The Best Cookbooks for Feeding Your Family on Busy Weeknights

Oh, the dreaded weeknight dinner. What should be an enjoyable experience with the family often devolves into a major stressfest. You’ve toiled away for hours at work, not to mention all that traffic, and now the last thing you want to worry about is having the time and energy to prepare a meal for your loved ones. It’s understandable that you may be inclined to throw in the towel (or dish cloth, if you will) and take advantage of alternative means to get food on the table.

Related Reading: 11 Fast & Easy Weeknight Meals

But instead of wasting money on takeout or sacrificing quality by shoving a meal in the trusty old microwave, know that you have plenty of incredible quick and affordable home-cooked options that are sure to make you and the family happy. Just let these indispensable cookbooks below be your guide.

“Weeknights with Giada” by Giada Delaurentiis, $16.75 on Amazon

Amazon

Giada is one of the few chefs who’s earned first-name only recognition and this “New York Times” bestseller which is packed with recipes that are as delicious as they are simple to make perfectly illustrates why she is so beloved. The Food Network star offers a variety of fast and flavorful options sure to satisfy the whole family. No surprise, you’ll find plenty of Italian standouts such as pizza and sweet corn and basil lasagna, but other international options abound from jalapeño and cherry tomato gazpacho to Asian quinoa with salmon.Buy Now

“Quick Cooking” by Mary Berry, $25.50 on Amazon

Amazon

The queen of British baking has returned to the telly and this cookbook spinoff highlights her latest obsession—meals that are high on tastiness and low on stress. Featuring over 120 different recipes which tackle appetizers, entrees, and, of course, desserts (upside-down rhubarb pudding, anyone?), “Quick Cooking” provides easy-to-follow blueprints to memorable weeknight dinners that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.Buy Now

“Ottolenghi Simple” by Yotam Ottolenghi, $27.22 on Amazon

Amazon

The latest from noted author and chef Yotam Ottolenghi certainly lives up to its name. While Ottolenghi’s 130 Middle Eastern-inspired options run the gamut from lamb and feta meatballs to fig and thyme clafoutis, each and every dish has three valuable elements in common: They can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, in one pot, and with ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. It’s no wonder the book was a recent James Beard Award finalist.Buy Now

“Dinner in an Instant” by Melissa Clark, $16.83 on Amazon

Amazon

Normally pressure isn’t something you want to incorporate into your weeknight food prep but there is one key exception. Using an Instant Pot (or other similar pressure cookers) will help reduce precious cooking and cleaning time without sacrificing the quality of your family meal. “Dinner in an Instant” will help you make the most of these life-changing gadgets with 75 eclectic recipes courtesy of celebrated “New York Times” food columnist Melissa Clark. If you’ve got an hour or two to spare, the book includes recipes for set-it-and-forget flavor-bombs such as garlicky Cuban pork and coconut curry chicken. But if it’s a late work night, don’t despair. There are plenty of options that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.Buy Now

Related Reading: 10 Things You Have to Try in Your Instant Pot | 15 Quick & Easy Instant Pot Meals

“Every Day is Saturday” by Sarah Copeland, $19.46 on Amazon

Amazon

Wife, mother, and award-winning author Sarah Copeland came to the realization that Saturday didn’t have to be the only stress-free cooking day of the week. Featuring over 100 recipes paired with stunning photographs, Copeland’s latest cookbook will help you keep the fam satisfied will simple, healthy eats every day for every meal whether it’s drinks, snacks (how about lemon and honey tahini toast in only five minutes?), or a no-hassle taco spread.Buy Now

“Feeding a Family” by Sarah Waldman, $14.47 on Amazon

Amazon

Whether you have a hungry baby or a hangry teenager, “Feeding a Family” has you covered with 100 recipes and 40 full meal ideas for weeknight feasting. The emphasis here is on healthy food that is fun, flavorful, and seasonal from make-ahead summer skewers to one-pot slurpee noodle bowls ideal for those cold winter months.Buy Now

“Milk Street: Tuesday Nights” by Christopher Kimball, $23.79 on Amazon

Amazon

If your family is keen on global eats, let “Milk Street” be your culinary passport. Forget those boring weeknight stalwarts. While Chef Christoper Kimball doesn’t shy away from the familiar favorites, there’s always a twist: Meatballs are of the Vietnamese variety while chocolate pudding is given a nutty kick with the addition of tahini. With a number of options in the 30 minutes or less category, you’re sure to get plenty of mileage out of this James Beard award winner.Buy Now

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Macy’s Just Kicked Off a Crazy Summer Black Friday Sale

Macy’s is the newest retailer to begin offering crazy summer discounts, introducing its new promotion called Black Friday in July Specials. Running now through July 14, you can score amazing deals on hundreds of products at Macy’s, rivaling its Thanksgiving Black Friday sales.

