One sentence summary
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman is an easy-to-follow compendium of creative, delicious and approachable dishes for the home cook.
Book genre
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook belongs to the genre of cookbooks.
Main topic of the book
The main topic of The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook is using fresh and basic ingredients to create approachable yet stunning dishes that are worthy of any occasion.
Key ideas
- Creating the ‘wow factor’: Deb Perelman offers creative and delicious dishes that will wow your guests and impress your family.
- Making it simple: Perelman emphasizes the importance of simple, fresh and accessible ingredients to make each recipe a success.
- Encouraging the home cook: Deb Perelman provides helpful tips and tricks to ensure that even the most novice of cooks can tackle every recipe.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Breakfast: From make-ahead Overnight French Toast to easy-to-grab Breakfast Bars, this section offers a variety of recipes for delicious breakfasts that will start your day off right.
- Snacks and Appetizers: Enjoy quick snacks such as Zucchini Fritters or savory appetizers like Roasted Eggplant Dip with homemade pita chips.
- Soups and Salads: Keep it light with a variety of choices, like Summery Tomato Soup or Southwestern Chopped Salad.
- Mains: Main dishes such as Skillet Meatloaf or Baked Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Basil, and Feta provide something for everyone.
- Sides: Make vegetables the star with recipes like Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip, or Spicy Broccoli Rice.
- Breads: Make your own delicious bread, such as Garlic and Rosemary Bread, or try Yeast-Raised Focaccia.
- Sweets: Try an indulgent dessert like Fudgy Chocolate Cake with Coffee Cream or lighter options like Vanilla-Roasted Peaches.
Key takeaways
- Deb Perelman’s recipes can be adapted to suit everyone’s tastes and budgetary needs.
- The dishes are easy to follow for even the most novice of cooks.
- Fresh and simple ingredients are a key part of the recipes and the emphasis is placed on ‘less is more’.
- Each recipe is accompanied by helpful tips and tricks for the home cook.
Author’s background and qualifications
Deb Perelman is an award-winning blogger and author of The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook. She has been cooking since she was a child, and has been featured in multiple publications and websites. She lives in New York with her family.
Target audience
This book is great for novice cooks who are looking for a visual and accessible guide to make simple yet delicious dishes.
Publisher and first publication date
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook was first published in October of 2012 by Alfred A. Knopf and is now in its fourth printing.