A few years back, I was given a great cookbook called Keepers. Put together by two home cooks with years of kitchen experience (and time working at Saveur), the book is a collection of tried and true recipes that they have collected over the years. I have my own book of keepers. A beat up white, three ring binder, it holds all of the recipes my husband lovingly calls “The List.” Whenever I make a new recipe he really loves, he tells me to put it on The List. It’s the highest kitchen compliment in our home. Over the years I’ve adapted many of these recipes to our own tastes, but there are a few classics that I make over and over again, just as they were written. This week’s Good Food Reads is all about Keepers. Everyone needs a good lasagna recipe. One that can be made ahead of time and feeds a crowd, right? I always turn to the Pioneer Woman’s recipe for The Best Lasagna Ever. It’s not fancy, but it is GOOD. I’ve been making it regularly for over 8 years and still love it.
Yottam Ottolenghi never disappoints and his recipe for Turkey and Zucchini Burgers with Spring Onion and Cumin is a favorite of mine. I love to make these in the summertime when zucchini is overflowing gardens everywhere and I need a break from the classic burgers on every grill menu. The recipe comes from the fantastic Jerusalem cookbook, which I highly recommend. You can also find the recipe here.
Another go-to meal in our house comes from the genius Skinnytaste Cookbook. I love so many recipes in that book but the Quinoa Stuffed Peppers are a definite favorite. It’s easy to make ahead and a filling vegetarian option for #meatlessmondays. Even my four year old gobbles it up.
If I’ve got a bit more time (i.e. a lazy Sunday), I love to make Marcella Hazan’s Roast Chicken with Two Lemons. It’s the easiest recipe in the world – all you need is a whole chicken, salt, pepper, and two whole lemons. The chicken is so flavorful, moist, and has an amazing pan sauce without any work! It’s perfect roast potatoes and carrots, a la Serious Eats.
I’m a total carbaholic and mashed potatoes are my jam. My go to recipe when I want decadent, full of flavor mashed potatoes? Ina Garten’s Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes. They are amazingly easy and can be made up to three days in advance and then baked, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Find the recipe here, or in her amazing Make It Ahead cookbook.
The Barefoot Contessa is known for meticulously testing her recipes so that they are consistent and reliable for home cooks. It should be no surprise then, that she’s making my list more than once. One of my absolute favorite go to recipes is her Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts. I brought these to a holiday gathering once and converted multiple previously proclaimed haters of brussels into total fans. I mean, what’s not to love about veggies roasted with pancetta and drizzled with syrupy balsamic reduction? The recipe comes from her book, Foolproof. It’s a good one. I highly recommend you buy the book (it’s SO good), but you can also find the recipe here.
Finally, I’m going to leave you with one of our summer time favorites: Sweet Corn, Zucchini, and Chicken Tostadas. Adapted from a Cooking Light recipe years ago, this is a summer staple in our house. It’s quick, easy, and so satisfying. A total winner.
There’s little we love more than getting great recipes from fellow home cooks. We’d be honored if you shared your favorites with us in the comments or on social media! We can’t wait to hear from you.
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