Cookbook reviews

Banana-Hazelnut Bread

Banana-Hazelnut Bread

Banana-Hazelnut Bread excerpted from MILK STREET BAKES by Christopher Kimball. Copyright © 2024 by CPK Media, LLC. Photograph by Connie Miller of CB Creatives.

Milk Street Bakes: A Baking Book with 200 Sweet and Savory Recipes by Christopher Kimball

Turn your kitchen into the world’s best bakery with this “comprehensive [and] extraordinarily useful” collection of 200 sweet and savory baking recipes from the James Beard Award-winning team at Milk Street

The American baking repertoire may be unparalleled in our claim to pies, biscuits, and cakes. But step off a plane in London, Mexico City, Istanbul, or Paris, and you realize how much more there we can learn about the art of simple, delicious baked goods.

We found a simple Spanish almond cake that uses no wheat flour. Loaf cakes that balance the sugar with slightly-bitter rye. Super-creamy Basque cheesecake that requires no water bath. Mexican sweet corn cake made in a blender. Or Catalan biscotti, sticky chocolate cake from Sweden, and crispy spinach and cheese borek from Türkiye.

We also include forgotten American recipes such as maple-glazed hermits and new classics such as peanut butter banana cream pie. And we go beyond sweets to include yeasted breads, savoury tarts, pizzas, and flatbreads (some made in a skillet in minutes).

Most of these recipes are easier than you’d think, from beer pretzels to Danish dream cake. But in baking, the little things count—so Milk Street is here to help you avoid pitfalls with recipes that you can count on.

Our promise to you is that you will become the best baker you know!

Milk Street Bakes: A Baking Book with 200 Sweet and Savory Recipes by Christopher Kimball is available at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk  and Indigo.ca.    (more…)

Potato Gnocchi with Fontina, Chives, and Crispy Shallots

Potato Gnocchi with Fontina, Chives, and Crispy Shallots

Potato Gnocchi with Fontina, Chives, and Crispy Shallots excerpted from The Four Horsemen: Food and Wine for Good Times from the Brooklyn Restaurant by Nick Curtola, Gabe Ulla and James Murphy. Photographs copyright © 2024 David Malosh.

The Four Horsemen: Food and Wine for Good Times from the Brooklyn Restaurant by Nick Curtola, Gabe Ulla and James Murphy

The highly anticipated cookbook from the Michelin-starred restaurant, written by acclaimed chef Nick Curtola, James Murphy, James Beard Award–winning wine director Justin Chearno, and co-author Gabe Ulla.

Much like the irresistibly warm restaurant that inspires it, The Four Horsemen: Food and Wine for Good Times is about more than just amazing food.

The story begins in 2014, when four friends with practically zero restaurant experience between them naively decided to open a restaurant in New York City. They called the place The Four Horsemen, and they hired a largely unknown chef, Nick Curtola, to lead its tiny kitchen.

Even though they did almost everything wrong at the start, The Four Horsemen now has a Michelin star, a waiting list for tables seven nights a week, and a James Beard Award for the best wine program in the United States—not to mention a global reputation as a must-visit destination in New York City. Of Curtola’s food, New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells wrote, in a glowing review, “The effortlessly casual plates are not, in fact, effortless or casual, a realization that only dawns on you as you’re wondering why this sausage or that pickle is the best thing you’ve tasted in ages.”

In the acclaimed restaurant’s debut cookbook, Curtola explains his approach to simplicity with warmth, clarity, and more than 100 recipes. The book begins with a humorous and moving introduction by co-founder James Murphy, which sets the stage for Curtola’s writing and recipes, casual and informative essays by natural wine pioneer Justin Chearno, and appearances by Murphy and Chearno’s fellow horsemen Christina Topsøe and Randy Moon. (more…)

Messy Sausage Pasta

Messy Sausage Pasta

Messy Sausage Pasta excerpted from Country Comfort: Hearty, wholesome meals in minutes by Hari Beavis. Photography © 2024 Dan Jones

Country Comfort: Hearty, wholesome meals in minutes by Hari Beavis

The debut cookbook from TikTok and Instagram sensation Hari Beavis. Wholesome, hearty, delicious meals that feel like a hug without the hassle.

