Preppy Kitchen: Recipes for Seasonal Dishes and Simple Pleasures (A Cookbook)

I purchased Preppy Kitchen: Recipes for Seasonal Dishes and Simple Pleasures by John Kanell as a Christmas gift for my wife, and it has been a big hit. She’s followed him online for quite a while and absolutely loves his recipes, so this book was an easy choice—and it did not disappoint. The book itself is beautifully put together, with high-quality pages, great photography, and a layout that makes the recipes easy to follow. Everything feels polished but not intimidating. The photos are inspiring without feeling unrealistic, which actually makes you want to cook from it instead of just flipping through. What really stands out is how approachable the recipes are. They feel elevated and flavorful, but still practical for home cooking. My wife has already flagged several dishes to make and has cooked a few since getting the book. The recipes strike a great balance between being impressive enough for entertaining and realistic enough for weeknight meals. We also love how the book is seasonally focused, which makes it easy to find ideas based on what’s fresh and available. There are helpful tips throughout that make the cooking process smoother, especially for home cooks who want to improve without feeling overwhelmed. Overall, this cookbook was a fantastic gift and is already getting regular use in our kitchen. If you enjoy John Kanell’s content online or are looking for a cookbook that combines great flavors, clear instructions, and beautiful presentation, this one is absolutely worth adding to your collection. It’s a book you’ll actually cook from—not just admire on the shelf.

Like many of us buying this cookbook we first became aware of John Kanell on his youtube channel "The Preppy Kitchen". I have become a frequent visitor on youtube to many different chefs and their wonderful recipes. But I truly like both John's recipes and the easy, friendly way he prepares his recipes. Very instructive and you learn a lot about cooking and baking in general. It was no shock to read that he was a science teacher before taking up this new career. He does explain at times the actual chemistry involved with specific ingredients that make a recipe a success. His recipe creations reflect both his Greek and Latin heritage. A sort of fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors to elevate and transform traditional recipes into his own unique and delicious creations. He is very talented and instructive on his youtube channel and this book is no different. I love that is organized into Seasons. He creates recipes that utilize various fruits and vegetables that are often harvested and available in those seasons. Also, the recipes reflect the kinds of foods we often like during certain times of the year. Wonderful soups and other comfort food type dishes for Fall and Winter. With the Spring and Summer sections of the book delivering lighter delicious recipes including salads and fruit dishes we tend to eat more of during the warmer seasons. I have a lot of cookbooks and this one is truly a keeper with carefully thought out delicious recipes that are sure hits to serve to family and friends. I am making a Christmas eve dinner for some friends and all the recipes are straight out of John's book Can't wait! Well done Mr. Kanell!

I’m a college student that is studying Culinary Arts this book helps me with different types of dishes and recipes. John Kanell’s Preppy Kitchen is such a gem not just for the beautiful photos and elegant layout, but for how approachable and comforting every recipe feels. The dishes are seasonal, flavorful, and easy to follow, even for home cooks who want to add a little sophistication to their everyday meals. I especially loved the Mini Seafood Gratins with Garlic Bread Crumbs it came out golden, creamy, and full of flavor! The tips and tricks throughout the book are super helpful, and John’s friendly tone makes it feel like you’re cooking alongside him.💛

Wonderful instructions. Fun recipes. He is terrific.

John Kanell can be a bit overbearing at times like an over enthusiastic grade school teacher whose audience is 4th graders. However, if you have watched his Youtube channel you have seen him break down what most of us assumed was complex creations into easily reproduced, amazingly flavorful, and fine dining appearing cuisine. This cookbook is interestingly arranged by season and contains beautiful pictures and nicely detailed intructions and ingredient lists. The book also has some history and stories which help in getting to know the man behind the recipes. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because I found the recipe portion of the book to be in a print size that is too small. The instructional text is fine but the ingredient lists are in too small of print in my opinion.

Watch this guy on Youtube - he makes great cakes, treats and main dishes and they are super easy to make

Love John Kanell. I enjoy watching his cooking shows and I thoroughly enjoy his cookbooks. He’s a spectacular chef and has excellent teaching skills. I gave everyone in the family his cookbooks for Christmas.

Excellent cookbook. Pictures with every recipe, so you know what it looks like. Book lays flat when you open it. I'm going to order his other book.

Mi cocinero favorito todo queda como dice la receta

Love this book. Beautiful illustrations with easy to follow recipes. Breath of fresh air after some mundane cook books

Fáciles de hacer, excelentes para disfrutar de la cocina y platos para degustar placenteramente !!

Recommended for everyone!