Rick Martinez brings his warm, fun and exuberant personality to this collection of Mexican cuisine from different regions of Mexico. We love the color and texture throughout this book and talk about one of the yummiest meals we’ve shared together. Somebody book us a trip to sunny Mexico! Recipes mentioned in this episode: Enchiladas mineras (page 7…

Pie is wonderful. Dessert pie is the best. And it makes us feel downright patriotic. Join us as we geek out on crust, fillings and baking techniques in this episode all about pie. Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Tart and pie dough (The Art of Simple Food) All butter crust (America’s Test Kitchen) The only pie crust (Alison Roman) Lime pie with …

Bryant Terry is a visionary in the vegan cooking world, and we tried out this well-known cookbook. We talk about nesting doll recipes, brilliant vegan flavor boosters and decide whether this book could ever work on a weeknight. (And yes, we know we sound a little breathy in the audio on this episode, we’re working on it!) Recipes mentioned in this …

We love to bake — so today, we talk about some favorite recipes for these easy go-to bakes. Sara won a prize for quickbread at the Oregon State Fair, Emily brings us tips on making these treats gluten free, and Renee, as always, loves Melissa Clark. Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Carrot loaf cake with tangy lemon glaze (NYT) Banana bread (Week…

This book grabbed Renee’s eye over the summer when she was traveling in the UK, so she brought it back and we dove in to this ingredient-focused, easy weeknight book from our neighbor across the pond. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Persian saffron chicken, fennel & barberry stew (Persiana) Harissa & lemon roasted chicken thighs (page 80) Bloody…

There are very many things you can put on buns. Make your own buns, buy some at the grocery store, make a thing on a bun! We give you a whole list of ideas you can use for a meal on a bun! Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Beautiful burger buns (King Arthur Flour) English muffins (King Arthur Flour) Crispy oven pulled pork (Smitten Kitchen Keeper…

Season three of our podcast and we’re finally cooking from the Barefoot Contessa! We talk about our fabulous cookbook club dinner, and whether we like cooking Ina Garten’s classic, entertaining-friendly recipes. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Warm spinach & artichoke dip Ultimate bloody marys Green salad vinaigrette Creamy tomato bisque Split p…

We make a lot of cakes! In this episode, we weigh the pros and cons of cake mixes vs. homemade cakes, kid cakes vs. adult cakes and talk about decorations and give you some of our best birthday cake strategies. Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Pineapple upside down cake (Snacking Cakes) Strawberry summer cake (Smitten Kitchen) Devil’s food with …

One of the most famous cookbooks of all time, Mastering the Art of French Cooking was a revelation at the time, bringing French cuisine to American cooks. This huge collection of recipes is a little intimidating — but in this episode, we break it down to share the things we’ve made and loved along the way. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Pissala…

We are coming off the holidays, entering a new year, battling winter weather and sitting down to share how cooking is going in our homes these days. Freezer clean-outs, fresh new year recipes and more! Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Indecision grilled chicken (Small Victories) Shepherd’s pie with a sweet potato crust (Whole30) Roasted red pepp…

We loved Andrea Nguyen’s first book, “Vietnamese Food Any Day.” How does her new release stack up for us? Renee and Sara talk about building block recipes, too-long-descriptions, eating cake until our stomachs hurt and more. Recipes mentioned in this episode: 10-10-10 Perfect Rice (page 65) Umami tofu crumbles (page 50) Nuoc Cham dipping sauce (pag…

The holidays are over and weeknight cooking is back. If you’re like us, maybe you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and worn out on it — in that case, tune in for some easy weeknight dinner inspiration to get your dinner mojo back. Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Shakshuka (Dinner in an Instant) Shakshuka (Dinner in One) Green shakshuka with avoc…

This week we’re coming back for more Deb Perelman with her newest book, Smitten Kitchen Keepers. Are they keepers? How do we like these compared to her other books? Tune in to find out. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Devil’s food cake with salted milk chocolate frosting (page 267) Luxe s’mores bars (page 235) Carrot cake with brown butter and n…

