Good enough A cookbook : embracing the joys of imperfection & practicing self-care in the kitchen

Chef Brown (Good and Cheap, 2015) brings readers another book full of accessible food and real-life circumstances, this time tackling the discussion around mental health and the difficulties of feeding ourselves. At a time where many are experiencing mental stress, Brown offers recipes and advice to help readers cope with the stress of cooking and practice self-care. Recipes like herby fish cakes with chipotle mayo, dill and cheddar omelet, and chocolate chip-cookies include a brief introduction to the recipe and a TL;DR ("Too Long; Didn't Read") section that sums up the recipe steps in one or two sentences at the beginning--something that readers experiencing a difficult mental-health day will appreciate. There's something inspiring about reading a book that validates the difficulties of feeling the weight of the world on one's shoulders that can give the ability to press forward. During these times, people may feel like they are to blame and they are not good enough; Brown reminds readers that they are.

Brown (Good and Cheap) guides readers on a contemplative "journey to accept and fully honor the beautiful, complex, and meaningful act of cooking" in this deeply personal work. After revealing the depression she faced after the success of Good and Cheap, she explains how self-care-particularly in preparing a meal for herself-helped her overcome her bouts of fear and guilt. Splitting the book into two sections-"getting through your day" and "getting through your life"-she combines essays "about the feelings that come up around cooking" with gentle advice and simple yet innovative recipes. An essay about social anxiety and loneliness, for instance, is followed by "A Menu for Doing Enough"-which includes tips on how to "Ask for What You Need"-and dishes for groups, such as turkey falafel balls with tangy tomato sauce, and corn chowder quiche. Acknowledging there are days when she doesn't feel like cooking, Brown also shares plenty of ideas for quick dishes that are "thoughtful, but still low stress" such as segmented oranges drizzled with olive oil, salt, and pistachios, and cheddar cheese and pickle sandwiches with honey. Readers who see a strong emotional component in their cooking and eating habits will find much to savor in this multifaceted approach to emotional healing. (Jan.)