Cooking Food that is
Clean-Healthy-Uncomplicated-Delicious
Cookbooks are a wonderful gift to give anyone who loves food, in fact one of my favorite things in the world is to curl up with a new cookbook and read it cover to cover so it’s no wonder that I have a ridiculous number of cookbooks. Having so many to choose from made narrowing this list down to three of my favorites nearly impossible!
When selecting a cookbook for someone else here are some key points to consider before you buy:
For my top 3 choices I looked for books I turn to again and again for both basic recipes as well as more creative ideas. And for each book I chose I wanted their recipes to appeal to a wide audience. You’ll find that these 3 books will fit beautifully into kitchens that are already whole-foods based, as well as kitchens that are just starting to integrate whole, healthy eating. The final thing that was important to me was for each of the books to have beautiful photos because there is nothing more inspiring than to see the finished product that your time and effort will produce.
When selecting a cookbook for someone else here are some key points to consider before you buy:
- Are they an experienced cook or just starting out?
- What style of cooking do they prefer? Ethnic? Fast and easy? For entertaining? Simple ingredients? Exotic ingredients?
- What is their typical eating style? Adventurous-Comfort Food-Focus on local, in season ingredients…
- Do they avoid any specific ingredients such as gluten, meat, fish, sugar, dairy, etc…
For my top 3 choices I looked for books I turn to again and again for both basic recipes as well as more creative ideas. And for each book I chose I wanted their recipes to appeal to a wide audience. You’ll find that these 3 books will fit beautifully into kitchens that are already whole-foods based, as well as kitchens that are just starting to integrate whole, healthy eating. The final thing that was important to me was for each of the books to have beautiful photos because there is nothing more inspiring than to see the finished product that your time and effort will produce.
Book #1 'Clean Start' by Terry Walters
There are several things to love about this book. You will find a simplicity to the recipes, both in the ingredients and the instructions, which is very helpful when cooking for a family. The other thing I like is that she does a nice job of laying out the basics for setting up a ‘clean foods’ pantry, and for the most part, all ingredients can be found in a standard grocery store.
Style: Gluten Free/Vegan/Refined Sugar Free/Seasonal Whole Foods
Style: Gluten Free/Vegan/Refined Sugar Free/Seasonal Whole Foods
Book #2 'Crazy Sexy Kitchen' by Kris Carr
Kris Carr is awesome! She has an irreverent, no nonsense, just-do-it style that I find very appealing and is a health warrior through and through. Her story about thriving despite having an incurable form of brain cancer is truly inspiring (if interested you can read more here). I have loved every recipe I’ve tried out of her book and find it to be a nice blend of ethnic influences (as in Chickpea Tagine, Soba Teriyaki Tofu, Vegetable Maki Rolls) along with more familiar dishes (like Bean Chili, Split Pea Soup, Black Bean Burgers).
Style: Vegan/Whole Foods
Style: Vegan/Whole Foods
Book #3 'Oh She Glows' Angela Liddon
Angela has one of my favorite go-to food blogs, check it out if you want to get a feel for her style. What draws me to her is her obvious and passionate love of food combined with an almost fanatical dedication to testing her recipes. As much as I love to cook I have no patience for testing something over and over so I’m always glad to find someone who does that work for me. You can trust that each of her recipes will be delicious
Style: Vegan/Whole Foods/Mostly Gluten Free
If you have cookbooks you love and use all the time please share them in the comments below!
Enjoy!
Janna
Style: Vegan/Whole Foods/Mostly Gluten Free
If you have cookbooks you love and use all the time please share them in the comments below!
Enjoy!
Janna
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