The original DALS is my go-to baby shower gift--along with bookmarks for my fave recipes in there. Even though I subscribe to Jenny's newsletter, thanks for the interview angle!
Hmm, I dunno, I really like the equipment lists in some books. Not when they run, item after item separated by commas, in paragraphs, barely a sentence. But those with illustrations, photos; some are beautiful compositions, and sometimes I find cookware I hadn't known nor considered - like those bottomless pastry rounds, which Martin Nordin suggested in his book "Green Burgers." Those are good for more than pastry, as he shows. Of course, about my favorite piece of kitchenware is a wooden ladle bought for one dollar at a yard sale over five decades ago, so . .
I think it really depends on the book and the audience. If it's a mainstream, general cookbook for an audience that likely has a little experience then I can see leaving the equipment section out or moving it to the back of the book. (It's kind of like what Alexis deBoschnek said about the pantry section when I interviewed her last month.) But, if it's a less common cuisine or style of cooking or there is specialty equipment required (like the bottomless pastry rounds!) then agree it makes sense to include. And your wooden ladle sounds lovely. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I felt it was critical to include an equipment list in my case because of the style of cookbook. Many of the readers will be cooking healthier food for the first time, perhaps at the suggestion of their physician. They may be new to home cooking and venturing into the kitchen out of health concerns. I wanted to ensure that person felt welcome!
I think I basically have the essays from the DALS book memorized, and I think about them all the time. It's not just a great cookbook, it's a cathartic and informative read (in my opinion) for anyone embarking on parenthood.
Jenny's Yogurt-Marinated Chicken from DALS and Sweet Onion, Spinach, and Cheddar Quiche + Kale Salad from Weekday Vegetarians are some of my back pocket recipes!
Who doesn't love Jenny!!? ❤️ Such a great interview. I own, but I've also never cooked from Six Seasons and it's nice to see this admitted in print. we're lucky to write (and cook!) in a category where there's so much good stuff that we simply can't get to it all!!
Mmm I haven't tried that Roasted Vegetable Reuben. Is it mushroom? Sounds delicious! And totally agree on the Rainy Day Bites cookbook club idea. I'm going to try it too!
Hahahaha. Your footnote regarding Jenny not owning Six Seasons was my reaction exactly! That book! I don’t even think of it as a vegetarian book. It’s just… that book! I can’t wait for his new one to arrive! Also, I feel the same - it’s time to retire the ubiquitous chapter on kitchen equipment that’s in practically every book. I’m so over it. Let’s get to the recipes and stories!
The original DALS is my go-to baby shower gift--along with bookmarks for my fave recipes in there. Even though I subscribe to Jenny's newsletter, thanks for the interview angle!
Oh my gosh - I'm stealing that bookmark idea! And what a wonderful baby shower gift. Thanks for reading!
Hmm, I dunno, I really like the equipment lists in some books. Not when they run, item after item separated by commas, in paragraphs, barely a sentence. But those with illustrations, photos; some are beautiful compositions, and sometimes I find cookware I hadn't known nor considered - like those bottomless pastry rounds, which Martin Nordin suggested in his book "Green Burgers." Those are good for more than pastry, as he shows. Of course, about my favorite piece of kitchenware is a wooden ladle bought for one dollar at a yard sale over five decades ago, so . .
I think it really depends on the book and the audience. If it's a mainstream, general cookbook for an audience that likely has a little experience then I can see leaving the equipment section out or moving it to the back of the book. (It's kind of like what Alexis deBoschnek said about the pantry section when I interviewed her last month.) But, if it's a less common cuisine or style of cooking or there is specialty equipment required (like the bottomless pastry rounds!) then agree it makes sense to include. And your wooden ladle sounds lovely. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I felt it was critical to include an equipment list in my case because of the style of cookbook. Many of the readers will be cooking healthier food for the first time, perhaps at the suggestion of their physician. They may be new to home cooking and venturing into the kitchen out of health concerns. I wanted to ensure that person felt welcome!
Your book is a great example of when an equipment section makes sense! I love how thoughtful you were about its inclusion.
Thanks Jenna, I really appreciate that you noticed!
I think I basically have the essays from the DALS book memorized, and I think about them all the time. It's not just a great cookbook, it's a cathartic and informative read (in my opinion) for anyone embarking on parenthood.
Jenny's Yogurt-Marinated Chicken from DALS and Sweet Onion, Spinach, and Cheddar Quiche + Kale Salad from Weekday Vegetarians are some of my back pocket recipes!
She really is such a beautiful writer about family life. Food is the obvious subject, but the true essence is even deeper.
I adore a color-coded cookbook collection
Me too -- that's how I organize mine as well!
Who doesn't love Jenny!!? ❤️ Such a great interview. I own, but I've also never cooked from Six Seasons and it's nice to see this admitted in print. we're lucky to write (and cook!) in a category where there's so much good stuff that we simply can't get to it all!!
That's so true. I've never cooked from any of Marcella's books! Something I'm sure Jenny would be equally shocked to hear.
I have loved Jenny’s writing and DALS for years. I will check out her new veg books. Great interview!
Thank you! There are so many great ideas in The Weekday Vegetarians.
Great interview. Have been a fan of Jenny’s since her first book (and blog). I’m obsessed with the Roasted Vegetable Reuben in her latest WV cookbook.
Also, love the Rainy Day Bites cookbook club idea of cooking from books I haven’t made a recipe from yet. A perfect fall challenge!
Mmm I haven't tried that Roasted Vegetable Reuben. Is it mushroom? Sounds delicious! And totally agree on the Rainy Day Bites cookbook club idea. I'm going to try it too!
Brussels sprouts and broccoli! But I’m sure it would be wonderful with all kinds of roasted vegetable combinations.
Obsessed with the idea of scooping out a cup of something to reduce it. Love this!
Right!? Such a good reminder for all of us recipe writers.
An Amelia Bedlia (spelling?!) moment!
Haha, love that reference
Thanks for including True North Cabin Cookbook! I loved this interview and found @jennyrosenstrach through Substack and was hooked!
Congratulations on your book Stephanie! I hope it has been a great launch week so far. Agreed that Jenny's Substack is a keeper.
Thanks so much for having me, Jenna!
Hahahaha. Your footnote regarding Jenny not owning Six Seasons was my reaction exactly! That book! I don’t even think of it as a vegetarian book. It’s just… that book! I can’t wait for his new one to arrive! Also, I feel the same - it’s time to retire the ubiquitous chapter on kitchen equipment that’s in practically every book. I’m so over it. Let’s get to the recipes and stories!
Your last line there might be my new mantra!
Love these cookbooks