I Heard it Through the Grapevine

Posted on March 01, 2019

Which Cookbooks Are Good and Which Ones Are Not

I talk a lot about foods. I occasionally talk about books. But combine the two together and you won’t hear much from me. That’s because cookbooks are, as a wise man once said, like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re gonna get. I’ve personally experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of cookbooks. Luckily for you, I’m going to share a couple of the good ones in the hopes that you can (maybe) make a decent meal this weekend. I’m also going to throw in a bad one (sorry not sorry) and, this is where the fun comes in, you’ll guess which one is the rotten tomato.

Let the Games Begin!

My Japanese Table by Debra Samuels; Foreword by Roy Yamaguchi

Want to try your hand at Japanese cuisine? This book is your best bet. Easy to follow, affordable, with a lot of variety mixed in-between makes this book perfect for those ready to embrace the excellence of Japanese cuisine. Available at your local Chicago Public Library.

Recommended Recipe: Udon Noodle Soup w/ everything

Thug Kitchen by Thug Kitchen

Alright, so we’re all a little foul-mouthed every now and again but that doesn’t mean we should fill our mouths with trash, right? Right. This book is here to let you and everyone in the back know what’s up when it comes to good food and is also guilty of being foul-mouthed. A perfect match, if you ask me.

Recommended Recipe: French Toast on the Griddle w/ Blueberry Sauce

The How Not To Die Cookbook by Michael Greger M.D.

URGENT: read this book if you don’t want to die! Do I have your attention? Good, please give this cookbook attention too. The recipes are to die fo- I mean to live for.

Recommended Recipe: Fudgy No Bake Brownies

Baking by James Peter- son you better not get this cookbook.

Don’t use this book.

Recommended Recipe: No.

Final Results!

Ok, so I gave the answer away with the last one but, really, it’s a little too easy. I mean, who names their cookbook “Baking?” That’s like calling your puppy “Dog,” your kitty “Cat,” your goldfish “Fish”…admittedly, I am guilty of all three of those, but the point is the title of this cookbook is just as unoriginal and bland as the recipes within.

Since I gave the last one away, let’s end this on a high note by watching a peaceful video from YouTube channel Peaceful Cuisine as they make dumplings. Also, please make these dumplings for yourself! (And don’t forget the sauce because its ohsogood).