May 2015 Cookbooks

Breakfast: Recipes to Wake Up For by George Weld

This cookbook will make you want to eat breakfast for all 3 meals! The whole book covers breakfast recipes, but there are some aspects that could be used for any meal. It definitely inspired me to try out some new breakfast recipes. I only rated it 3 stars because there weren't as many recipes from this one that I'd like to try, but overall it's a good cookbook if you're a fan of breakfast.

Endless Summer Cookbook by Katie Lee

This is a pretty cookbook that highlights all the great food that you would associate with summer. There were definitely a few recipes I'd like to try, but overall it didn't blow me away. The photographs are very pretty, but I could do with less pictures of the author in a bikini.

Cooking Light the Good Pantry by Cooking Light Magazine

I've seen lots of pantry themed cookbooks recently, but this one is the best so far in my opinion. I love Cooking Light magazine anyway, so this is more great stuff from them. There are a few pages of pantry tips and the best ways to store food at the beginning. Then here is where it gets good - there are tons of recipes for pantry staples like pancake and waffle mix, biscuit mix, etc. and then a few recipes featuring that "staple." There are also lots of great make-ahead recipes for dough, sauces, stocks, etc. and lots of homemade condiment recipes too. This cookbook is right up my alley and I'm excited to try out lots of these recipes!

The Summer Table by Lisa Lemke

I love cookbooks that feature fresh, summer produce, so I was looking forward to checking this cookbook out. But, there weren't very many recipes I wanted to try - which is why I didn't rate it higher. I did like how the author laid out the book starting with sauces and marinades and then going into various summer menus like Mexican Grill Party and A Getaway Picnic each with a few recipes that would fit that menu. I'm not saying there aren't good recipes in here, just not ones that appealed to me.

Food 52 Genius Recipes by Kristen Miglore

Food52 is a website that pulls together recipes and tons of other info about food and cooking. This cookbook is a collection of what they call "Genius Recipes." Recipes that you wouldn't have thought of yourself, but that transform how you cook that particular item/meal/etc. There were definitely a few recipes I'd like to try. When people who cook for a living say "I'll never cook ______ the same way again!" it's something you HAVE to try! I wasn't familiar with Food52 before this cookbook, so that is something I will definitely be frequenting from now on as well. Overall, a good cookbook with lots of solid recipes for basics and beyond.