Country Comfort contains 90 recipes for quick and easy comfort food, inspired by country living. Each chapter is organised by time – Comfort in 10, 20, 30 or 40 minutes – with a baking chapter at the end for that special treat.

You’ll find delicious quick bites such as Honey-Kissed Camembert and One-Pan Salmon Orzo, and recipes which take a little bit more time, but are totally worth it such as Mushroom and Prosecco Risotto and Butter Chicken Pie. There are plenty of easy wins including Leftover Roast Dinner Hotpot and ‘Wellies Off; Traybake In’, plus a host of moreish bakes from Almond Bundt Cake to Traditional Tiffin.

Every recipe comes with a list of swaps and additional options, so you’ll be able to create a tasty fix for every occasion.

Country Comfort shows you how to create wholesome meals that have been perfected through generations of love and warmth –  the ultimate crowd-pleasing cookbook. (more…)

Asian-Inspired Salmon Steaks

Asian-Inspired Salmon Steaks

Asian-Inspired Salmon Steaks excerpted from Essential Fish and Game Cookbook: Delicious Recipes from Shore Lunches to Gourmet Dinners (Fox Chapel Publishing) For Hunters, Fishers, and Trappers to Make Amazing Meals from the Day’s Catch by Scott Leysath. Photography by Kcuxen.

Essential Fish and Game Cookbook: Delicious Recipes from Shore Lunches to Gourmet Dinners (Fox Chapel Publishing) For Hunters, Fishers, and Trappers to Make Amazing Meals from the Day's Catch by Scott Leysath

Create delicious meals from the wild game and fish you’ve caught!

  • Easy and accessible recipes, with minimal ingredients, simple preparation, and the understanding that wild game needs to be cooked differently
  • Uses seasonal ingredients you can source locally, rather than already prepared soups, bouillon, and sauces
  • Interesting facts about fish and game, with quotes that show the passion hunters and fishermen have for their sport
  • Use the whole animal, not just the prime parts, with information on how to make stocks and sauces from fish and game parts that are often discarded
  • Stunning photos and sidebar information relevant to preparing fish and game, field care, processing, and storage
  • Author Scott Leysath is a leading authority on the proper preparation of fish and game

Calling all anglers, hunters, outdoorspeople, and cooks! Essential Fish and Game Cookbook is jam-packed with ways for you to enjoy mouthwatering, wholesome meals—from shore lunches to gourmet dinners—using the fish you’ve caught and the wild game you’ve harvested! (more…)

Queer Eye Guacamole Cups

Queer Eye Guacamole Cups

Queer Eye Guacamole Cups excerpted from The Official Netflix Cookbook: 70 Recipes from Your TV to Your Table by Anna Painter. Photography by Beryl Striewski.

The Official Netflix Cookbook: 70 Recipes from Your TV to Your Table by Anna Painter.

Enjoy 70 delicious dishes inspired by iconic Netflix movies and series with Netflix: The Official Cookbook!

You’re settling in for a night of watching the next volume of your favourite show and you’re going to need snacks! Netflix: The Official Cookbook offers Netflix-inspired food and drinks to create the best menu to devour along with the latest season of your favourite show.

Pair your Netflix home menu of shows, movies, docuseries, and stand-up comedy specials with the perfect snacks, main courses, desserts, and drinks. Each chapter, from TUDUM to Watch Parties, offers delicious recipes based on popular Netflix shows and films. that will give viewers the perfect additions to their Grace & Frankie, Squid Game, Sex Education, and Heartstopper marathons! Prepare a themed meal to enhance your Witcher viewing experience or make Sweet Inspirations based on Nailed It! Prepare to Watch It Again and cook it again!

