Happy & Healthy

I have quite a collection of cookbooks by now, but it's still the same ones I turn to when I want to look up how long a chicken needs to roast again or how a salsa verde is made. Jamie Oliveespecially comes to my aid, but I also can't get enough of the cookbook ‘River Cafe Cookbook Easy’. I find it important that the recipes are not too complicated, but still have a special dressing with a dish or a combination that you wouldn't quickly make yourself (like grapefruit and colored beets, for example). As long as there isn't an endless list of ingredients and a very complicated preparation method. Less is more, I say.

A basic cookbook (so how do you roast chicken, how do you whisk French vinaigrette, what goes into a Caesar salad?) belongs in everyone's cupboard and I will give you advice on which books those are:

River Cafe Cookbook Easy

For when you love good food but just don't want it to be too complicated, but still with dishes that are good enough to impress your guests regarding your cooking skills. So delicious.

Jamie Oliver – The Basics of Cooking

The title says it all: the handbook that everyone should have at home to be able to cook a bit. How do you fillet a fish, how do you make the perfect pesto, and how do you keep chicken from drying out? Everything is explained in Jamie's style, which is incredibly clear and cozy.

The Silver Spoon

This is a recommendation from my neighbor Marieke from FavorFlav. The heavy cookbook bible for when you love Italian food. And who doesn't love Italian food? Indeed.

A Propos Bistro – Stéphane Reynaud

Another recommendation from Marieke (after all, she really knows her stuff). Beautiful just for your dining table and incredibly interesting content (and written with a good dose of humor). The classic French cuisine without frills. From omelets to roasts (you'll definitely score points with your guy) and amazing fish.