Cook Beautiful: Delicious Recipes and Exquisite Presentations

This is a really beautiful cookbook, which is not surprising for one who is a frequent visitor to the author, Athena Calderone's, blog, "eyeswoon." As well it should be no surprise that her ability to mix simplicity with good taste in home design also extends to simplicity with good taste in food. Even though I had already made many of the recipes in the book, I had to get the book mainly because 1.) I knew it would be beautiful (it is) and 2.) because there are so many recipes in it that I have made over and over again. Adding to the recipes in the book is a "swoon tip" for enhancing each recipe for taste or visual pleasure. The first recipe of hers that I ever made was the Orecchiette with Kale, Fennel and Sausage. I've made it so many times because it quickly became a favorite in my house. The Spinach and Goat Cheese Frittata is a really nice light dinner or lunch. The Summer Squash Salad with Arugula and Feta is an exceptional way to use up the massive amount of zucchini that friends seem to gift everyone with at the end of summer. The Fish Tacos are also very good as is the Grilled Rib-eye with Burst Tomatoes and Chimichurri. Some of my favorite recipes are for desserts. I only make them for special occasions at home or when I have friends over for dinner, and I am of the belief that the end of a meal should be so good that my guests leave with a lasting memory of it which is often the case with Calderone's desserts. The Peach and Blackberry Crostatas are wonderful as is the Butterscotch Pots de Creme, which instantly became my husband's requested substitute for birthday cakes. The Lime and Raspberry Tart is also fantastic for those, like me, who love tart desserts. I have made a few more that are not in the book, but if the best from the blog are the ones on the book, I can't wait to try them all. Another thing about the book is that the recipes are arranged by season. I love cooking seasonal recipes because that is, of course, when the ingredients are at their peak. I have no hesitations about recommending this book at all!

This is of course a stunning book given who the author is, however, the recipes are actually doable and on the healthier side!

I've never been into cooking but this book has opened up a world of flavors and beautiful gatherings for me. Initially I got into Athena's blog for the interior design but her beautifully presented salads hooked me in. I went ahead and bought her cookbook! I wish some of her other desserts and salads made it into her book but I am still in love! I really really appreciate the nice big beautiful photos of each recipe as I like to look at what I am making. Personally, I like recipes that aren't drenched in sauce, but rather, accentuates the ingredients which this cookbook does. There are some clean dishes, and some not so clean that require the butter and sugar. One bad reviewer thought this book would provide more tips on how to make a dish more beautiful, which would have been really cool...but I think that's why she has a great photo of each dish so that people can emulate it. She also offers a swoon tip at the bottom of each recipe with minor tips about the look or taste.. and some fun table styling tips between each section of the book. The recipes aren't perfect by no means (my husband isn't into it as much as me)... but you can adjust the fruit and other ingredients to make it your own!

No lie, Athena Calderone's beauty, talent and grace that transcends the pages of this book are a little grating for someone (like myself) that is usually a little hurried, hair askew and most definitely a little sweaty while working in the kitchen. I am definitely not the epitome of casual grace when whipping up whatever. That being said this book is amazing! Not only are the recipes genuinely delicious, relatively easy (even for a novice) and have gorgeous end results the book makes you want to slow down and enjoy the process of cooking. It's almost more about communicating love and affection through the culinary process than just about "making food". I had it on my nightstand for a week like a novel before placing it on the counter and trying the first recipe and I am so happy about this purchase! (The Mustardy Smashed New Potatoes with Jalapeno Gremolata are now a weekly staple in our house.)

One of the best cookbooks I own - and I own quite a bit! I honestly was not expecting this cookbook to be this good - I thought it would be more inspirational (the photographs are lovely) but probably not something that I would routinely turn to. I've owned it for two years now and I have to say that I was flat-out wrong - I use this cookbook constantly and have made so many meals from it (not many of the desserts as I am not really a dessert person). One after another they have turned out incredibly well. I also disagree with a previous reviewer who said this doesn't tell you how to make your cooking more beautiful - there are actually many plating and presentation tips given in each recipe. The author's attention to detail, balance of flavors and clear, yet evocative language are just superb.

Absolutely beautiful cookbook! So much time & effort was put into this book, and it shows. The layout by season is lovely . The recipes are fabulous. The pictures are dynamite. I also loved reading about the inspirations that created the entire book. Excellent idea for a great Christmas gift.

I have this cookbook on my counter cookbook holder . . . recipes are organized by season with photos! Terrific find!

This book is organized by season, winter, spring, summer, fall, eating it easy to prepare dishes with in season produce. Recipes all look amazing and the photos are beautiful. Also looks great on the floating shelves by my stove.

The book is lovely, it has interesting cooking and baking ideas for spring, summer, fall and winter. Lovely photos together with nice table setting ideas. Also beautiful as a coffee table book while being practical. But there was no protective packaging that the book spine was torn at the bottom corner 🙁☹️

Great decor book!

Love everting about this book! It is a nice read , great recipes that will beautify any table !

Buenísimas recetas , un libro con muchas ideas para diferentes épocas del año, no son muy difíciles en elaborar .Lo recomiendo

Stunning book. I love Athena's fresh seasonal approach and attention to the visual aesthetics as well as taste. It's filled with beautiful photography and meals that are vibrant, exciting and full of heart and soul. I can't wait to share them with friends and family around the table. Elegant and stylish with a focus on creating beautiful moments with your loved ones.