I found it to be incredibly creative, with a variety of unique flavors and culinary ideas. In a conversation with the author, she mentioned that this cookbook is a bit more unique, featuring new flavors and cuisines. If you're someone who wants an approachable cookbook with a touch of creativity or you're looking for a thoughtful gift for someone with a similar preference, I highly recommend this one.
This cookbook is incredibly family-friendly, featuring many family dinner staples. What makes it particularly appealing is that the author, Ali, is a mom to two kids herself, so she's well-versed in creating recipes that are not only delicious but also suitable for kids, including picky eaters. If you have children and are looking for recipes that the whole family can enjoy, this cookbook is an excellent choice.
If you have a baker in your life, "Vegan Dessert Cookbook" by Ally Lazare is a great choice. It's packed with a variety of mouthwatering dessert recipes that can satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. From cakes to cookies, this cookbook offers a wide array of delicious plant-based options that will please both vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether it's a special occasion or simply a craving for something sweet, this cookbook has you covered with its delectable dessert ideas.
I believe this cookbook, "Vegan Comfort Classics" by Lauren Toyota of Hot for Food, might have been the very first cookbook we reviewed, marking the beginning of our journey into cookbook reviews. Even after three or four years, it still stands the test of time. The recipes in this cookbook live up to the title, featuring classic comfort food, including sandwiches, fried dishes, pasta, and more. It's filled with delicious, timeless recipes that provide a comforting and satisfying culinary experience.
I'm thoroughly impressed with this cookbook. While I believe it's an excellent go-to for anyone, it's particularly well-suited for those who appreciate variety in their meals and don't like eating the same thing repeatedly. What I truly appreciate about this cookbook is that it not only provides fantastic recipes but also guides you on how to repurpose the components of those recipes into entirely new and delicious dishes.
This cookbook is a bit different for me because I don't find myself reaching for it every time, but I believe it's a truly valuable book for a specific audience. Neither of us follows a gluten-free, oil-free, or refined sugar-free diet, but this cookbook caters to all three of these requirements. The recipes we tried were enjoyable, and I appreciated the content, but it's not a cookbook I'll frequently revisit. However, for individuals who are looking for recipes that align with these dietary restrictions, I think this book is an excellent resource.
One of my all-time favorite cookbooks is "The First Mess" by Laura Wright. It's a classic and was one of our early reviews, perhaps the second cookbook we ever covered. Laura, who runs the blog "The First Mess," is a source of constant inspiration for whole foods. Her recipes are filled with whole ingredients, and whenever I find myself with a can of beans or other pantry staples, I turn to her blog. Her focus on whole foods is remarkable, and her recipes are fantastic for creating wholesome, delicious meals.
Another budget-friendly and fellow Canadian cookbook I appreciate is by Olivia Biermann. She's one of the OG YouTubers, and her cookbook has been around for a while. Although she has a newer one, I find myself returning to this one more often. The recipes are very easy, full of flavor, and delightfully simple. They've become my go-to recipes when I'm looking for something quick and tasty. I think this cookbook is perfect for people who want to enjoy delicious food without being completely food-obsessed – it's all about great taste without the fuss.
I must admit I didn't know much about The Buddhist Chef, but Jean-Philippe, also a fellow Canadian, really impressed me with this book. It's the newest addition to our collection, so we haven't tried as many recipes from it, but each one has been a delightful surprise. This book even made me love soup, no offense to your soups, Cat, I still adore them too. But there's something about this cookbook – maybe it's the variety, maybe it's the way they've styled the photography – it's unique. It manages to strike a balance between dishes that look fancy but are quite doable. The flavors are diverse, and the recipes we've tried have all been relatively easy to prepare. We tend to choose easier recipes because, well, we're professionals, but I was genuinely blown away by this book.
Sweet Potato Soul is an exceptional cookbook named after the YouTube channel. It's all about southern comfort food made vegan, and I must say I really enjoyed this book. We even did a review of it, and it lived up to the hype. It's somewhat different from the others, most similar to "Vegan Comfort Classics" by Lauren, but it's centered on southern cuisine. If you're a fan of hearty, flavorful, and delicious food, this cookbook is a fantastic choice. Sweet Potato Soul also features a lot of whole foods and doesn't shy away from deep frying. The recipes are intriguing, and if you have a soft spot for sweet potatoes, you're in for a treat. The book is visually appealing, with beautiful photos, and if you've tried any of her blog or YouTube channel recipes, you'll certainly love this book. It's an inspiration and resource for those who love to cook and learn more about food.
The Flavor Bible is a book you've probably seen in many of our videos because I use it all the time. I can confidently say that it's the best book I've ever purchased. It's incredibly easy to use. Whether you're making a weeknight meal or something more elaborate, you can consult this book. For instance, if you have mushrooms in your fridge, you can look up "mushrooms" and see what flavors pair well with them. The combinations it suggests are often quite extensive, and they can spark new and exciting culinary ideas. This book is a fantastic resource for someone who loves to cook, create their own recipes, and deepen their understanding of food. It's worth mentioning that it's on the pricier side, but it's a worthwhile investment.
Samine is the ultimate inspiration for us right now. She taught us so much about samino stretch, cooking, flavor, and how to build the layers of a dish. That's precisely what her book "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" is all about. If you haven't seen her show by the same name on Netflix, I highly recommend watching it. If the show doesn't make you want to buy this book, then maybe it's not for you. This book is a goldmine of information for anyone who enjoys cooking. It contains insights that you can only learn from someone who's dedicated their life to the culinary arts. What sets it apart is not just the information on flavor but also how Samine talks about food, the emotions and experiences associated with it. It's a profound way to understand food on a deeper level.