Need some serious inspiration in the kitchen? We’ve got your back. These seven new cookbooks will help you whip up practically anything you’re craving — whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or some gluten-free fare. There are freezer meals, savory salads and healthy Mediterranean dishes galore (plus, plenty of to-die-for desserts, too!). All to ensure you’re never bored while baking, sautéing or steaming again. Here’s what you need to add to your Amazon queue, stat.
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7 New Cookbooks to Inspire You in the Kitchen
1. The Homemade Kitchen
Wish you could be one of those people who DIYs in the kitchen with ease? Blogger Alana Chernila will help you get there. With an intro chapter covering everything from how to make the perfect poached egg to the ins and outs of cooking beets, she sets you up with the basics before getting into the more impressive stuff like Roasted Red Pepper Corn Chowder or Skirt Steak Salad with Cucumbers and Mint. Helpful tips along the way will educate you on how to avoid food waste and even how to make your own bread. (Available October 6)
2. Pimp My Rice
Rice aficionados will appreciate this book as an ode to the grain, while skeptics may be convinced to change their ways. Author Nisha Katona (self-described “curry evangelist”) writes about the importance of rice in Indian culture — and how she became a rice lover in her 30s. But the dishes aren’t all Indian-inspired. From a Caramel Berry Blend breakfast porridge made of short-grain rice to a Parma Ham and Pea Risotto, we promise you’ll rethink rice completely with every turn of the page. (Available October 15)
3. Gluten-Free Girl: American Classics Reinvented
Anyone who’s gone gluten-free has had a moment where they simply can’t quash a craving for a chocolate chip cookie… a cinnamon roll…or a big bowl of mac n’ cheese. Luckily, just because you’re g-free doesn’t mean you have to go without! Shauna James Ahern, author of the wildly popular Gluten-Free Girl blog, and her chef husband Daniel Ahern, have dedicated an entire book to making some of your favorite classics Celiac-friendly. While these recipes probably aren’t all low-cal (hello, pecan pie recipe), they offer up some great comfort-food splurges for the gluten deprived. (Available September 1)
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4. Laura in the Kitchen: Favorite Italian-American Recipes Made Easy
Talk about the American dream: Laura Vitale launched her own YouTube cooking show from her basement so she could share her grandma’s Italian recipes with the world. Now, 8.5 million monthly video views later, Laura is a star in her own right — and has a cookbook to prove it. The best part: The entrees are divided into two chapters — Quick-Fix Suppers and Leisurely Entrees, depending on how much time you have. From the Balsamic Roasted Beets to the Tagliatelle with Mushroom Ragu and the Stunning Pavlova dessert, you won’t be able to flip the pages without drooling. (Available October 6)
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5. The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook
Author Rosanna Pansino’s popular YouTube baking show Nerdy Nummies is a celebration of all things geeky. (Famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has even been a guest!) Now, she combines it all into a cookbook featuring Apple Pi Pie (where the apple slices are cut into number shapes) and Chemistry Cake (which looks like a beaker). There’s even a recipe for Unicorn Poop Cookies that looks a lot better than it sounds! Look for the tiny ‘Ro Tips’ throughout, for quick cooking hacks you’ll love. (Available November 3)
6. The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime
No time? Next-day ship this book right to your door. Ree Drummond, the woman behind the insanely popular Pioneer Woman blog is back with her fourth cookbook, featuring 135 recipes, ranging from freezer-friendly to 16-minute meals. (Yes, there’s a breakfast for dinner section, too!) While you’ll find decadent fare to indulge in (hello, Pumpkin Wanton Ravioli), there’s also plenty of space dedicated to lighter fare like Greek Yogurt Pancakes, Ginger Steak Salad and Black Bean Burgers. One look at this book will make you start thinking about dinner before your alarm even goes off in the a.m. (Available October 20)
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7. Fast Food, Good Food
Eating healthy can be oh-so-hard when the prospect of delivery seems both faster and easier. But with Dr. Andrew Weil’s new book, you’ll have 150 fast ways to get nutritious food in your belly. His Mediterranean eating style (mixed with hints of Asian cuisine) makes for some delicious fusion dishes like Miso Tahini Dip and Ginger-Scallion Steamed Sea Bass. And don’t forget the Ginger-Peach Sorbet for dessert! His quick tips will help you maximize your time in the kitchen (hint: sharpen your knives!) and there are plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options to peruse, too. (Available October 20)
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