Whether you’re a star chef, eager foodie, or kitchen-obsessed bibliophile, these lifestyle cookbooks add a pop of culture to your bookshelf. Pore over them and discover some of the highlights that have our eyes glued to their pages, including from two of Hollywood’s biggest stars: Drew Barrymore and Reese Witherspoon.
THE COMPLETE PLANT-BASED COOKBOOK
Carnivores, you will be converted. This, by and large, is a veritable compendium of plant-based cooking that vegetarians will want as their bible. It provides answers to questions you haven’t even asked. How do I reinvent food staples? How do I start a plant-based pantry? How do I tweak the recipe to cater to vegan, vegetarian, or meat-eater tastes? Why is this dish so delicious? The book explains that and then some. Top picks from us include the earthy and heartwarming Tofu and Mushroom Frittata, the innovative Spaghetti with Meatless Meatballs, and the rustic yet filling Creamy Curried Cauliflower Soup and Cauliflower Campanelle.
REBEL HOMEMAKER: FOOD, FAMILY, LIFE
If you’re a foodie and a fan of Drew Barrymore, look no further. This smattering of approachable and down-to-earth recipes segues seamlessly into her personal musings about life, nature, cooking, gardening, mindfulness, and presence. Part cookbook, part diary, this window into the actor’s life takes us to the best moments, the worst moments, and the lessons we learn in between. Her earnestness and warmth are palpable and relatable throughout. Two of our favorites are Drew’s Harissa Spaghetti and Frankie and Olive’s Roast Chicken. Even the recipe titles are adorable. You have to cook the spaghetti and chicken spatchcock first.
WHISKEY IN A TEACUP
You know you’re in for a good read with a title like that one. And this book by Reese Witherspoon has charm in spades. It’ll spoil you with lavish pictures, funny anecdotes, and useful tips here and there about everything from biscuits, to fried chicken, to hair- rolling, to decorating your room in that signature chic sophistication the actor is known for. While the book is an engaging memoir and collection of ideas, it does present recipes to please the cookbook purists out there. Check out the Summer Squash Casserole while taking a peek into the idyllic Southern lifestyle. Do yourself a favor and place this book on top of your coffee table. You can never go wrong with pink.