If you haven’t figured out by now, I’m a bit of a cookbook fanatic. It’s my favorite way to plan menus and find new recipes. And while I do follow quite a few bloggers and make their recipes, there’s just something about having a cookbook that brings me joy. I recently added a few new ones to my collection that I’m testing out and I’m really enjoying them. Nevertheless there are still a few favorites that I always go back to time and time again. So today let’s chat about the 5 cookbooks I can’t live without.
IT’S ALL GOOD BY GWYNETH PALTROW*
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve spoken about this cookbook. But it’s my go to for all the basic meals. From quinoa to roasted chicken, I always turn to this cookbook when I want simple but well done options. Plus, it’s great for a healthier but refined diet. If you’re soy or gluten-free, It’s All Good is great! I’ve been cooking through this one for a couple of years and I always come back to it. It was also one of the first cookbooks I picked up when I started making healthier choices. A mix of nostalgia paired with amazing recipes, I don’t ever see myself being able to live without this one.
THE FIRST MESS COOKBOOK BY LAURA WRIGHT*
If you’ve been here for a while, you’ll know this one is a fave. I did a review on it ages ago. But it’s become one of my go to’s for so many recipes. Laura has a way of making plant based cooking incredibly approachable and easy. Plus if you’re a bit lazier with your meals, you’ll love her style. I like to make the almond milk, coffee creamer and a few salads from this book. It’s also amazing for stews and breakfast cookies. This cookbook is also the reason for my obsession with smoked paprika. It the perfect addition to every kitchen.
EVERYDAY DETOX BY MEGAN GILMORE*
To be honest, I don’t remember how I stumbled onto this one. And it’s probably been a minute since I’ve used it. But Everyday Detox has quite a few staples recipes in it for our house. I love Megan’s approach to cooking. My go to recipes from her book are the tabouli & the cauliflower alfredo. Every recipe is nutritious and tastes incredible. It’s great if you’re looking for something that incorporates more nutrients but don’t really want to be overwhelmed by all the superfood hype.
A YEAR OF BEAUTIFUL EATING BY MADELEINE SHAW*
For years, I’ve heard some of my favorite bloggers rave about Madeleine. And she’s very much a girl after my own heart. She takes a holistic approach to wellness and living a balanced life. So when I finally got my hands her one of her cookbooks, it was love at first sight. Madeleine does a great job at building healthy meals anyone can make. My favorite thing about this particular cookbook it that it’s broken into seasons. And from there each season is broken down into breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts. I love the idea of eating what’s in season to make sure I’m getting the best foods. And A Year Of Beautiful Eating does a wonderful job and helping me do it.
Oh She Glows Every Day by Angela Liddon* / The Oh She Glows Cookbook*
There will always be a special place in my heart for the Oh She Glows cookbooks. And since I couldn’t decide, I thought I’d just include both. I used Angela’s blog for almost every meal when I first went plant based. I always knew I could find easy recipes that tasted amazing there. I’ve made granola, cookies and entire thanksgiving meals with her help. She was my Julia Child for a while. If you’re interested in going plant based or want to add more plant based meals into your diet, you can’t go wrong with an Oh She Glows’ creation. And if you have the chance to make her Crispy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, you won’t regret it. They are a household favorite and never last more than 48 hours in our kitchen.
Whether you’re a new chef or just looking to try some new recipes, I hope this will inspire you to try some new things. Personally, I always go back to my favorites and I can definitely say these cookbooks are my constants. What cookbook can you not live without? I’d love to know what you’re constantly cooking from. Be sure to leave me a comment below and let me know.