Have you ever made a babka? We tried a number of recipes for this enriched-dough bread with a ribbon of flavor, and we came up with very mixed results. Listen in on to see what we baked and our favorite babka recipe! Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Babka (America’s Test Kitchen Family Baking Book) Cinnamon babka (Claire Saffitz, NYT) Savory bab…

Inspired by a classic Pacific Northwest bakery, this book tells us how to make those beloved treats at home. This week we talk about the bakery and the cookbook, and which recipes we enjoy (or maybe not so much!) Recipes mentioned in this episode: Grand Central Bakery jammers (page 22) Pecan sticky buns (page 46) Rough puff pastry (page 176) Tarte …

It’s not a cookbook, but the New York Times Cooking section is a huge source of recipes for both of us. In this episode, we break down some favorites for fall and Thanksgiving. Recipes mentioned in this episode: ⁠Pumpkin maple muffins (Alison Roman) Pumpkin crumb cake (Yossy Arefi) No-bake pumpkin cheesecake (Yossy Arefi) Pumpkin bundt cake with ma…

We dig in to Freddy Bitsoie’s ode to Indigenous cuisine and ingredients on this episode, with a recap of a delicious meal we shared together with our in-person Cookbook Club. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Hominy with bacon bits (page 76) Alaskan King Salmon with crushed pecans (page 226) Spice-rubbed pork tenderloin (page 214) Chocolate bison …

Cooking is one thing, but it takes a whole lot of logistics to plan, shop, organize and keep track of the groceries, recipes and cookbooks in our kitchens. Today we’re joined by Kirsten Collins to chat about how we organize our kitchens and our deeply personal ways of organizing cookbooks. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⁠Google Calendar Remin…

We return to Melissa Clark in this episode, to dig in to her one-pan, one-pot, one-skillet, one-sheet-pan wonder. Joined by our friend Kirsten Collins, we go through the recipes we are loving from this collection of weeknight dinners. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Spiced pearl couscous with jammy eggplant and tomatoes (page 126) Full English b…

Let’s talk about pancakes and waffles! They’re a classic breakfast food, but spoiler alert, we eat them for dinner very frequently. We’ll share our favorite recipes and give you some tips for making these delicious treats. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Dutch baby (Grand Central Baking Book or NYT) Sour cream pancakes (Small Victories) Buttermi…

An elevated but health-focused book with a Paleo bent, this cookbook is different from a lot of other books we’ve cooked from, as well as being extremely personal. In this episode, we talk about entertaining people with dietary restrictions, which recipes we like from this book and the game-changers it gave us. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Sp…

It’s been two years of Cookbook Club! On today’s episode, we tie up loose ends from the season, talk about what’s coming next and take some listener questions. Recipes, authors and cookbooks mentioned in this episode: Julia Turshen Melissa Clark Samin Nosrat Yotam Ottolenghi Deb Perelman Heidi Swanson Alison Roman In Bibi’s Kitchen, by Hawa Hassan …

This cookbook feels like an embodiment of Priya Krishna’s sunny disposition, and serves as a love letter to her mom’s “Indian-ish” cooking which she ate growing up. We talk about what we made from this book, including a dump cake and some other very interesting recipes! Recipes mentioned in this episode: Black pepper and chile baked goat cheese (pa…

Grilling is a laid-back kind of summer cooking where you can sip a cold beverage and cook outside. This week we talk about our favorite things to grill and why we love grilling. Get outside with us! Recipes mentioned in this episode: Lamb arayes (Simply Julia) Ginger lime chicken (NYT) Spicy honey-brushed chicken thighs (Cooking Light) Huli huli ch…

This vibrant, beautiful cookbook celebrates Colombia and its flavors, women, music and more. We talk about how beautiful the food is, and whether the flavors kept up with that beauty. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Refajo a la Brooklyn (page 124) Coquito mio (page 152) Alegrías de coco y anis (page 201) Lentejas ahumadas con chorizo (page 95) C…

