Personal Chef Notes: A Journey Through Some of Our Favourite Cookbooks
Cookbooks are a treasure trove of culinary inspiration, transporting us to new flavors, cultures, and cooking techniques. As avid food enthusiasts and holistic personal chefs, we have had the pleasure of exploring countless cookbooks. We believe good food is meant to be shared and so here we are, offering you the downlow on the beautiful books that line our kitchen shelves. If you’re a novice home cook, there is NO better way to find your way around the kitchen and develop a palate than cooking from cookbooks, a lot of them! The key to becoming a creative cook is to learn the foundational rules of cooking well - and from there you will learn to improvise and make anything taste incredible. Take it from our team of personal chefs!
Here are our top personal chef recommended cookbooks, from our kitchen to yours.
"The Flavor Bible" by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg: This invaluable reference book is a must-have for any cook looking to unleash their creativity in the kitchen. The Flavor Bible offers an extensive list of ingredients and suggests flavor pairings, empowering you to experiment with new combinations and elevate your dishes to new heights. It's a fantastic resource for both amateurs and professionals, encouraging culinary exploration and innovation.
"Plenty" by Yotam Ottolenghi: Let’s be honest - we love any and all Ottolenghi. If you're a fan of vibrant, vegetable-centric cuisine, "Plenty" is a must. Yotam Ottolenghi presents an array of bold and imaginative vegetarian recipes, celebrating the flavors and textures of vegetables in a way that will captivate your taste buds. The stunning photography and Ottolenghi's approachable writing style make this cookbook a feast for the eyes and an inspiration for the kitchen. We rely on Ottolenghi and his gorgeous recipes for much of our custom meal prep inspiration!
"Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables" by Joshua McFadden and Martha Holmberg: Much like the aformentioned Plenty, this book dives deep into the potential of vegetables. This comprehensive cookbook is divided by season and is written by a Portland chef, meaning the seasonality applies to us Vancouverites. It is beautiful, honest, farm to table fare.
"Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" by Samin Nosrat: Samin Nosrat's "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" is more than just a cookbook; it's a culinary manifesto. This gorgeously illustrated and thoughtfully written book explores the fundamental elements of good cooking and teaches readers how to balance flavours and develop their intuition in the kitchen. Through vivid storytelling and practical advice, Nosrat demystifies the art of cooking, making it accessible and enjoyable for all. It is a true gem and one that our team relied upon heavily to better our skills as personal chefs.
"Dining In" by Alison Roman: Regardless of your feelings about Alison Roman, the former Bon Appetit chef and controversial you-tuber, it is impossible to deny the appeal of her simple, down to earth, no fuss approach to cooking. Dining In is a perfect representation of how to prepare something simply and not sacrifice on the flavour and wow factor.
Other notable cookbook authors that you should check out: David Leibowitz, Smitten Kitchen, Green Kitchen Stories, Yasmin Khan, Heidi Swanson, Hetty McKinnon and the list goes on and on.
Cookbooks have the power to inspire, educate, and bring joy to our culinary endeavors. The books mentioned above have become our trusted companions, guiding us through custom meal prep services and caterings. From discovering new flavor combinations to and reading about different food stories, each cookbook offers a unique perspective and a gateway to diverse culinary traditions. So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and embark on a culinary journey with these beloved cookbooks – your taste buds will thank you!