, assemble and occasionally prepare. I'm definitely of the later. But as books become more and more antiquated, I still really enjoy owning (and holding and flipping through) an actual cookbook. Part entertainment, part inspiration, rarely do I follow a complete recipe (mainly the reason I hate to bake), but none-the-less, I love reading through. Especially on rainy day. On my couch. With a mug of something warm.

My collection is small, as virtually every recipe is available online (and my shelf space is limited), but a good cookbook like a good read. Here are couple I've acquired over the years and actually still refer to time and again for a little inspiration. They're in no specific order, nor are they particularly recent publications, but these are the 5 I'll never part with. Giada at Home: while some people find her irritating, I have quite a soft sport for Giada. This was the first cookbook I purchased after college. I used to love watching her show on the Food Network (OK! Confession! I still do! I think it's the sound of her voice.) and bought this soon after moving to my first place. Two of my favorite recipes are from here—Pasta Ponza and her Pea Pesto (though truly it's more like a hummus). Plenty: Perhaps the second cookbook I purchased for myself. I think I first heard of Yotam Ottolenghi via a Bon Appétit article, and was immediately intrigued by not only his cooking (so flavorful and beautiful) and approach to food (very vegetable focused, though he himself is not a vegetarian—he's THAT awesome), but also his heritage, pre-culinary background and innovative restaurants. Eating at his London restaurant Nopi (as well as his takeaway spots, Ottolenghi) was such an amazing and wonderful experience. Whereas the Nopi and Ottolenghi cookbooks are more complicated, this one is pretty straightforward. He also writes a weekly column for The Guardian—check it out.

Smitten Kitchen: Smitten Kitchen originated as a blog, and expanded from there. What a world we live in! (Simon & Schuster, ready when you are.) I absolutely love both Deb Perelman's recipes and writing. Soon you will too (btw, you're welcome).

Ottolenghi: See devotion above.

Lemonade: If you're familiar with Lemonade, you must live on the West Coast. They were one of the first fast-casual chains to open, and continuously deliver fresh, flavorful and wholesome food to the folks of California. A friend once worked for the chainlet, and knew how much I adored their food (vegetable-focused, fresh, local when possible, healthy with a side of indulgence, insanely delicious) and gifted me a signed copy of their signature cookbook as a thank you for helping with some marketing collateral. Guess that's me: will work for food.

Also of note: The Norwood PTA Cookbook, circa 1995. To own a copy is a rare and lovely gift.

#books #cookbooks #ottolenghi #smittenkitchen #giada