70 RECIPES INSPIRED BY NETFLIX: Netflix: The Official Cookbook serves up appetizers, meals, and desserts inspired by Netflix’s series and popular categories to create the perfect snacking and streaming experience (more…)

Spiced plum, red wine and amaretti crumble

Spiced plum, red wine and amaretti crumble

Spiced plum, red wine and amaretti crumble excerpted from The Wine Lover’s Kitchen: Delicious recipes for cooking with wine by Fiona Beckett. Photography by Mowie Kay.

The Wine Lover's Kitchen: Delicious recipes for cooking with wine by Fiona Beckett

Over 70 recipes that showcase delicious ways of cooking with wine—the magic ingredient.

Author Fiona Beckett is the Guardian’s wine writer. She is also a cookery writer and a contributing editor to Decanter and Fork magazines and a leading authority on food and wine matching.

In this beautifully photographed book, featuring more than 70 delicious recipes, she expands on the idea that cooking with wine is an easy way to make meals special. Included is a detailed introduction to wine, plus a section covering ’10 Things You Need to Know About Cooking with Wine.’ Each dish also includes a wine pairing to ensure every meal will be a perfect marriage of food and wine.

Starting with Soups, Salads & Appetizers, there are recipes such as Warm Scallop Salad with Crispy Pancetta and Parsnip Crisps, Radicchio and Blue Cheese Salad. The next chapter, Pasta and Grains, includes Sticky Pork Mac’n’Cheese and Slow-cooked Ragu. Fish & Seafood has recipes for Moules Mariniéres with Muscadet and Fine Wine Fish Pie. Meat and Chicken features a classic Coq Au Vin and a delicious Duck Casserole with Red Wine, Cinnamon and Olives. Try recipes in the Vegetable Dishes and Pulses/Legumes section, such as Caponata and Chestnut, Mushroom and Madeira Tarts. The book rounds off with delightful Sweet Things & Baking with Peaches in Prosecco and Chocolate & Cabernet Pots, then concludes with Sauces, Butters & Relishes.

The Wine Lover’s Kitchen: Delicious recipes for cooking with wine by Fiona Beckett is available at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Indigo.ca.   

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Nectarine Oven Pancake

Nectarine Oven Pancake

Nectarine Oven Pancake excerpted from Williams Sonoma Breakfast & Brunch: 100+ Recipes to Start the Day by Williams Sonoma. Photography by Erin Scott.

Williams Sonoma Breakfast & Brunch: 100+ Recipes to Start the Day by Williams Sonoma 

A complete collection of the most delicious breakfast & brunch recipes from the trusted kitchen of Williams Sonoma.

Over 100 perfectly crafted recipes for the most delightful meals of the day: breakfast and brunch. Master every way to prepare an egg, along with exciting and flavourful dishes like Fried Chicken and Cornmeal Waffles, Caprese Scramble, Curried Chicken Salad, and Cider-Glazed Pork Sausage. Williams Sonoma Breakfast and Brunch is the ultimate entertaining cookbook: with vegan and vegetarian recipes and variations, it has something for absolutely everyone to savour. Whether it’s a quiet breakfast in bed, or a lively Sunday brunch with friends, this cookbook has the perfect dishes and drinks to entertain and enjoy.

PERFECT FOR EVERY OCCASION: With over 100 recipes, host the perfect breakfast & brunch for birthdays, Mother’s Day, or any special celebration

GREAT GIFT: Step-by-step recipe instructions and serving ideas make this hardcover cookbook an ideal gift for the home cook in your life (more…)

Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita excerpted from Everyday Italian Cookbook: 90+ Favorite Recipes for La Cucina Italiana by Domenica Marchetti. Photography by Eron Scott.

Everyday Italian Cookbook: 90+ Favorite Recipes for La Cucina Italiana  by Domenica Marchetti

Celebrate Italian cuisine with more than 90 recipes for authentic, carefree dishes perfect for small gatherings and everyday meals with friends and family.

Take a culinary journey through l’Italia with more than 90 recipes for fresh, authentic Italian cooking. The dishes in this mouthwatering collection emphasize carefree Italian cuisine perfect for elevating everyday dining.