Sometimes in the summer, it’s just too hot to bother with applying any heat. This week we share our best ideas for preparing no-cook dinners to keep everyone cool, fed and happy. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Don’t call it a crudité (Nothing Fancy) Marinated goat cheese with lemony za’atar (Nothing Fancy) Hummus (Dinner in an Instant) Hummus t…

French recipes brought to life by our old friend Melissa Clark. Renee thinks this book feels more intentionally complex than others Melissa Clark has written and we remember a lovely meal shared from its pages. Pretty sure it's our only episode with a truly surprised gasp in it. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Classic salade niçoise (page 82) Sw…

Camping and cooking go together — but it all gets a little more complicated when we add kids to the equation. Sara and Renee share their camping strategies and menus to get everyone fed while you’re in the woods this summer. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Skillet weeknight chili (NYT) Cowboy beans (Hello, My Name is Tasty) Mac & Beer cheese (Th…

To Eric Kim, these recipes taste like home. We both had tender feelings toward his vulnerability throughout this cookbook, as he writes a very personal love letter to his family. But the real question is: did the recipes work for us? Recipes mentioned in this episode: Scorched skillet rice with raw spring veggies (page 145) Crispy lemon pepper bulg…

We are always looking for new inspiration in the kitchen, and always facing the challenges of everyday life with kids, families and work demands. In this episode, we talk about what we’ve been cooking in our kitchens in the hopes that it’ll inspire you. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Raisin pecan bread (Evolutions in Bread) Chewy earl grey suga…

Cannelle et Vanille is a comforting and lovely cookbook full of gluten-free recipes that are “for everyone.” Do we agree? Listen to find out. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Nordic Rye-style seed bread (page 101) Cinnamon buns (page 78) Black olive, caraway and honey yeast bread (page 110) Raspberry pancakes with maple yogurt (page 95) Buckwheat…

Everything is SO expensive right now. We got together to chat about how to reduce our grocery bills by using it all up in creative ways. Join us! Recipes mentioned in this episode: Tuna mayo rice bowl (NYT) Kale sauce with any noodle (Six Seasons) Lubav’s green spaghetti (Simply Julia) The most adaptable one-bowl poundcake (NYT) Quiche lorraine (NY…

This ingredient-focused Caribbean book caught our attention and stretched our cooking repertoire a bit. We talk about our favorite recipes from the book, shopping at specialty markets and stepping outside our comfort zone, with delicious results. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Red pea puree with avocado (page 122) Provisions bowl (page 18) Mama…

The chocolate chip cookie is an American classic, one we threw some shade on back in season one. But let’s talk about them, give some great recipes a time to shine, and dream about gooey, warm, buttery treats studded with chocolate chips. Recipes mentioned in this episode: Toll House chocolate chip cookies (NYT) Chocolate chip cookies (Good to the …

A bold and beautiful book full of bright photographs, this one certainly caught our attention — but how is it to cook from? We take on this chef-written cookbook and share our victories and our fails from it. Resources mentioned in this episode: Amá: A Modern Tex-Mex Kitchen Bar Amá Recipes mentioned in this episode: Albondigas with tomatillo salsa…

Let’s talk about salad! Generally raw, generally cold, but can be defined in a million ways. Join us as we explore some ways to make salad more delicious and share some favorite recipes and strategies. Salad strategies mentioned in this episode: Make a salad bar in your fridge Make a house dressing Make salads ahead Use fresh herbs Add a protein Re…

A small, humble cookbook that took us by surprise. This Japanese cookbook from Azusa Oda is full of heavy-hitting simple recipes with clean flavors. Hear us talk about a whole pile of recipes we’ve made — and let us know if you’ve cooked from it too. Resources mentioned in this episode: Humble Bean blog Recipes mentioned in this episode: Basic dash…

It’s a new year, and for us, we’re feeling a draw toward simplicity and ease in our cooking. This week we’re talking about all our favorite easy, delicious things to cook in the Instant Pot. Resources mentioned in this episode: Instant Pot egg bite mold Recipes mentioned in this episode: Spicy pork shoulder (NYT) Pressure cooker beef pho (NYT) Oven…

