Check it Out: Health Nut
A look at one my favorite new cookbooks from 2024
Anyone who works with me is familiar with my advice to find recipe inspiration from a source (like a favorite food magazine or chef personality) that has the flavor and skill profile that works uniquely for them. One of my favorite ways to find new sources of inspiration is to checkout some of the latest cookbooks from the library. (This can always be preceded by a stop in a bookstore to peruse the latest releases. Actually one of my favorite pastimes, but alas, not always relaxing with two kids in tow!) I also just really love to spend time with cookbooks, reading them and appreciating the authors’ style and point of view, all of course accompanied by gorgeous photos of food. What could be better? Plus, I’m always looking for new ways to do things, and diversify my go-to recipe collection. Recently I’ve been in a bit of a rut, cycling through a bunch of familiar dinner favorites because it’s just the easiest thing to do during this busy time. Lucky for me, I struck gold with my recent haul from the library.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Health Nut: A Feel-Good Cookbook by Jess Damuck. I was already familiar with her previous cookbook Salad Freak, a fresh take on expanding on what a salad can mean, all while using seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. As I started flipping through Health Nut, I was caught off guard by a rush of nostalgia. The recipes and general “vibe” in Health Nut remind me of a time in my twenties when more of my meals centered these “hippie kitchen” flavors. A palate that, perhaps, has gotten a little lost over the years as I’ve acquired two kids and a husband and many more food opinions to consider when planning “what to eat”.
It took very little time with Health Nut for me to quickly trade in my library copy for my own copy, happily adding it to my permanent collection. I’ve already made the Furikake Glazed Squash. She had me at furikake, which is a condiment staple in our house and one that everyone likes. Because it is an ingredient that imparts so much flavor, the rest of the recipe is wisely very simple. And also very delicious, so everyone wins. I look forward to cooking my way through the whole book. Next up is the Black Beans, Sweet Potato and Greens Breakfast Bowl!
Speaking of Cookbooks from 2024…
I’m late to getting to this, and even later to posting it! I have no idea what happened in December, but I have to admit, it definitely wasn’t looking at end of year cookbook lists. How sad! So let’s have a look now. I’ve included a few links below, which collectively are full of inspiration from any direction, including meals in a hurry and meals on a budget. I’m struck by how different the lists are from each other. Yes, some cookbooks make all of the lists, but the variety across the lists really emphasizes how many wonderful, quality resources there are for everybody and every interest. I’m already familiar with some of these (Health Nut makes the list) and I’ll have more to say about the latest cookbooks from Caro Chambers and Julia Turshen soon. (They are both excellent.) And so much to explore! I’ve requested Breaking Bao and Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking from my library - no surprise, I’m on the waitlist. More on those later too!
A few of the Lists:
Esquire: Best Cookbooks of 2024
NYTimes: The 16 Best Cookbooks of 2024
Bon Appétit: The 19 Best Cookbooks of 2024
Happy Cooking! Share your favorite cookbooks from last year.