Preppy Kitchen: Recipes for Seasonal Dishes and Simple Pleasures (A Cookbook) (The Preppy Kitchen Series)

I purchased Preppy Kitchen: Recipes for Seasonal Dishes and Simple Pleasures by John Kanell as a Christmas gift for my wife, and it has been a big hit. She’s followed him online for quite a while and absolutely loves his recipes, so this book was an easy choice—and it did not disappoint. The book itself is beautifully put together, with high-quality pages, great photography, and a layout that makes the recipes easy to follow. Everything feels polished but not intimidating. The photos are inspiring without feeling unrealistic, which actually makes you want to cook from it instead of just flipping through. What really stands out is how approachable the recipes are. They feel elevated and flavorful, but still practical for home cooking. My wife has already flagged several dishes to make and has cooked a few since getting the book. The recipes strike a great balance between being impressive enough for entertaining and realistic enough for weeknight meals. We also love how the book is seasonally focused, which makes it easy to find ideas based on what’s fresh and available. There are helpful tips throughout that make the cooking process smoother, especially for home cooks who want to improve without feeling overwhelmed. Overall, this cookbook was a fantastic gift and is already getting regular use in our kitchen. If you enjoy John Kanell’s content online or are looking for a cookbook that combines great flavors, clear instructions, and beautiful presentation, this one is absolutely worth adding to your collection. It’s a book you’ll actually cook from—not just admire on the shelf.

It has been a long time since I purchased a cookbook. I love to cook, but I have a ton of cookbooks I no longer reference. I find I don't really need them anymore. I kind of know my way around a kitchen. However, after using some of Kanell's online recipes with great results, and rather enjoying his YouTube videos on making various types of frosting, I threw caution to the wind and purchased this gem of a book. WOW! Kanell does not disappoint. The recipes are fantastically original but easy to follow, and the pictures are vivid, bright, beautiful and showcase the various dishes to mouth-watering perfection. I found I truly loved his organization of dishes by season. And most remarkably, this is the first cook book I have ever wanted to read from cover to cover! In fact I began doing just that as soon as I received it. Kanell talks about the seasons and offers delightful anecdotes that draw you in and urge you to try the next remarkable recipe he offers. I'm in the middle of the spring section at present, getting ready to move on to summer. I will probably have this book in my kitchen indefinitely, or at the very least until I make my way through the majority of the recipes for an entire year of seasons. This book is truly a treasure and I highly recommend it!

Like many of us buying this cookbook we first became aware of John Kanell on his youtube channel "The Preppy Kitchen". I have become a frequent visitor on youtube to many different chefs and their wonderful recipes. But I truly like both John's recipes and the easy, friendly way he prepares his recipes. Very instructive and you learn a lot about cooking and baking in general. It was no shock to read that he was a science teacher before taking up this new career. He does explain at times the actual chemistry involved with specific ingredients that make a recipe a success. His recipe creations reflect both his Greek and Latin heritage. A sort of fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors to elevate and transform traditional recipes into his own unique and delicious creations. He is very talented and instructive on his youtube channel and this book is no different. I love that is organized into Seasons. He creates recipes that utilize various fruits and vegetables that are often harvested and available in those seasons. Also, the recipes reflect the kinds of foods we often like during certain times of the year. Wonderful soups and other comfort food type dishes for Fall and Winter. With the Spring and Summer sections of the book delivering lighter delicious recipes including salads and fruit dishes we tend to eat more of during the warmer seasons. I have a lot of cookbooks and this one is truly a keeper with carefully thought out delicious recipes that are sure hits to serve to family and friends. I am making a Christmas eve dinner for some friends and all the recipes are straight out of John's book Can't wait! Well done Mr. Kanell!

Nice quality and great recipes

I just love John Kanell. His recipes have never let me down, and he is a delightful person to listen to and watch as he demonstrates things. The book is rich with beautiful photos and recipes. The o n l y reason this is a four-star review instead of a five is because when I look for a recipe, I do not have time to decide what time of year (spring, summer, winter, fall) the dish was categorized in. While his recipes are both delectably unique and also include classic favorites, the glossary would be a lot more helpful if it were traditionally printed out in categories. "Appetizers, breads, soups, savory meals, vegetables, casseroles, desserts - which could be broken down even more to clarify pies, cakes, cookies, marshmallows..." By the way, John has an amazing marshmallow recipe, but it isn't in this book. It's worth looking up on YouTube! (allll his food is worth looking up!) That said, I don't have time to 'thumb' through the book searching for a recipe :( The index is also very word-specific, like, how am I to know he named it a 'rummy chocolate cookie?" Anyway, I can always count on John Kanell to guide me through a recipe that puts culinary luxuries on the plates of the people eating my food. I only wish recipes in the book were easier to find.

Excellent cookbook. Pictures with every recipe, so you know what it looks like. Book lays flat when you open it. I'm going to order his other book.

Mi cocinero favorito todo queda como dice la receta

Love this book. Beautiful illustrations with easy to follow recipes. Breath of fresh air after some mundane cook books

Fáciles de hacer, excelentes para disfrutar de la cocina y platos para degustar placenteramente !!

Recommended for everyone!