Chef Shell
Healthy Chef Shell's Favorite Cookbooks & Blogs for Healthy Eating
When I do presentations and teach classes, guests will often ask me what my favorite cookbooks are, or what food blogs I tend to follow. At first, this seems like a question akin to asking me which child is my favorite. I have close to 200 cookbooks in my home, and that is after a major purge when I moved and had to downsize. Of course, a few new ones come on board each year, darn Amazon. Although grabbing recipes online is so easy and universal, there is something beautiful about having a tangible book in one’s hands.
To make this a bit more organized, I will list a selection of cookbooks that I use regularly (and couldn’t imagine a cooking life without) by categories. Some are obvious crossovers, and sometimes there is an author that I just faithfully gravitate toward, and I’d buy a cookbook for gerbils if they wrote one. I don’t personally know any of these authors, so there is no financial kickback or endorsement for these books, and my opinions are strictly based on my use of the cookbook/blog.
Please note: I tend to refer to vegan cookbooks these days as plant-based eating for two main reasons…Being “vegan” is often a very personal, political and emotion-filled statement that can unintentionally scare some away from eating a plant-based diet—I am here to promote this style of eating in general because of its immense health benefits, and I will leave those other reasons at the door for people to discuss or explore on their own! The second reason is being quote ‘vegan’ and avoiding animal-based food doesn’t guarantee a nutritious diet IF you aren’t careful about your choices. As a breakfast of non-dairy fruit yogurt with more grams of sugar than a Snickers and a giant sweetened coffee drink followed by a lunch of French fries, highly processed meat analog fake chicken nuggets smothered in ketchup and a Bud Light will prove!! (All vegan, but somebody help me find the vegetables!!)
Vegan/Plant Based Eating:
How Not To Die Cookbook, by Dr. Michael Greger and Gene Stone
Why: You will hear me sing the praises of the original book How Not To Die til I am blue in the face because it is literally life changing and life saving. All the confusing nutritional news and biased corporate paid research & advertising blurs the facts…his non-profit organization clears the smoke and tells you the real science and how it affects your body’s ability to prevent and fight disease thru a plant-based diet. Dr. Greger’s accompanying cookbook is a great addition. A great basic beginner’s cookbook for those exploring healthier eating. Also check out his videos on every conceivable health question on NutritionFacts.org.
Anything By Mollie Katzen
Why: Credited with moving vegetarian food into the mainstream back in the 70s, her cookbooks are beautifully handwritten and illustrated. Comforting and nourishing basic food, well prepared.
Anything By Isa Chandra Moskovits & her website Post Punk Kitchen
Why: She makes vegetable-based eating fun, easy and her recipes are innovative enough to be interesting but basic enough for every level to follow. She is also snarky funny entertaining to read and gives plenty of tips and substitutions.
Some Choice Titles:
- Isa Does It
- Superfun Times Vegan Holiday Cookbook
- Veganomicon, Vegan with a Vengeance, and any of her sweets based ones like Vegan Cookies Invade your Cookie Jar, Vegan Pie in the Sky, etc.
Angela Liddon & her blog
Why: Her recipes are appetizing and appeal to all diners you may be cooking for, and if you love snacks, sweets and making pantry basics, she has fabulous options. Her kale salad with the crunchy topping is a staple in my rotation — thorough directions & tips. **Also many GF options!
Jeanine Donofrio
Why: Beautiful photography, happy, innovative food with an easy approachable style.
Forks over Knives Series, Documentary and Website/Program
Why: The documentary and dietary program are proven life and health changes for thousands of people. Their book “Flavors” is an ethnic tour of the world perfect for the adventurous eater. Their system is unique in that there are no oils in their recipes, food is dry sautéed or baked, and fats are provided thru nuts, seeds, and avocado. Lots of appealing recipes, complete menus, and tips if you like a more structured system to follow.
Wicked Healthy Cookbook: Free.From.Animals. By Chad and Derek Sarno
Why: A perfect veggie based cookbook for the more confident or bored cook who wants to branch out with little bit higher level dishes and restaurant type plating and sauces. A whole section on just bacon type substitutes made with mushrooms, eggplant, even rice paper?? Count me in! Passionate authors with a lifetime of chef knowledge to share.
Favorite healthy food blogs, websites & Instagram:
MINIMALIST BAKER.COM By Dana Shultz (Cookbook available too)
Why: Hands down my favorite site for just about any healthy, fun and no fuss innovative dish, easily found in her archives of hundreds of recipes. All dishes are ten ingredients or less, one bowl or 30 minutes or less to prepare. MANY gluten-free options. The vast majority of recipes are plant-based, a few of the new ones may include eggs or fish.
SPROUTED KITCHEN.COM By Sara Forte (cookbooks available too)
Why: Gorgeous photography, very creative and fresh food, and great ideas for getting kids to eat their veggies.
HALF BAKED HARVEST.COM By Tieghan Gerard (cookbook available too)
Why: This young prodigy cook has killer photography, delicious seasonal & innovative food that makes you instantly hungry. No, its not all health food, plenty of gooey cheese and some rich desserts, but it is always made with the emphasis on quality whole food ingredients and keeping it real. All cooked in a converted barn in the Colorado mountains. Another cookbook coming out soon—can’t wait!
NOT NECESSARILY HEALTHY COOKBOOKS…BUT ONES THAT I LOVE AND RECOMMEND:
Any baking book by Dorie Greenspan. Baking From My Home to Yours, Dorie’s Cookies, Baking Chez Moi, Everyday Dorie…you can’t go wrong.
Why: She is like the most sweet aunt or friendly lady next door, gently encouraging you to tackle the most intricate French pastry to bake sale cookies. All with a lifetime of expertise written in easy banter that belies what a genius she is!
Smitten Kitchen.Com and 2 cookbooks, by Deb Perelman
Why: A self-trained home cook with a fabulous sense of humor who posts everyday food & easier quicker ways to make favorites with new twists as she says “triumphant & unfussy.”
Sara Moulton’s Home Cooking 101
Why: A fabulous confidence builder-friendly book for anybody wanting to make a great roasted chicken to bananas foster crepes.
"Small Victories: Recipes, Advice + Hundreds of Ideas for Home Cooking Triumphs” by Julia Turshen
Why: 100 cooking lessons from an incredible chef with funny, encouraging headnotes. This is the perfect wedding gift for someone starting out cooking or an accomplished foodie who wants to brush up on skills.
"The Flavor Bible” by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
Why: This book was so vital to developing good palates in chefs that it was required reading in culinary school. It will help you learn how to flavor food, combine flavors, and be a confident cook.
Powered by Healthy Chef Shell
Website Developed by Missing Piece Marketing by Kate Dewick LLC