Cookbooks Curated #1: Eating Out Loud by Eden Grinshpan
When I originally created this blog, I thought I would focus exclusively on free, online recipes. Over the past few months, however, I have become a cookbook devotee - reading them before bed because they produce no existential anxiety (in contrast to my typical pleasure reading, which consists of military history and political coverage). I decided that in addition to recommending online recipes, I would start recommending cookbooks that I am enjoying, as well as a few of the recipes from the cookbook that I particularly loved. Sometimes, cookbook authors share recipes online as part of the book’s promotion, so if available, I will link to the recipe. For the most part, however, if the recipes sound and look good to you, then you will need to purchase the book! If you are sick of having lots of cookbooks accumulate on your shelves, I suggest buying them in Kindle version - they are cheaper that way and you do not have to worry about space.
For the first installment of Cookbooks Curated, I am recommending Eating Out Loud: Bold Middle Eastern Flavors for All Day, Every Day. The author, Eden Grinshpan, is from Canada, but she is half-Israeli and grew up spending summers there. Now, she is the host of Top Chef Canada and a trained chef. Before this hosting gig, she had two travel food shows on the Cooking Channel. She also co-founded a fast casual Middle-Eastern restaurant called Dez in NYC. While the restaurant unfortunately closed, from what I heard, it was a cult favorite. I found her on Instagram a few months ago, and she is honestly a ray of sunshine on the platform. For example, when she was pregnant, she posted a picture of a slice of pizza on her pregnant belly - which went viral and just generally encapsulates her silly, bold energy and joyful social media presence.
The book more than lives up to its name - the pictures are colorful and mouth-watering, the recipes are easy for any level of chef, and Eden weaves delicious Middle-Eastern flavors into traditional Israeli dishes and classic American treats (like Monkey Bread!). If you love Israeli food, or want to try cooking it, then this book is for you. Scroll down to see some of my favorite recipes from the book!
Sesame Schnitzel Sandwich with Harissa Honey and Tartar Slaw
Salted Tahini-Chocolate Babka Buns
Easy Peasy Pita
Pita Grilled Cheese with Gouda & Honey
Date Banana Bread with Coconut Crumble
Classic Shakshuka with Garlicky Tahini
Eden shared this recipe shared with Domino magazine, which you can find here.