We’re a split vote on this natural, whole foods cookbook from award-winning author Heidi Swanson — it has shown us some new things, but does it offer enough to stay on our cookbook shelves? Resources mentioned in this episode: 101 Cookbooks Super Natural Simple Recipes mentioned in this episode: Granola (page 26) Baked oatmeal (page 44) Millet muff…

Oh boy, how can two ladies have so many opinions about holiday cookies? You’re about to find out. Join us as we dig into our history eating and baking these cookies, and a roundup of some of our favorite recipes. Resources mentioned in this episode: How to Make the Perfect cookie box (NYT) Recipes mentioned in this episode: Eggnog snickerdoodles (N…

Big bold flavors and a big bold personality — Alison Roman brings it all in this book about “having people over” and not “entertaining,” thank you very much. Renee thinks Roman shows her immature side and we look past the very 1970s photography style to get to the meat of this popular cookbook. Resources mentioned in this episode: Alison Roman Smal…

Yes, the big cooking holidays are coming — but before you feed a crowd and get to your oven schedule, what are you eating for breakfast? Sara and Renee detail their strategies for how to keep themselves and house guests fed before the big meal. Resources mentioned in this episode: Doughnut pan Rhodes cinnamon rolls Mail-order croissants Recipes men…

Sort of like the love child of J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, Christopher Kimball and Samin Nosrat, The Flavor Equation is a cookbook unlike many others. Join us as we share some of the things we learned and the delicious things we cooked from this nerdy food-science book that dives deep on flavor. Resources mentioned in this episode: J. Kenji López-Alt Chris…

We love our freezers — they keep us stocked and ready to cook at any time. In this episode, we share our best tips for freezing raw ingredients and whole meals in the freezer for maximum impact. Our top freezer tips: Consider food safety Use plastic containers to organize Use the door of the freezer Keep an inventory Resources mentioned in this epi…

Julia Turshen’s menu-based cookbook has tons going on — seasonal ideas, ideas for repurposing leftovers and even holiday menus. We dig in to our own happy memories around this book, and some of our favorite recipes. Resources mentioned in this episode: Now & Again Julia Turshen Recipes mentioned in this episode: Scrambled eggs with coconut-cilantro…

It might be basic, but we don’t care. Bring on the pumpkin spice! In this episode, we wax poetic about pumpkin (it’s thrifty! it’s versatile! it pairs great with nutmeg and cinnamon!) and we round up some of our favorite fall treats featuring this winter squash in all its glory. Resources mentioned in this episode: Perfect pumpkin puree (hipchickdi…

A big collection of simple recipes from one of our faves, Deb Perelman. Does it live up to the impossible standards of weeknight cooking? Is it as “unfussy” as promised? Join us, along with our pal Kirsten Collins, to discuss what we love and don’t love about this cookbook. Resources mentioned in this episode: Smitten Kitchen Recipes mentioned in t…

We did it! A whole year of podcasts. It's been so fun for us, so thanks for joining in and listening along with us. In this episode, we tie up some loose ends and answer some fun listener questions from all of you. (For show notes with complete links, visit our website.) Recipes mentioned in this episode: Southeast Asian-ish herb salsa (Salt Fat Ac…

This vibrant book is full of Korean recipes, cheerful photos and Maangchi’s signature attitude. Join us as we talk about the amazing meal we ate together from this book, some favorite dishes and why everyone should cook Korean food at home. Resources mentioned in this episode: Maangchi on YouTube Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking Recipes mentio…

Gelato, ice cream, sorbet, granitas and boozy popsicles. It's hot outside and we're dreaming of making ice cream and all kinds of frozen treats at home with our buddy Rebecca Ringquist. Resources mentioned in this episode: Zoku mini pop mold Recipes mentioned in this episode: Watermelon granita Granita with any fruit Gravel road ice cream (Jeni’s) …