December 20, 2016
What’s On My Book Stack : 12 Time-Saving Cookbooks
This month I’ve been talking about all things SIMPLY COZY and I can’t really do that without talking about some meal planning. Having meals prepped and ready or in the slow cooker is probably my #1 trick to keeping things simple and easy. Throw a delicious home-cooked meal on the table and that’s the definition of cozy. Not to mention, it’s just plain really helpful during this busy time of the year. Here are some of my tried and true favorites – I love cookbooks that offer some strategies and tips for keeping dinner easy. Need a quick gift or a little inspiration for the meal times after the new year? These are sure to help!
Dinner Made Easy with Six Sisters’ Stuff : Time Saving Recipes for Busy Moms – this cookbook has some great recipes that simplify cooking for weeknights
The Weeknight Dinner Cookbook : Simple Family-Friendly Recipes for Everyday Home Cooking – I love the strategies and options for adjustments to meals.
The Make-Ahead Cook – Cook’s Illustrated/America’s Test Kitchen never lets me down – great ideas and ways to prep and make ahead meals
Dinner Solved!: 100 Ingenious Recipes That Make the Whole Family Happy, Including You! – Fun dinnertime ideas that everyone loves
Upscale Downhome : Family Recipes All Gussied Up – Great ways to fancy-up traditional recipes while keeping things simple and tasty too!
Weeknights with Giada – I always love Giada’s take on meals – these are simple and delicious.
Quick Slow Cooking – this is a beautiful cookbook with lots of quick and easy crockpot or simmer on the stove recipes
Meals Made Simple: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Paleo Recipes to Make Anytime – one of my favorites – I use this cookbook a lot – I love the adaptations provided!
A New Way to Dinner – a fresh look at dinner – Food52 has some great ideas.
Skinnytaste Fast and Slow : Knockout Quick-Fix and Slow Cooker Recipes – I absolutely LOVE this cookbook – it’s brand new and I’ve already cooked a handful of delicious recipes.
Pioneer Woman’s Dinnertime:Dinnertime – Comfort Classics, Freezer Food, 16-minute Meals, and Other Delicious Ways to Solve Supper – Great ideas and strategies – I especially love the 16 minute meals (they really are!)
The Best Make-Ahead Recipe – this cookbook is hard to find but it’s one of my absolute favorite cookbooks in the history of ever – it’s a staple in my meal planning!
HAVE A FAVORITE TO SHARE? TELL US ABOUT IT IN THE COMMENTS!
Curious about some other books? Check out this book stack post about my favorite homekeeping books.
There are affiliate links in this post – go here to see my full disclosure policy.
Melody Maki Says
Excited to look in to some of these I haven’t checked out before!! A new favorite of mine is Well Fed Weeknights by Melissa Joulwan… all healthy weeknight meals that come together in 45 minutes or less and are family friendly! We have found several new favorites already, and it’s food I am comfortable serving my family.
Becky Says
Post authorSounds delicious – great recommendation!
Lynda Says
My all time favorite (and I have LOTS!) cookbook is called the “The 20 Minute Natural Foods Cookbook” by Sharon Claessens. Someone gave me a copy in the early 1980s but I know it is still available as I just bought it for a friend. While the way we cook has changed dramatically (I didn’t even have a microwave when I got this book!), the basics are still relevant. She has one section on preparing ingredients ahead of time and freezing them…for instance, cooking a pot full of beans (in the oven) on the weekend to be used during the week when you are pressed for time. This is the one cookbook that I have made most of the recipes and they are all delicious!!
Becky Says
Post authorI’ll have to check that out – thanks for the recommendation!
Kim Says
While like many of you, I have not only my favorite stack of cookbooks, I also subscribe to and follow various chefs’, home cooks’, reataurants’, and food magazine recipe blogs, social media sites, etc…
What I’ve finally done was to get organized. I set up electronic *file folders* on my electronic devices: “Soups, salads, go-to dinner recipes, classic diner sandwiches (who knew there wassuch a thing called the *Jersey Sloppy Joe* or a ka-Zillion recipes for grilled cheese!????????
Anyhoo…whenever, I need a little food prep creativity…I open one of my file folders and start planning menues for the week.
By the way I’m a prep cook, so organization is paramount to my soul.
Felica G. Says
I’m loving the cookbook The Food Nanny Rescues Dinner. I’ve tried several recipes out of it and have had great reviews from my family on every single one of them. I also like the approach of a theme night meal every night. It helps narrow down recipes each night and also I’m finding that I branch out more to try new recipes this way.
Mariam Says
“You Have It Made” by Ellie Krieger is great for make ahead and quick meals. Her cod and potatoe cakes are delicious!
Jamie Says
I love the 100 Days of Real Food cookbook 😄
Brooke Says
I love the “How to Cook Everything” collection by Mark Bittman. I have them on iPad and actual cookbooks.
Mandy Says
I really like Cook Once Eat All Week by Cassy Joy Garcia.
Melanie Says
I love cookbooks too! My favorite “cookbook” is http://www.cooksmarts.com. The subscription is very reasonable and it makes meal planning and meal prep and grocery shopping a set it and forget it task. I have used it for 7 years and never looked back!
My favorite real cookbooks are: V Street vegetarian cookbook, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, and The Forest Feast.