Since Good Egg in Kensington Market is our favourite destination for finding dreamy cookbooks, we asked owner Mika Bareket to dish her favourite titles from 2015. The following offer not only delicious recipes, but are also enjoyable reads, cover to cover.
A MODERN WAY TO COOK, ANNA JONES
For the veggie-centric eater, a collection of delicious, healthy recipes that are so quick to make they’re achievable on any night of the week.
LUCKY PEACH: 101 EASY ASIAN RECIPES
For the show-off, a compendium of recipes that hit the sweet spot between crave-worthy and stupid simple and are destined to become family favourites.
THE VIOLET BAKERY, CLAIRE PTAK
For the sweet tooth, a design-forward cookbook for sweet and savoury baked goods. The Violet Bakery focuses on quality ingredients for recipes that are both nourishing and indulgent. From classic cakes to modern treats, this book makes keeps it simple and satisfying.
MY NEW ROOTS, SARAH BRITTON
For the herbivore, inspired plant-based recipes for every season. My New Roots features over 100 vegetarian dishes (many of which are vegan, raw and/or gluten-free). Dare yourself to step out of your comfort zone with “food projects” to impress your guests. But don’t let Britton intimidate you; she also includes a wide range of basics for weeknight family-style meals.
THE FOOD LAB, J. KENJI LOPEZ-ALT
For the culinary nerd, The Food Lab focuses on the science behind beloved American dishes, delving into the interactions between heat, energy, and molecules that create great food. Try your hand at non-conventional (but simple) methods of cooking. Learn how to make foolproof Hollandaise sauce in just two minutes, or homemade mac ‘n’ cheese that is just as satisfying as the box stuff, but TASTIER.
A BIRD IN THE HAND: CHICKEN RECIPES FOR EVERY DAY AND EVERY MOOD, DIANA HENRY
For the chicken whisperer, a host of comforting, quick, celebratory and casual dishes starring the bird we all love. Diana Henry offers a collection of meals from chilli chicken thighs and a smoky chicken salad with roast peppers and almonds, to a complete feast with pomegranate, barley and feta stuffed roast chicken with Georgian aubergines.
THE NOMAD COOKBOOK, DANIEL HUMM & WILL GUIDARA
For the culture lover, Chef Daniel Humm and his business partner Will Guidara reflect the essence of their New York restaurants Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad in this recipe book. Known for their innovative cooking and genre-defying dining experience, Humm and Guidara translate their unique style into this unparalleled book, containing sweet and savoury food and cocktail recipes.
Good Egg is located at 267 Augusta Avenue, in the heart of Toronto’s Kensington Market.