We’ve rounded up our favorite kitchen products from Macy’s Summer Black Friday sales below that you won’t want to miss! Make sure to enter the code DEAL at checkout in order to get the lowest price.

Read More: Not a Drill—The Cult Annual All-Clad ‘Damaged Packaging’ Sale Is On | The Best Prime Day Deals for 2019

KitchenAid 5-Qt Architect Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Available in matte pistachio or cocoa silver, this KitchenAid stand mixer not only is incredibly useful but will also make a great new addition on your countertop. With 10 speeds to choose from, you will be able to tackle any and all mixing needs more quickly and easily with this KitchenAid stand mixer. Now on sale for $229.99, this piece is a great investment for any avid home cook. 

KitchenAid 5-Qt Architect Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, $229.99 at Macy's

Originally $474.99.

Buy Now

Tools of the Trade Frying Pan Set

This frying pan set comes will be a useful addition to any kitchen, complete with three nonstick pans in various sizes: one 8-inch pan, one 9-inch pan, and one 11-inch pan. Whether you’re making pancakes, scrambling eggs, or making some fried rice, these pans will come in handy any time.

Tools of the Trade 8 inch, 9 inch & 11 inch Fry Pan Set, $19.99 at Macy's

Originally $44.99.

Buy Now

Pyrex 8-Piece Mixing Bowl Set

This set of four durable glass Pyrex bowls comes complete with lids, making them double as perfect storage containers. These all-purpose bowls come in a variety of sizes and are also microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

Pyrex 8-Piece Mixing Bowl Set, $19.99 at Macy's

Originally $47.99.

Buy Now

Ninja Blender & Food Processor

This high powered blender truly does it all, giving you the ability to crush ice into snow, blend up fruit and veggies, mix up dough, and more. This deal comes complete with a single-serve blending cup, a 72-ounce pitcher, and a 64-ounce bowl so you can either host a frozen margarita party or make a smoothie for one.

Ninja Mega Kitchen System Blender & Food Processor, $159.99 at Macy's

Originally $249.99.

Buy Now

Crux Digital Air Fryer

This air convection fryer enables you to grill, roast, bake, or air fry with its eight different preset options. Whether you’re making french fries, a loaf of bread, or some crispy chicken wings, everyone will have a blast using this easy air fryer.

Crux 5.3-Qt. Digital Air Convection Fryer, $84.99 at Macy's

Originally $144.99.

Buy Now

Don’t forget to enter the code DEAL at checkout in order to ensure you’re getting the lowest price on all of Macy’s Summer Black Friday sales, valid now through July 14.

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Asian Coleslaw

Quick and delicious, this Asian coleslaw is great with burgers, fish, or any Asian-inspired dish. A creamy dressing with peanut butter and rice vinegar brings it all together.

Continue reading "Asian Coleslaw" »

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French Recipes for a Bastille Day Picnic

We have a love affair with France’s creamy and crumbly cheeses, crusty baguettes with their soft centers, and swoon-worthy fragrant sauces, not to mention their many stunning desserts, from the complicated to the delightfully casual (clafoutis, we’re looking at you). So we hardly need another reason to make some tantalizing French food, but come July 14, we have one: France’s Independence Day celebration, Bastille Day. Also known as Le Quatorze Juillet (the 14th of July) and La Fête Nationale (the national celebration) in Francophone countries, this day commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution, and is a great excuse to pack up a French-inspired picnic. (It also happens to be Grand Marnier Day, in case you want to make an orange-accented cocktail to bring along.)

There are plenty of French dishes you could make to honor the holiday (Salmon en Croûte, Chocolate Soufflé, and Potato-Leek Soup to name a few), but since it’s summer, here are some lighter, travel- (and heat-) friendly dishes ideal for dining in le parc.

French Green Bean Salad

Chowhound

Haricot verts are such a tender, delicate-tasting variety of the green beans you see flooding the farmers markets in the summer. Toss them with a top shelf Dijon, shallots, garlic, and capers, and you’ve got a sophisticated side dish for a French picnic. Get our French Green Bean Salad recipe.

Related Reading: The Cutest Coolers for Summer | Perfect Picnic Baskets for Taking Everywhere

Ham and Camembert Baguette Sandwich

Chowhound

A halved sweet baguette spread with fresh fig jam, topped with salty ham and creamy Camembert cheese, and garnished with spicy arugula is a perfectly balanced sandwich for any day, but it’s especially fitting for Bastille Day. Get our Ham and Camembert Baguette Sandwich recipe.

Duxelles (Mushroom Paste)

Chowhound

Duxelles spread on top of crostini make a perfect picnic snack that’s simple and packed with the umami earthiness of the French countryside. There’s not much to it, but make sure you don’t over-blend. Little chunks are good, and don’t forget to top it with slices of your favorite French cheese. Get our Duxelles recipe.

