The Five Cookbooks We Love

"A recipe has no soul. You as the cook must bring soul to the recipe." -Thomas Keller 

Cooking might not be the easiest thing to do in the world. Even so, we can assure you that there are very few things that would feel better than to be gathered together with your loved ones, over amazing home-cooked food. Especially during these months, when it’s always raining outside, what could be better than to be huddled up with your family at home, and eating delicious meals that you’ve cooked yourself. For those of you that don’t think of themselves as a great cook, no worries! We have a bundle of great cookbooks that will help you stretch your cooking muscles, even as beginners!

1.     Flour + Water: Pasta
Reading though this cookbook feels so elegant yet comforting; imagine an Italian grandma going on a vacation in California - which is exactly what the writer of this cookbook tried to achieve, as the head chef of Missoni Italian restaurant in San Francisco. The best part: clear how-to photos are provided for all the inexperienced and excited pasta lovers!

Must-try recipe: Pumpkin Tortelloni With Sage & Pumpkin Seeds

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2.     The Slanted Door: Modern Vietnamese Food 
Written by Charles Phan, the owner of The Slanted Door, modern Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco, the book is filled with modern takes on the fabulous Vietnamese food. Great recipes from homemade mayonnaise to high-end Vietnamese style ceviche, it’s all here!

Must-try recipe: Halibut and Scallop Ceviche

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3.     Sweet Alchemy: Dessert Magic 
Delightfully brought to you by Top Chef; Just Desserts alum Yigit Pura, this one is a definite must-have for all dessert lovers out there. From super fancy patisseries with the fanciest technique to the loved traditional desserts, the book has it all - and with basic technique instructions for the beginners. Such a perfect book to learn over the end of the year break! 

Must-try recipe: Baked Berry Meringue Kisses

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4.     Brown Sugar Kitchen: New-Style, Down-Home Recipes From Sweet West Oakland
It’s never not the time for a beautifully cooked fried chicken. The comforting soul food is what chef Tanya Holland expertise that is well-displayed in this cookbook. A Californian twist to the classic soul food with precise technique, from black-eyed peas salad to fried chicken and waffles that will make your mouth water just by reading this book!

Must-try recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

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5.     Twelve Recipes 
Now, this one is the most relatable for all of us who’s in their early twenties. At this time, this book will be especially useful when we start to move in to our own space, and is learning how to cook for the first time. This warm and funny cookbook that is full of cool recipes will definitely be worth your spare time; because those instant noodles get old after a while, right?

Must-try recipe: the super easy and simple Thick Soft Toast

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