As a book lover, a trip to the local bookstore is such a treat. Who remembers having a bookstore date night when the big bad bookstores first opened in the 90s? The Husband and I would love to roam through the bookshelves on Friday nights, BC, before children. Then, share our finds over wine and a small dinner.
To keep up with our (epic for us) weight loss, I have been searching for recipe books full of simple dishes. Recipes with short and reasonable ingredient lists are my top favorites. I love to cook but hate to spend too much time in the kitchen. It's the family cook's biggest dilemma: spending large amounts of effort in the kitchen with a few satisfied diners. I know many of you share my pain.
I literally stopped dead in my tracks when I stumbled upon Near & Far: Recipes Inspired by Home and Travel, a beautifully written recipe/travel book by Heidi Swanson. It evokes all the senses as you turn the pages. It's visually stunning. Swanson takes you on a photographic journey through her travels and brings the reader back the best souvenir: a beautiful dining experience.
The second on my list of inspiring cookbooks is Food52 Vegan: 60 Vegetable-Driven Recipes for Any Kitchen, by Gena Hemshaw. We're not vegan. It's a lovely lifestyle, but not for us. However, the recipes on these pages would make even the pickiest of eaters at home want to try anything green. The book is also full of beautifully curated recipes and images that evoke a sense of community and comfort.
My third favorite is unique. Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother's Kitchen is a cookbook/memoir by Audrey Hepburn's son, Luca Dotti. I'm a SERIOUS Audrey fan. I have been all my life. There wasn't a single showing on TNT of Sabrina or My Fair Lady that I would miss. She was just so graceful. So, what does that have to do with cooking? Nothing. However, this book is genuinely entertaining and endearing.
Dotti is sincere and open about his memories of home with Audrey. You learn how much he loved her and would give anything to taste his favorite dishes made by her. I enjoyed this most because it gave me a better glimpse of her. You'll learn so much about her true loves: family, community, and service.
Here are a few more recipes you might enjoy. Try this, that, or this one!
Happy cooking!
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