THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, AND INDIE BESTSELLER
A BON APPETIT BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR • A FOOD NETWORK BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR • NATIONAL POST BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR • AN AOL BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS TO GIFT BY THE STRATEGIST, TASTING TABLE, AND FORBES
RECIPES FOR BUSY PEOPLE WHO LOVE GOOD FOOD
With three little boys less than two years apart and a packed schedule as an online creator, Caroline Chambers often doesn’t feel like cooking. Can you relate? When you just can’t motivate yourself in the kitchen, this is the simple cookbook you should reach for.
Inspired by Caro’s wildly popular Substack newsletter of the same name, What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking is brimming with efficient recipes that take the guesswork out of dinner—in fact, each one is a complete meal: protein, veg, starch, done! The recipes are organized by the amount of time they take to cook, so whether you have 15 minutes to throw together Peanutty Pork and Brussels or a little bit longer to simmer Turkey Bolognese with Sneaky Veggies, dinnertime is totally doable. On top of that, Caro gives you more ways to choose, so you can search by protein (Chicken thighs waiting in the fridge? Make White Chicken Chili. Nothing but beans in the pantry? Cannellini Caprese with Burrata is it!) or mood (Tomato Farrotto is perfect for a cozy craving, and Crunchy Honey Harissa Fish Tacos are an excellent way to show off). Most importantly, these recipes include Caro’s famously extensive swaps, riffs, tips, shortcuts, and more to be sure they work best for you, helping you save money, improvise, and even learn a thing or two. They don’t compromise quality or flavor—and they deliver every time. With as few ingredients, steps, and, of course, dirty dishes as possible, dinner awaits!
Perfect for beginners and those seeking easy cookbooks for simple meals, What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking is the ultimate “I don’t want to cook” cookbook. With its focus on efficient, flavorful recipes and minimal ingredients, this easy dinner cookbook appeals to time-constrained parents, working professionals, and anyone who craves delicious homemade meals without the fuss. Readers seeking uncomplicated cookbooks for beginners will appreciate Caroline Chambers’ approachable style, clever shortcuts, and flexible recipe options, making this book a go-to resource for satisfying meals on even the most exhausting days.
From the Publisher
EASY & ELEGANT STEAK SALAD
CHEATER CHICKEN TINGA TOSTADAS
ROASTED SALMON & ASPARAGUS
SMASHBURGER SAMMIES
ONE-SKILLET CHICKEN & PESTO RICE
PESTO MEATBALLS WITH TOMATO SALAD & LABNEH
RATATOUILLE LASAGNA
Publisher : Union Square & Co.
Publication date : August 13, 2024
Language : English
Print length : 272 pages
ISBN-10 : 1454952717
ISBN-13 : 978-1454952718
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 8.2 x 0.9 x 10.1 inches
Annie –
Probably the best cookbook Iâve ever used
I am not even joking when I say that this is probably the best cookbook purchase Iâve ever made. My partner agrees, and maybe loves it even more than me. We are a very busy couple, especially during the week, and I work long hours as an RN. We both love to cook, but have a difficult time fitting in complex recipes that taste good to our schedule. Since we purchased this book, this has no longer been an issue.The book is broken up into categories â not based on types of food â but how long it takes to cook that meal. This has been a game-changer for us for choosing weeknight meals. The instructions on each recipe are concise, simple, and offer additional explanations in the margins for parts that may be confusing, or can be substituted.Her ingredient lists are not long, and are all easy to find in local supermarkets. This is a huge plus for us. Her meals are simple and easy, but in no way lacking in deliciousness and creativity. We are intermediate cooks, but most recipes would be easy even for beginners. We have made several recipes from What to cook when you donât feel like cooking, and every single one has been amazing, and something weâd make again. Would highly recommend this book to everyone who loves to cook, but doesnât have a lot of time to do it.
Alyssa Jones –
So easy to make and delicious
I have now gifted this book to at least three people and cook with it weekly. I canât believe how easy the recipes are and how delicious they turn out. my entire family loves them and sheâs not kidding when she says when you donât feel like cooking because thatâs me almost every night. This book has made it so much easier!
Nikki –
Excellent recipes!
I love this cookbook. Delicious recipes of food you actually want to eat on a weeknight. Each recipe is a complete meal which I appreciate so much as having to figure out sides is always so much extra work. The instructions are clear, the photos for each recipe look great, and there’s plenty of options for substitutions so you can customize everything to your tastes. I would give more than 5 stars if I could!
Madeline winn –
Cookbook
I am obsessed with this book! We use it for most of our meals since we have a hard time deciding what to eat!
Mary B –
LOVE
I love this cookbook! I just got it and have read it cover to cover. I made the White Chicken Chili today and am in LOVE! It is the best chili of any kind that myself, my husband and daughter have ever had. Hands down. I have 6 more recipes to try next week. Carolyn makes it easy and with several options to use what you have on hand. This would be a great gift!
LShepp –
A MAMA’S SECRET TOOL IN HER TOOLBOX
As a working mama this has SAVED us for meal times and even meal trains! It has become a go-to in my mom friendship circles to create quality, DELICIOUS but most of all SIMPLE meals. Cant recommend enough.
Sal M –
Great gift
Great gift for Motherâs Day
Amazon Customer –
Game changer!
The best purchase of 2025 so far. I always like to start the new year with a new cookbook during the dreary winter months. Weâve loved most everything from this book and itâs all Iâve been cooking with!Included are photos of: turkey burgers, taco salad, chicken fajitas, creamy pork & mushrooms, grilled pork with creamy pesto, and the pizza insalatta.Have also done the rib eye, pickle chicken sandwiches, peanut chop salad, bolognese, pork Marbella and Iâm sure more. All excellent. Really easy recipes that have changed my mind around cooking.
K. Schreck –
For anyone trying to cook less meat (or none at all), this cookbook simply won’t work. Looking through the recipes, about 80-85% use meat or fish of some kind. It’s such a shame, I really wanted to love it.
Linda D –
Gave it as a gift & they love it. Nice & easy recipes.
mathias widtskiold –
Bought this book for my 23 year old daughter who needed inspiration what to cook for herself and she loves it and the tasty recipes within.
Ben Kennedy –
This has quickly become one of the heaviest rotation cookbooks in our house! So tasty and easy, recipes are good right off the page and require very little help which I canât say for all cookbooks