Related Reading: The Best Food Souvenirs to Bring Back from France (or Order Online)

Salade Niçoise Sandwich

To add a little variety to your spread, include a healthy fish sandwich in the mix. Inspired by the classic French salad, this one has caper mayonnaise serving as a briny base that pairs traditional niçoise ingredients such as olives, red onion, and hard-cooked eggs with ahi tuna fillets. If you’re a vegetarian, no problem. Thanks to the addition of protein-rich eggs, this dish is hearty enough without the tuna. Get our Salade Niçoise Sandwich recipe.

Carrot Slaw

Chowhound

Tangy, crunchy carrot slaw would be a simple French side dish for all that bread and cheese. A good country-style Dijon, chives, parsley, and orange zest provide complexity to the shaved carrots. Get our Carrot Slaw recipe.

French Ham and Cheese Quick Bread

Chowhound

Make a quick bread and savor the slices dotted with ham and olives as you sprawl out on the blanket at the park. Simplicity is sweet. Get our French Ham and Cheese Quick Bread recipe.

French Lentil Terrine with Savory Carrot Custard

Little jars of carrot custard topped with lentils, zucchini, leeks, and chèvre are a mini meal on their own, and an impressive dish to serve at brunch, or of course, on a picnic. Get our French Lentil Terrine with Savory Carrot Custard recipe.

Weck Tulip Jars, 6 for $23.81 on Amazon

The fluted shape of these jelly jars is particularly pretty, but any small jar will do.

Buy Now

French Macarons with White Chocolate Ganache

Chowhound

End your picnic on a sweet note with colorful white chocolate macarons. Even though these are one of the more difficult French pastries to master, Bastille Day is just the reason you need to push your baking boundaries. Bon appétit! Get our French Macarons with White Chocolate Ganache recipe.

Chocolate Pots de Crème

Chowhound

If macarons seem too daunting, make these easy pots de crème—individual servings of rich chocolate pudding, basically. As long as you wrap them well so they’re totally water-tight and don’t jostle your cooler too much, you can tote them along anywhere. Get our Chocolate Pots de Crème recipe.

Related Video: Expert Tips & Tricks for Mastering Macarons

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13 Summer Host & Hostess Gifts People Will Actually Want

Summertime means you’ll be enjoying the company of your friends and family at BBQs, al fresco dinner parties, poolside hang seshes filled with snacks, and even the occasional fancy dinner soiree highlighting the season’s best produce. But rather than bringing the usual block of cheese or bouquet of flowers that’s on sale at your grocery store, with a little planning (AKA the help of this list) you can score a pretty unique gift for those people in your life who offer you their warm hospitality.

Year & Day All Day & Night Dip Dishes, 4 for $26 at Year & Day 

Year & Day

This sophisticated set of four, low-edged, multi-purpose bowls can be used right away by your friends or family for sharing nuts, olives, hummus, skordalia, that tzatziki dip everyone goes crazy for, oils, or even plain old salt and pepper.Buy Now

House of Lilac Dried Flower Bouquet, $45 at House of Lilac

House of Lilac

The summer heat can be taxing on a bouquet of flowers, but not if they’ve already been expertly dried out. These beautiful bouquets will last in your host or hostess’s home much longer than the bunch from your corner bodega…in fact, the gathering of fresh eucalyptus and statice (which dry out on their own), preserved ruscus, broom bloom, and ammobium will last forever.Buy Now

Read More: The Creamy Garlic Potato Side That Will Make You Forget About Potato Salad

Black Seed Bagels, $65 on Goldbelly

Goldbelly

Honestly, what’s better and more universally well-loved than a bagel? You can pretty much guarantee any host or hostess will be insanely appreciative of some good old-fashioned carbs, especially if they’re from one of NYC’s most beloved bagel spots, Black Seed Bagels. When you order on Goldbelly, which ships nationwide, your giftee will receive a dozen bagels of your choosing, plus ½ pound of double smoked salmon and 1 pound of cream cheese for the ultimate bagel and lox party.Buy Now

Coolin Curve Wine Bucket, $42.71 on Amazon

Amazon

Most ice buckets are built upright, which can present a problem for any host or hostess that wants to quickly chill a bottle of Champagne poolside. Enter the Coolin’ Curve, an innovative and easy-to-carry ice bucket that will cover and evenly chill your entire bottle—whether it’s Korbel or Dom—from cork to heel. Bonus: The thick plastic design of the Coolin Curve also prevents the sweaty mess produced with metal buckets on a scorching hot summer day.Buy Now

