My new rule for buying cookbooks

And why toast is an acceptable dinner.

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A look back at February and March—what I ate, made, and read.

🥬 Cooking

After coming to the same realization I did years ago when I began reading novels in earnest—that most published books are bad—I have a new rule. I must check out a cookbook from the library before purchasing it myself.

One of the only cookbooks that has passed this test is Big Vegan Flavor by Nisha Vora (of Rainbow Plant Life). I made the coconut braised tofu (though I charred cabbage and braised that, too). I served it over rice, and it was fabulous. I made her muhamarra, too, with a stack of Jimmy Nardello peppers from Farm to People, which reminded me that peeling the skin off roasted peppers is the worst kitchen chore! The dip was a great use of homemade breadcrumbs.

The muhammara inspired a week of “toasts” and grilled cheeses on a loaf of Librae Bakery’s olive and parmesan sourdough. I made a grilled cheese with the muhammara, gruyere, and sauerkraut that I am still thinking about.

Another standout dinner was the masa dumpling black bean soup from the Q1 Rancho Gordo Bean Club shipment. I had never made anything like this before—the dumplings were so easy, and the blended masa water was brilliant. Next time, I’ll make the dumplings bite-sized instead of the suggested ping-pong ball. I think it needed cilantro and a lime squeeze (cotija and avocado would push it over the edge!).

I hooked my husband on Traitors, the ridiculous reality TV competition show, and we hosted a finale watch party for our friends. We took it easy on ourselves and ordered delivery pizza, but I couldn’t resist making something, so I made Alison Roman’s tiramisu from NYT Cooking. God, what a perfect dessert! I followed the recipe as written, though I borrowed a few tablespoons of Kahlua from Eric, as I didn’t want to buy a whole bottle of rum or cognac.