Spring 2019 Cookbook Picks

The Spring 2019 cookbook lineup has been so incredibly inspiring, it’s been challenging to pick my favourites.

I must have bookmarked at least twenty recipes to share with you, alas, other work commitments took precedence over recipe blogging. While my committments are exciting and fulfilling (hey, I’m speaking at Women Deliver 2019!) sometimes I wish I could cook, bake and write seven days a week.

You’re just going to have to discover these cookbooks for yourself. Pull up a chair at the Prairie Table or take a trip to the Wildness of Newfoundland. Cook up a modern lunch and remember that fibre is important.  You’ll find inspiration aplenty on this list.

Spring 2019 Cookbook Picks

Regional-ish

Wildness: An Ode to Newfoundland and Labrador by Jeremy Charles

Crack the cover of this beautifully crafted cookbook and prepare to be transported to one of my favourite remote corners of Canada. With recipes like Blueberry Oat Cake, and Vinegar Pie with Sagamite Crust, Jeremy pays tribute to these heritage recipes – and ingredients – yet elevates them into something entirely new and modern. A talented writer, he also includes a story with each recipe and the result is quite an evocative journey.

When in Newfoundland a few years ago, we lunched at The Merchant Tavern, and Jeremy came over, introduced himself and even offered to take us fishing. Such a generous man, as well as a talented chef  — I think it’s fitting that he should be the one to shine a spotlight on the fare of this rugged, yet gentle East Coast province.

Indian-ish by Priya Krishna

To say Priya’s first cookbook is full of vivacious personality is an understatement. Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family is a well-written and easy to understand cookbook that is just plain fun. I was sold on the book after reading the FAQ’s and by the time I reached the Spice and Lentil Guide, it was in my shopping cart.

My kids love lentils but I needed new inspiration. Bookmarked to make is Caramelized Onion Dal and paired with it, Garlic-Ginger Chicken with Cilantro and Mint.

The Prairie Table by Karlynn Johnston

The Prairie Table – Suppers, Potlucks & Socials: Crowd-Pleasing Recipes to Bring People Together is the latest book from Karlynn Johnston, bestselling author of Flapper Pie and a Blue Prairie Sky. I’m loving this whimsical title just as much as the first.

Mateo and I hit the kitchen to bake up a batch of Grandma Ellen’s Cold Picnic Barbecue Fried Chicken – a dynamite recipe which is surprisingly easy! This fried chicken will be making an appearance in my picnic baskets this summer for sure. And just as soon as I can get my hands on some local strawberries, I’ll be making a batch of Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz to bring along, too.

French Appetizers by Marie Asselin

If there is any kitchen I love to drop by for an afternoon apéro it would be Marie’s. I adore finger foods and this book offers seventy-five fresh and modern recipes for the ultimate happy hour. Beautifully photographed and designed, this little gem looks beautiful on the coffee table, too.

Secrets from my Vietnamese Kitchen by Kim Thuy

There’s nothing I love more than a cookbook with plenty of story interwoven throughout the recipes. Montrealer Kim delivers story, memoir and more in Secrets from My Vietnamese Kitchen: Simple Recipes from My Many Mothers. Vietnamese-inspired cuisine is one of my kids’ favourites but I seldom make it at home. Until now! From Lemongrass Tofu Cubes (yuuuuum) with rice noodles to Vietnamese Tapioca and Banana for dessert, I’ve finally got the inspiration I needed.

Desserts/Baking

Icing on the Cake by Tessa Huff

Here’s an artist who has managed to successfully bridge the gap between Instagram and the publishing world – twice! Icing on the Cake: Baking and Decorating Simple, Stunning Desserts at Home is an exciting expansion to Tessa’s stunning Insta feed – featuring step-by-step tutorials and unique decorating techniques.

I love the chapter on Rustic Bakes and Cakes and I can see the Rosy Rhubarb Strawberry Slab Pie becoming my go-to recipe for an upcoming Canada Day celebration. Also, my dad will be here with me for Father’s Day next month and I’m trying to decide on the perfect cake – or pie – for the occasion! I love having a reason to take on an epic baking project.

Bake the Seasons by Marcella DiLonardo

Marcella’s beautiful book Bake the Seasons: Sweet and Savoury Dishes to Enjoy Throughout the Year feels like an instant classic. It’s full of recipes that are sure to become family favourited for generations such as Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts and Cherry Almond Dutch Baby. We loved the Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies, made with a touch of buckwheat flour and both milk and dark chocolate.

Family Kitchen

Love and Lemons Every Day by Jeanine Donofrio

I may be biased because Jeanine and I share the same editor at Penguin Random House, but gosh, this woman and her team make beautiful cookbooks. I loved the first Love & Lemons cookbook, but Love and Lemons Every Day: More than 100 Bright, Plant-Forward Recipes for Every Meal surpasses even that. This is my go-to book for the summer season ahead.

The Vegan Date Brownies with raspberries absolutely killed at a recent book party evening with a few girlfriends. And I’m made her chimichuri and am adding it it to pretty much everything savoury. Bookmarked to make very soon: Versatile Vegetable Lentil Soup.

Little Green Kitchen by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl

Danish & Swedish cookbook authors David & Luise get feeding a family: the messy bits, the magic…the work. Their vibrant new book is a refreshing change from most family-focused cookbooks. It’s completely vegetarian, for starters. Around here we’re always looking for more meatless options that the whole family enjoys – and Little Green Kitchen offers inspiration aplenty. From Dino Burgers (with spinach and pea patties) to Blueberry and Avocado Creamsicles – the kids and I are ALL IN.

 

Peace, Love & Fibre by Mairlyn Smith

Our beloved ‘Queen of Fibre’ is Canadian culinary royalty and her latest book is just so much fun! It’s tempting to stare at the inviting cover all day long, but as soon as you crack open this book you’ll be pulled in by Mairlyn’s great humour, approachable recipes and helpful tips (like how to get an A+ on your colonoscopy…). Spicy Ginger Molasses Cookies are made with whole grain barley flour and her hearty Lentil & Wheat Berry Salad is also full of strawberries, mint and feta cheese. Yes please.

The Food in Jars Kitchen by Marisa McClellan

The Food in Jars Kitchen: 140 Ways to Cook, Bake, Plate, and Share Your Homemade Pantry is the latest book from beloved author (and former Simple Bites contributor) Marisa of Food in Jars.

Marmalade and Mixed Nut Granola is nothing short of genius (one of many genius recipe creations) and the Preserved Lemon Hummus is at the top of my list. I can’t wait to preserve produce all summer long so I can cook from Marisa’s book all winter long.

Modern Lunch by Allison Day

Brimming with inspiration and  super smart recipes, Modern Lunch is an absolutely beautiful work. Each recipe in this cookbook feels globally inspired and yet lovingly curated for the home cook. One of my top books of the year so far.

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5 Comments

  1. I love these cookbook spot lights…I usually grab a few (if not all!) at the library for some fresh inspiration. Looking forward to the few I was able to get!

  2. Wow, Aimee! I love your list! I am so happy to get aware of these Canadian books!
    Plant-based food is a big topic now and as I have 2 people in the family with stomach issues, I look forward to learning more about some more diversified preparation techniques for vegetables.

    I would add to your list the Vegetables Illustrated Cookbook of America’s Test Kitchen