The 8 Cookbooks That Are Giving Kitchn Editors Comfort While We Socially Distance
Got a pantry full of staples and more time than usual for getting busy in the kitchen? It’s the perfect opportunity to delve into a good cookbook and try new recipes and new cuisines. Cooking, just like reading or binge-watching, can provide an easy escape from our current reality, the only difference is you’ll end up with something delicious at the end. To help you get started, Kitchn staffers are sharing the cookbooks they’re loving right now, all of which are available on Amazon. And if you’re truly enjoying this delicious escape, you’re invited to join Kitchn’s monthly Cookbook Club, where we digitally connect over a new book every month. Happy reading cooking!
1. Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza by Ken Forkish
“Right now, I am dusting off Ken Forkish’s Flour Water Salt Yeast in an attempt to start baking more bread. I purchased it a few years ago but am only now starting to bake from it. I made the overnight white bread last night, and it turned out great. I am excited to try baking some more challenging loaves as well!” — Jesse Szewczyk, Studio Food Editor
Buy: Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza by Ken Forkish, $28
2. Now & Again by Julia Turshen
“There’s so much to love about this cookbook. First of all, Julia’s personal stories are just the sweetest to read. The food is super approachable yet also restaurant worthy. And I love that there are ideas for leftovers in here. I’m taking the whole ‘waste not, want not’ thing to heart these days when I can’t easily run out to get more food.” — Lisa Freedman, Lifestyle Director
Buy: Now & Again by Julia Turshen, $21
3. My First Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen
“Been loving cooking with [my daughter] Sophie out of this one. Recipes are easy with step-by-step photos.” — Christine Gallary, Food Editor-at-Large
Buy: My First Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen, $18
4. Keepers by Kathy Brennan and Caroline Campion
“I borrowed Keepers: Two Home Cooks Share Their Tried-and-True Weeknight Recipes and the Secrets to Happiness in the Kitchen: A Cookbook during our last library run, and I’ve been reaching for it way more than expected. The recipes are easy enough for weeknights, and most include substitution suggestions in the headnotes so even if I can’t cook the recipes exactly as written, they are serving as great inspiration. I’m definitely buying a copy to keep.” — Meghan Splawn, Associate Food Editor
Buy: Keepers by Kathy Brennan and Caroline Campion, $20
5. The Defined Fish by Alex Snodgrass
“Since I’ve been having more time at home to experiment with recipes, I’ve been loving The Defined Dish. I’ve cooked a few simple and delicious recipes from her blog and knew this book would be a hit with me. While her book is Whole30 endorsed, the cookbook has non-Whole30 meals as well, so it’s great year-round! Some of my favorite recipes so far are 5-Ingredient Shrimp Lettuce Cups, Sheet Pan Chicken Piccata, and One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice. They’re healthy, simple and delicious!” — Anita Chomenko, Associate Video Producer
Buy: The Defined Fish by Alex Snodgrass, $18
6. Cool Beans by Joe Yonan
“I just ordered a bunch of beans from Rancho Gordo, so I’m excited to finally dive into Joe Yonan’s Cool Beans.” — Arie Knutson, Features Director
Buy: Cool Beans by Joe Yonan, $25
7. The Joys of Baking by Samantha Seneviratne
“Three books I’m wanting to get into (but don’t have the time yet) are: Susan Spungen’s Open Kitchen — eating a meal prepared by her was one of my more cherished food memories of 2018; I’m sure her book captures her culinary talent combined with her warm home. Second, Sam Seneviratne’s The Joys of Baking, a cookbook about baking when you need it the most, which is what everyone needs right now. And Cool Beans by Joe Yonan, because I truly believe beans are going to get us through quarantine.” — Amelia Rampe, Studio Food Editor
Buy: The Joys of Baking by Samantha Seneviratne, $16 (Kindle)/$19 (Hardcover)
8. Midwest Made by Shauna Sever
“Like many others, I’m trying to cope with all of the world’s uncertainties by baking, and Midwest Made by Shauna Sever has been my steady guide. The Donut Loaf, Frosted Snickerdoodle Bars, and Giant, Awesome Peanut Butter Cookies have already provided some much-needed sweet comfort.” — Tracey Gertler, Assistant Production Editor
Buy: Midwest Made by Shauna Sever, $27