Stacey's Stir

Like my mom, I have always been a reader. When I was little, I remember setting up a fort behind the sofa in the corner of our living room time and time again. My sister, Collins, and I shared a room, so that little corner was my only sanctuary – a private hideaway where I could spend hours getting lost in The Secret Garden and hanging out with The Babysitter’s Club.

Thankfully, I no longer have to build a fort in order to have alone time. But, the introvert in me does still love to tuck myself away from the world and curl up with a good book. Cookbooks are among my very favorite type of books to read. Like, literally right up there with those breezy summer novels that we all love. I like to flip through them, page by page, reading it like a story. And I’ve found, that most cookbooks actually are written to be read, not just used for pinpointing recipes every few months. 

 

My collection of cookbooks and other food-related books continues to grow, so I thought it was about time to start sharing them with you. These are the books and blogs that I turn to daily for inspiration and insight. 

Tip: Before buying, check your local library for these and any other books. Our library has a vast selection of cookbooks and food writing books. 

Cookbooks

The Newlywed Cookbook by Sarah Copeland

Shortly after Patrick and I got married, one of our dearest friends sent me this in the mail. At the time, I was really working hard to impress my new husband with fancy meals. This book proved to be the perfect manual. Sarah Copeland makes cooking feel like a beautiful privilege we have as wives, not a duty. She provides a wonderful resource for using fresh, seasonal ingredients in the kitchen and encourages spouses to have fun cooking together. I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s our go-to wedding gift for friends. Favorite recipes: Shrimp Saganaki, Iron Skillet Steak 

 

Giada’s Feel Good Food by Giada De Laurentiis

I have never made a Giada recipe that I didn’t absolutely LOVE. This is the book I reach for most frequently when meal planning. In Feel Good Food, she veers slightly away from her Italian roots and takes on a lighter approach to cooking. She also includes some fun, practical tips for healthy living. Favorite recipes: Chicken Chopped Salad in Butter Lettuce Cups, Lemon-Cumin Chicken with Mint and Spinach Pesto

Food Writing

A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg

Molly Wizenberg is truly a phenomenal writer. Her blog Orangette is one of my favorite stops for food, sarcasm, and humor. A Homemade Life is a series of stories from her life, each accompanied by a recipe or two. 

Dearie by Bob Spitz

Fair warning – I’ve talked about this book before, and will probably continue to talk about it again and again. Dearie was one of the most personally inspiring books I’ve ever read. Bob Spitz provides an in-depth look into the life of Julia Child that goes far beyond her TV shows and cookbooks. You’ll see Julia struggle with finding purpose and direction in life, as well as get to follow alongside her and Paul as they fall in love and build a life all over the world together. I laughed out loud, literally sobbed at times, and ultimately walked away feeling empowered to do something important with this one life I’ve been given.

Food Blogs

Real Food Whole Life – Robyn Downs

A great resource for simple, real food meals. When I’m in a cooking rut, I just go to Robyn’s Instagram page and become quickly inspired. I’ve just recently started following this blog, but love her story, as well as her beautiful photography. 

Siriously Delicious – Siri Daly

I just love Siri. I’m fairly certain if we ever met, we’d become instant best friends. Among many things, she’s the wife of Carson Daly, a food contributor on the TODAY show, and the author of Siriously Delicious. She is constantly posting fun recipes – some healthy, some not.. but all very intriguing!    

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What are the cookbooks, books, and blogs that you have been reading lately? Please share in the comments below.. I’d love any recommendations you have! 

Happy Reading!

xoxo – Stacey