Spice Up Your Reading List: Why I’m Falling for Cookbooks
These cozy cookbooks are inspiring to see beyond just the recipes.
Lately, I've been diving into a wonderful new reading habit that I honestly wouldn’t have guessed a year ago. Cookbooks. And I have to say, it’s been such a delightful way to reignite my love for reading, especially after feeling stuck in a bit of a rut.
For the longest time, I thought cookbooks were all about the recipes. I mean, they are. There are ingredients, steps, and meal prep included, but what I’ve discovered is so much more than that. They’re filled with stories, traditions, and personal insights that add a whole new layer to the experience of the food as well as the cook who first created these recipes.
Makes me feel like I am learning from a friend which is how I really got into cooking for the first time.
Many cookbooks go beyond the basics of how to cook. Cookbooks, especially in more recent years I’ve found, weave narratives about family traditions, the origins of a dish, or the memories tied to the food.
It’s like each recipe is a little window into someone’s life, culture, and passion for food.
I’ve found that reading through a cookbook feels less like a “how-to” and more like an intimate storytelling session. The smells, sights, and even the sounds of the kitchen are brought to life on the page.
What’s even better is that these books give me something to look forward to after reading too. As I’m learning about a recipe, I’m also inspired to try it out, turning my kitchen into a creative space where stories meet the stove.
For anyone who feels like they’re in a reading slump, I highly recommend reaching for a cookbook. The mix of recipe exploration and personal narrative so often is a perfect way to break free from the usual and find joy in the pages again.
Plus, you get to eat the results. Win-win!
If you’re not sure where to start, I’d suggest picking up a cookbook that resonates with you. Whether it's one focused on comfort food, a specific culture, or even a personal chef's journey, there’s a world of stories waiting inside.
Cookbooks I’ve Been Reading Lately…
Half Baked Harvest: Quick & Cozy by Tieghan Gerard
As I get more into recipes and cookbooks, I of course have been eyeing Tieghan on her instagram profile of so many recipes. Like, a wild amount of recipes that you can find there and on her website already.
Her latest book just came out as well which I was excited to pick up and read. These recipes are so cozy, the pictures are amazing and as warm as the food, and I can’t wait to make a few. I plan to make the Lemon Orzo soup this week, perfect for the snow.
My only mention is that a lot of the recipes have a lot of ingredients which I am excited to try, but require a bit of planning.
Go-to Dinners by Ina Garten
My first ever Ina Garten cookbook, I was excited to look inside. Her cookbooks truly seem easy and accessible for all home cooks including those just starting out. The ingredients are simple enough that I have a lot of them already in my fridge or pantry. And though I am unsure if I’m ready to conquer making my own chicken stock or making a meal focused around meat just yet, which Go-to Dinners seems pretty focused around, the desserts in this book look FANTASTIC.
There is a chocolate tart I’ve had my eye on for some time I think I’ll have to try for an occasion soon. I found it online on the Barefoot Contessa Website so that you can all try it or drool over the image with me.
Tips for Finding New Cookbooks
Find them at the Library: Checking them out at your local library is a great way to try a new cookbook out or try a different kind of cuisine. That way if you are on a budget, you can see which you like before you purchase your own copy to use long term.
Thrift Finds: Want some pre-loved cookbooks? Head to the thrift store or estate sales. Recently Kristen Garaffo found some great Ina Garten cookbooks from a sale. To say I’m jealous of that find is an understatement.
Follow Food Bloggers: Many food bloggers and influencers release cookbooks or regularly feature new cookbook recommendations. You can find ones that fit your cooking style and interests by following them on social media or their websites.
Some bloggers I’ve been following lately include Meredith Hayden (her YouTube videos are stunning as well!), Violet Witchel, Taylor Chace, and Emily Mariko — I feel like I am missing a few more!
Ask for Recommendations: If you have friends, family, or fellow foodies who love cooking, ask them for their favorite cookbooks. Personal recommendations often lead to great finds!
Explore Niche Categories: Think about what kind of cooking you’re most interested in. This could be a specific cuisine (like Italian, French, or Indian), dietary preference (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), or cooking method (slow cooking, grilling, baking). Searching within those niches can lead you to specialized cookbooks that may not be as widely known but are exactly what you’re looking for.
Have you ever read a cookbook or are a cookbook person? One day I think I’ll have a line up in my kitchen. Or have you never dove into the cookbook world when there are so many recipes these days online from quick Instagram reels to blogs here on Substack?
If you are excited about diving back into cookbooks or picking up another. Do you have any cookbooks you are excited to pick up soon?