Friday Five: 5 Cookbooks for the New Parent
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we strive to keep the meals leading up to the holiday very simple. For busy or new parents, finding the time and inspiration to prepare delicious meals can be a challenge. In this week's Friday Five Blog, we've curated a list of five must-have cookbooks that do the thinking for you, making the journey of parenting a little bit easier. These cookbooks are not just about recipes; they're about adding joy to your life through the joy of good food. Let's explore how these culinary companions can bring both convenience and delight to your family table.
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Image of Cassy Joy Garcia's cookbook, Cook Once Eat All Week surrounded by a navy border.
1. This cookbook is a MUST for any parent who needs to think less. Does this resonate with you? Cue an astounding YES or vigorous head nod from all parents everywhere. We can all agree that parenting requires an unseen mental effort of to-do lists and needs for our families. Here is where Cassy Joy Garcia can save you time with Cook Once Eat All Week. Garcia not only crafts your grocery list but your meal prep requirements as well. I buy her cookbook for any parent-to-be. After all, she saved me so much effort when I too became a parent. Recipes are also dairy free, gluten free, and whole-foods friendly.
Image of Eliza Larson & Kristy Kohler's book Eat to Feed surrounded by a navy border.
2. Breastfeeding my first while overall demanding of my time on body, came relatively easy for us. Therefore, when baby number two joined us, I thought it would be just as simple right? Goodness no, I was so very wrong. Between tongue ties, pyloric stenosis (more on that another day), and surgery for my newborn, we both very much struggled, especially my supply. This is where the women behind Oat Mama saved me. Eat to Feed by Eliza Larson and Kristy Kohler swooped in and nourished us: mind, body, spirit, supply. Recipes are delicious and supportive. Feed mama so in return, she can feed her precious little one.
Image of Amy Palanjian's book, Dinnertime SOS surrounded by a navy border.
3. Amy Palanjian is the real MVP with her cookbook, Dinnertime SOS. For the parent of multiple children, this book feeds the whole family with nourishing foods, especially that picky toddler. It is hard enough to provide for yourself as a busy parent. Therefore, if you can equip yourself with a cookbook that feeds you and your little eaters, all the better. Bonus, the meals are healthy and holistic but so approachable and affordable. As someone who lives 45 minutes away from Whole Foods, specialized ingredients hard to come by. Palanjian’s cookbook is the first cookbook I have bought that captures the realistic expectations for feeding the family wholesome foods, specialized grocery store optional.
Image of Dorothy Calimeris & Sondi Bruner's cookbook, The Anti-Inflammatory Diet surrounded by a navy border.
4. For the parent who has given birth, the healing is intense. Dorothy Calimeris and Sondi Bruner’s cookbook, The Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Action Plans is a God send. My family and I love these recipes throughout the week (delicious chia puddings nearly every week) but they were essential in my post-partum chapter. Recipes are gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian friendly.
Image of Shalane Flanagan & Elyse Kopecky's cookbook, Run Fast Eat Fast surrounded by navy border.
5. Long before parenthood and even my marriage, a huge component of my identity was and is an athlete. Flanagan and Kopecky would likely say the same. I have been following their stories since the publication of Run Fast Cook Fast. They inspire and remind me that athletic pursuits only enhance your gumption and try hard in parenting. You need both because like eating good food, it is essential to your well-being.