Mas Codina Cava Brut Reserva Magnum, $30 at K&L Wine Merchants

“I would suggest always bringing bubbles to your host/ess, and you can really get a ‘wow’ factor when it’s a large format,” says Amy Racine, Wine Director at The Times Square EDITION. “One of my favorites for about $30 retail is Mas Codina Cava Brut Reserva magnum. It’s a smaller winery in Spain that hand turns all of their bottles while they age at the winery for two years before release, even their magnums. It’s a great value for such a hands-on, small winery. It’ll be great to bring to any sort of shower, formal dinner party, birthday, or even a picnic because it’s so citrusy, bright, and refreshing,” she adds.Buy Now

Read More: Easy Recipes to Bring to Any & Every Summer Party

Swan Shaped Cocktail Glass, $54 at Walmart

Walmart

Amy’s colleague Salvatore Tafuri, Bar Director at The Times Square EDITION, knows a thing or two about unique glassware. The Sicilian native turned New York bar man uses glassware from designers like Martin Jakobson from the Czech Republic to wow guests in the four different bars he oversees at the property. Like Tarufi’s cocktails, Jakobsen’s glass creations are just as innovative as they are stunning—case in point, this swan-shaped cocktail glass that is sure to spark immediate intrigue and conversation amongst any recipient. Buy Now

LovePop Summer Greeting Cards, $13+ at LovePop

Love Pop

A greeting card may seem like the most basic b*tch gift you can bring along to say thanks for the hospitality, but not when you consider the gorgeous 3D pop-up versions from LovePop. There’s an entire summer collection, plus 400 fun designs to choose from—everything from a flower basket design to a greeting card hiding a pop-up Star Wars TIE Fighter.Buy Now

Amazonian Fiber Tray IX, $79 at Maison Numen

Maison Numen

“These Amazonian trays are a must piece when giving a host/ess gift; they are full of culture and heritage,” says Jessica Macias, founder of Maison Numen. The trays are handwoven by the men of the Ye’kwana people (living in the Venezuelan Amazon) in tirite fiber, she notes. “Their weaving techniques and motifs are very much appreciated for their rich cultural identity. These trays can be used as a decorative piece, hung on a wall, or even to serve bites or fruits,” she says.Buy Now

Radiant Rare Decanter, $45 at Uniek Living

Uniek Living

The geometric shape of this mouth-blown crystal decanter resembles the facets of a diamond, so you know your recipient will be blown away. The decanter can obviously stand tall, but it’s also able to sit on its side—and it won’t leak a drop of your precious wine or favorite spirit.Buy Now

SeedSheets, $14.54 at Home Depot

Home Depot

These mini herb gardens can grow virtually anywhere—even a tiny NYC studio apartment. With text alerts to remind you when to water and nurture, your host or hostess doesn’t even need a green thumb to enjoy the wide variety of organic, non-GMO favorites—sweet basil, dill, and cilantro or even a set that includes three different kinds of basil.Buy Now

2016 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, price & availability varies on Saucey

You’re probably already familiar with Insignia, the highly coveted wine from the family-owned Napa Valley winery Joseph Phelps, but their cab—with notes of fig, vanilla, and baking spices—is also a crowd pleaser that serves as *the* perfect impress-your-friends-with-your-red-wine-knowledge bottle to bring along to a dinner party, especially if you’re enjoying a summer pork roast.Buy Now

Write to Me Recipes Passed Down Journal, $44.95 at Write to Me

Write to Me

This handsome journal serves as a way to pass down and compile your favorite recipes from friends, family, and even random strangers. With each page structured with the name of the recipe, its origins, tips, ingredients, and instructions, it makes for a thoughtful and somewhat on the nose gift for a Recipe Swap Party, but also just because.Buy Now

Linnea’s Lights Lavender Gift Set, $90 at Linnea’s Lights

Linnea’s Lights

This woman-owned fragrance company already makes quality two wick soy candles that rival those fancy pants Jo Malone versions at just $34 a pop (peep the Cashmere candle, which also makes a great gift). One of their best values though—filled with summer scents—is their beautifully packaged (read: no gift wrap required!) Lavender Gift Set which includes a large candle, a votive, a reed diffuser, and even a wick trimmer to keep your flame going strong.Buy Now

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Dinner, Made Easy: Meet Relish

Are you suffering from dinner overwhelm? Tough to find time to pull it all off? Well then, you're going to love Relish, a new way to shop for groceries by recipe and have them delivered right to your door!

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The Friday Buzz: Yoga, T-Rex Races, and Tamarind Margaritas!

Here's our roundup of all good things, good advice, good feelings. It’s the happy hour of blog posts! Up this week: Yoga, T-Rex Races, Tamarind Margaritas, and more!

Continue reading "The Friday Buzz: Yoga, T-Rex Races, and Tamarind Margaritas!" »

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Hemingway Daiquiri

The Hemingway Daiquiri is a little tart and sweet, and (yes!) sophisticated. Named after ol' Ernest, it's made with white rum, lime and grapefruit juices, and maraschino liqueur.

Continue reading "Hemingway Daiquiri" »

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