For intimate gatherings, a batch of Turin-style breadsticks with prosciutto served with Garibaldi spritz cocktails is sure to impress. Celebrate summer flavours and enjoy a night of alfresco dining with bowls of summer minestrone and a peach, tomato and burrata salad garnished with fresh mint and basil. On busy weeknights, a crispy pizza with roasted peppers and soppressata satisfies even the pickiest of eaters. And nothing caps off a delicious evening quite like a sweet pick-me-up such as a dark chocolate panna cotta with cherries.

Including a handy section on stocking your Italian pantry and notes on classic Italian staples, Everyday Italian serves as a handy compendium for home cooks of all skill levels to add a little italiana to their kitchens.

90+ RECIPES: Flavourful Italian recipes in this volume span appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, rice and polenta dishes, pizzas and focaccias; meat, fish, and vegetable entrees; and desserts. (more…)

Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

Chocolate Olive Oil Cake excerpted from Meals That Heal Inflammation, Completely Updated and Revised Edition by Julie Daniluk. Copyright © 2024 Julie Daniluk. Cover and interior photography Nat Caron and by Walker Jordan.

Meals That Heal Inflammation, Completely Updated and Revised Edition by Julie Daniluk. Copyright © 2024 Julie Daniluk. Cover and interior photography Nat Caron and by Walker Jordan. Published by Penguin, an imprint of Penguin Canada, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

From bestselling author Julie Daniluk, R.H.N., comes a fully revised and updated edition of the groundbreaking guide to overcoming inflammatory pain, featuring over 110 delicious healing recipes.

Inflammation is a silent enemy, lurking beneath conditions such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, autoimmunity, cancer, dementia, diabetes, heart disease and skin disorders. When inflammation gets out of control, the result is pain and discomfort—and it’s a phenomenon that’s on the rise. If you’re one of the millions of people with these and other health conditions, then you know firsthand what havoc inflammation can cause.

This fully revised new edition of Meals That Heal Inflammation includes both proven strategies and the latest cutting-edge science about inflammation. A comprehensive guide that will help you understand the causes of inflammation and provides a clear and targeted step-by-step plan to prevent or treat it, so pain doesn’t have to be your destiny. New and revised material includes:

  • Clear and concise information about the global rise of inflammation, the four root causes and steps to prevent or treat to alleviate inflammatory pain
  • New innovative testing method to identify the origin of your inflammation
  • How to personalize your food and herbal remedies to conquer inflammatory health issues
  • Over 110—fully-revised with over 40 brand new—easy-to-make and nourishing recipes that can naturally heal inflammation

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Carré Reprise

Carré Reprise

Carré Reprise excerpted from FREEZER DOOR COCKTAILS by J. M. Hirsch. Copyright © 2024 by J. M. Hirsch. Illustrations by Lika Kvirikashvili.

FREEZER DOOR COCKTAILS by J. M. Hirsch. Copyright © 2024 by J. M. Hirsch. Illustrations by Lika Kvirikashvili.Freezer door cocktails are perfectly crafted and always ready when you are—in this “genius” (Forbes) collection of 75 drinks made directly inside the liquor bottle to store on the freezer door.

There is a time and place for meticulous home mixology. But more often, what we really want is a shortcut to our favourite cocktail that’s at the ready any time we want it. Pour. Sip. Simple!

You build these drinks in batches right in the liquor bottle, then keep them on call in the freezer for whenever the mood strikes. That means a perfectly chilled Negroni or sweet and minty Mojito is always on hand, whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting a few friends.

This creative collection of 75 ready-to-pour cocktails shows how to make freezer door versions of your favorites, from Margaritas and Manhattans to Cosmopolitans, Espresso Martinis, and beyond.

These classic and new drinks include:

  • Moscow Mule
  • Coconut-Lime Daiquiri Colada
  • Mai Tai
  • Chocolate Negroni
  • The Last Word
  • Mexican Old Fashioned
  • Paper Plane

Freezer Door Cocktails: 75 Cocktails That Are Ready When You Are by J. M. Hirsch is available at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Indigo.ca.   


CARRÉ REPRISE (more…)