As a mom of three boys, Caro knows what both parents and kids crave, and my own two picky children magically devour every recipe of hers. This cookbook feels like chatting with your wise and funny friend who always gives you something good to eat and a little too much to drink. It is a how-did-we-live-without-it gift for us all, and I can’t wait to happily dog-ear and smudge it up.”—Joanna Goddard, founder of Cup of Jo
“Nobody understands the reality of needing to cook when you might not feel like it more than Caroline Chambers. From time to energy to a mostly empty fridge, this book—rather rudely, as I’ll now need to come up with new excuses—covers every angle to find a delicious and doable solution.”—Deb Perelman, New York Times bestselling author of Smitten Kitchen Keepers
“I’ve always been a cook who celebrates imperfection, and I think Caro might be my kitchen soulmate! She wants you to know how to do your thing with her recipes, no matter what ingredients you have on hand or how much time (or energy) you have to cook them. In her world, it’s impossible to make a mistake. This is Live, Laugh, Love cooking at its finest!”—Dan “Grossy” Pelosi, New York Times bestselling author of Let’s Eat
“I wish I could say I’m shocked by the fact that I flipped through the recipes in this book and thought, Yeah I’d make that. And that, too. And oh, I have everything I need at home for that, and omg my kids will love me if I make that for them. But as a longtime fan of Caroline Chambers, I am extremely (luckily) familiar with her genius knack for knowing exactly what the busy modern cook needs. This collection of keepers is going on the most reachable shelf in my kitchen. —Jenny Rosenstrach, New York Times bestselling author of Dinner: A Love Story
“If you’re anything like me (and the rest of this country), inspiration doesn’t strike every night when it comes time to cook dinner. Not to fear, friends: Caroline has us covered. This beautiful and very accessible cookbook has a little something for everyone, from one-pot meals to 15-minute dinners. You’ll be armed with new staples you and your friends and family will enjoy.” —Gaby Dalkin, New York Times bestselling author of What’s Gaby Cooking: Take It Easy
★ 06/01/2024
Many cookbooks conceived during the pandemic addressed the need to cook from home while keeping meals interesting. Chambers (Just Married: A Cookbook for Newlyweds) continues this trend with the full force of her background as a professional recipe tester. She organizes her delicious and simple recipes by the time each requires, beginning at 15-ish minutes, with subsequent chapters describing more intensive periods. Every recipe offers options for swapping ingredients to match what cooks have on hand or prefer, and many recipes also offer multiple versions of basics, such as frittatas and noodles. This flexible approach does not just minimize time spent in the kitchen but also offers time-saving ideas for collecting essential staples and equipment. As readers try their hand at the book's dishes that require more time, the volume's simplicity remains and helps build confidence within cooks to be more adventurous in their meal choices. VERDICT Highly approachable and friendly to all skill levels, this book fits the bill for anyone who hesitates to prepare meals; a must-have for time-constrained cooks. Essential for every collection.—Ron Block