A Tasting Table Best New Cookbook for Beginners

“Kanell excels at giving home cooks ideas on how to turn last night’s leftovers into a fresh new meal and also gives a brilliant explainer on ingredients and the kitchen tools you’ll need. For a dinner, dessert, or snack that looks award-winning but is easy enough for beginners, look no further.” —Tasting Table

“A go-to for busy home cooks looking to spice up their repertoire.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

The New York Times bestselling author and beloved social media star @PreppyKitchen delivers simple, everyday recipes that anyone can cook regardless of cooking level or busy schedule that is sure to delight the whole family.

John Kanell is beloved for his aspirational lifestyle and food recipes that feed the eye first. As his kids get older and life gets busier, John recognizes the need that all busy families have for food that is at once practical to prepare and delicious.

Preppy Kitchen Super Easy was born of that need. He’s created a cookbook of simple dishes that feel special. With particular attention to variations for nearly every recipe, John makes it easy to prepare any dish at any time. Ran out of mayo? Use sour cream in the Ranch and Feta Dip. Need to use up those tomatoes and peppers before they go to waste? Swap ‘em for the cukes in the Wild Rice Salad. In each recipe, John breaks down instructions with simple steps, streamlines ingredient lists, and gives dozens of ideas for riffs and make-aheads. John explains how easy it is to vary vessels with a single recipe: a quick bread or cake can bake in a muffin tin, a baking dish, or a cake pan; pancake batter is good for a waffle maker or a griddle. He leans into a small cache of hands-off appliances such as the Instant Pot™ and air fryer. And, best of all, he’s developed recipes you can make once and eat all week, along with dressings and spreads that morph from snack-time dip to salad accompaniment to just-add-a-protein main dish.

Recipes include:
-Breakfast: Breakfast in a Cup, Breakfast Burritos, “Ice Cream” Overnight Oats
-Main dishes with hands-off cook time: Skillet Steak with Garlic-Herb Butter, Cream Cheese and Caraway-Stuffed Salmon, and Crispy Orange-Glazed Chicken Strips
-Easy sides to elevate the simplest of main dishes: Browned Butter and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
-Favorite snacks and small bites for grazing throughout the day: Bruschetta Dip, Grape and Tarragon Chicken Salad, Mango and Radish Shrimp Ceviche
-Quick and easy delicious desserts: Brian’s Favorite Chocolate Cake, Slice and Bake Shortbread Cookies, and Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie Bars

Regardless of your skill level or busy schedule, you will find these recipes quick and easy to make any time of day.