Pooja’s Favorite Cookbooks!

This book was my dinner party go-to in my late 20’s and early 30’s. I must have made so many recipes from it that I’ve lost count, and the stains on the pages are a testament to how often I used it! The Puy Lentil Galettes, in particular, became a weeknight favorite of mine. They were always a hit, and I still find myself going back to that recipe time and time again.

This is a newer book in my collection, but it's quickly become a go-to. It’s the perfect balance of easy yet delicious recipes that never disappoint. I made the Grapefruit White Chocolate Cake (substituting lemon for the grapefruit) for my mom’s birthday, and I loved it so much that I made it again the very next week—just because!

I’m an OG Heidi Swanson fan and have been following her blog, 101 Cookbooks, for years. Over the past decade, so many of her recipes have made their way through my kitchen, but the Risotto-Style Barley is a true winter staple in my household. It’s comforting, delicious, and always hits the spot during those colder months.

Another newer addition to my collection! When I first got this book, I was excited but also thought, as a fellow Indian-American, I’d be familiar with most of the recipes. It didn’t even matter, though—Khushbu’s take on these dishes is absolutely out of this world. Her Crispy Paneer Burgers, in particular, should be at the top of your list. They completely blew me away!

Can Joanne Chang do any wrong? The answer is no, and her cookbook proves it. I’ve been a fan of hers ever since a visit to her Boston bakery years ago, and I was so excited to bring her recipes into my own kitchen. Of course, her Sticky Sticky Buns and Vanilla Cream Filled Doughnuts are crowd favorites, but I’m especially partial to her Granola Bars. They’re simple, satisfying, and always a hit.