BOOK REVIEW: What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking

What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking

by Caroline Chambers

Union Square & Co., 2024 (272 pages)

Named best cookbook of the year, and best giftable book this year, this book might be one you want to take a look at.  Caroline Chambers often doesn’t feel like cooking. How many of us have felt that way?  There have been days when I just can't face trying to plan for dinner and often end up getting take-out or a bowl of cereal in a pinch.  How wonderful would it be to have a bunch of quick and easy recipes to use when that feeling hits?   When you just can’t motivate yourself in the kitchen, this is the simple cookbook you should reach for, and it just may re-motivate you in the meantime.

She has separated the recipes according to 15 minutes, 30 minutes, up to an hour and a little longer according to your mood and time you have.  There's a section on greens and one on sweets, but there are a bunch of main courses that can be put together with much ease.  The recipes are exciting and things you might not think of from your regular menu rotation either.   I really like the section on how to get yourself motivated.  It ranges from listening to a book on tape or podcast while cooking, to prepping throughout the day, to choosing a recipe from the 15-minute section and saying to yourself you.can.do.this!

Recipes range from one-pan Enchiladas to sheet pan chicken, to slow-cooked BBQ ribs and Ranch-y potatoes.  To me, the 15-minute section is most interesting.  I like the range and ideas for super quick dinners I can get done with as quick as possible on those days when I don't want to do much more.  I tried three of the recipes and found them yummy; Butter-basted Cast Iron Rib Eyes and Swiss Chard, Veggie Peanut Noodles, and Garlicky Grains with Asparagus and Sausage.  I especially liked the last recipe.

The author's journey began in her mom’s kitchen in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and blossomed into a career as a chef, caterer, and freelancer for top brands and publications. Caroline's first cookbook, *Just Married*, was published in 2018.  What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking, her latest cookbook, was released in August 2024. Caroline also hosts the podcast *So Into That* and has a newsletter.  You can sign up here WTC Substack | Caroline Chambers  She lives with her husband George and their three sons, Mattis, Calum, and Cashel.