Getting a  taste of e-cookbooks

By Kelly Sirett

It is not a word of a lie when I say that I have baked more over the past two months than I have in the previous two years. Quarantine cliché, I know! But with so much more time at home, I’ve enjoyed discovering new recipes, trying to perfect the chocolate chip cookie and even sampling elaborate cocktails. If your time in isolation – like mine – has been focused on all things culinary, then you may appreciate exploring some of the cookbooks in the Ottawa Public Library’s collection that are available as e-books. Here are some recommendations for downloadable e-books, accessible from the OPL website: biblioottawalibrary.ca. If you have any questions about your account or accessing any of OPL’s services and resources (including e-books), give us a call at 613-580-2940.

Kelly Sirett is a librarian and the coordinator at the Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. She has many interests and loves many things – but especially sunny days, first and last lines, and doing the hokey pokey.

Joy the Baker Over Easy: Sweet and Savory Recipes for Leisurely Days
by Joy Wilson

Joy Wilson’s cookbook is a beautiful ode to lazy, slow cooking days, where coffee comes first and everything else is hours behind. This cookbook features beautiful photographs of a variety of recipes – everything from coffee and cocktails to baked goods and a breakfast of fried rice. With more time at home, this is a perfect isolation cookbook.

Sally’s Cookie Addiction: Irresistible Cookies, Bars, Shortbread, and More from the Creator of Sally’s Baking Addiction
by Sally McKenney

I’m a big fan of the Sally’s Baking Addiction blog (a trusted source for all things baking), which is why I was excited when I saw this cookbook. With 75 cookie recipes, including many that have never been featured on the blog, this cookbook has something for every cookie lover. You’ll also find lots of helpful tips and detailed explanation, and I might just find the perfect chocolate chip cookie! This cookbook reminds me of my grandma, who had a sign in her kitchen that said, “A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.” If you agree, this is the book for you.

The Comfort Food Mash-up Cookbook: 80 Delicious Recipes for Reimagining your Favorite Dishes
by Dan Whalen

Feeling adventurous? If so, Dan Whalen’s cookbook is here for you. As the title implies, this cookbook puts together two unlikely combinations of dishes in one mouth-watering recipe. Whalen also provides the history of culinary “mash-ups,” which is far more extensive than you might think. A great reminder to have fun in the kitchen!

Little Green Kitchen: Simple Vegetarian Family Recipes
by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl

If you’re cooking for less adventurous eater, acclaimed vegetarian cookbook writers David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl can help. They focus on everyday meals that both adults and children will enjoy – because most parents don’t have time to cook double dinners (even if they wanted to)! As parents, Frenkiel and Vindahl understand the frustrations of feeding children, and they have created a cookbook filled with delicious recipes and tips to get the whole family interested in mealtime.

The One-bottle Cocktail: More Than 80 Recipes With Fresh Ingredients and A Single Spirit
by Maggie Hoffman

If vegetarian family meals don’t work, there’s always Maggie Hoffman’s The One-bottle Cocktail! I’m kidding, of course. Hoffman offers an alternative to complex cocktails that require a full home bar; her recipes use only one bottle and various ingredients that are generally easier to find (and less expensive). A great guide for beginner mixologists who are looking to go beyond their usual gin and tonics or just make fewer trips to the liquor store.

We are looking forward to when we can all come together again at the library. Until then, take good care of yourself and the ones you love – and happy reading, eating and drinking!