When I went on maternity leave with my first son 18 years ago, I had planned on learning to cook. Let’s just say, I failed miserably! So, in 2023 I plan on really cooking, like the kind where the smell just fills the kitchen and the kids are clamoring for more. But, cooking, balancing flavors and healthy options for five different palettes, is an art form I have never mastered. So, with a little help from some of my culinary friends and their must-have cookbooks, I plan on taking my skills to the next level. I hope you join me to learn from these must-have cookbooks!
The Anti-CookBook
BY SHELLY ONDERDONK & REBECCA BLOOM
The title of this book speaks to anyone who has been avoiding preparing and cooking meals! Speaking to the masses, this book breaks down how to think creatively about cooking and combines recipes, stories, must- have lists for healthy and independent cooking into a must read 96 page book that helps take the guesswork out of what to make for dinner!
$17.99, Amazon
The Unofficial Hogwarts for the Holidays Cookbook
BY RITA MOCK-PIKE
Harry Potter fans unite! There is nothing better than adding a little magic to your holidays year round. In the pages of this cookbook, you will find a delectable combination of Hogwarts inspired treats and meals fit for a wizard. With Goulash made with healthy ingredients such as ground turkey and fresh herbs to hearty porridge made with rolled oats, fruit and nuts the healthy options in this book are paired nicely with desserts and drinks for all those special occasions. And, don’t forget to try a little Liquid Luck on page 165 (21 and older wizards only please).
$19.95, barnesandnoble.com
The Whole Smith Real Food Everyday
BY MICHELLE SMITH
With recipes like Grilled Flank Steak with Tomato-Corn Salad, The Best Damn Paleo Brownies and Apple Pasta, Smith combines healthy recipes everyone is sure to love! She incorporates tips like “Great for Leftovers”; precise serving sizes and notations of nut-free, dairy-free, gluten- free, etc, that help novice cooks create the perfect dish for any palette and dietary requirements.
$27.49, Amazon
The Clean & Simple Diabetes Cookbook
BY JACKIE NEWGENT, RDN, CDN
In this simple to follow cookbook, Newgent combines flavorful healthy options with simple ingredients that makes meal planning for any family a piece of cake! With over 100 recipes, you don’t need to have a diabetes diagnosis to enjoy any of these dishes, as they are packed with nutrition and healthy options for anyone. In addition, there is a complete nutritional information breakdown included with the recipes for each serving, making this a lifesaver when planning meals for family members with dietary restrictions
$22.95, barnesandnoble.com
OTHER BOOKS IN MY COOKING ARSENAL
Alchemy of the Mortar & Pestle: The Culinary Library Volume 1
BY D. & P. GRAMP
$16.99, Barnes & Noble
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