The Woks of Life: Recipes to Know and Love from an American Chinese Family

“Food is never just about the recipe; it’s also about how you enjoy it, share it, and pass it on,” according to the heartfelt debut cookbook from the Leung family, creators of the Woks of Life blog. Inspired by modern convenience and the family’s Chinese heritage, the recipes draw on parents Judy and Bill’s restaurant experience, as well as sisters Sarah and Kaitlin’s ability to devise shortcuts and quick meals. Readers will appreciate the hacks to simplify prep work; for example, dan dan noodles can be made with a premixed sauce, while the key to creamy Old Shanghai potato salad lies in adding vanilla ice cream, one tablespoon at a time. The family’s homemade chili oil—a recipe also featured in the book—adds a kick to numerous dishes, including a tender Hong Kong beef brisket in a rich, clear broth, and a “sour spicy” Napa cabbage salad. QR codes link to demonstration videos, and the guide to necessary cooking tools will help those with less experience cooking Chinese dishes. This enlightening guide will have home cooks eager to test their skills and share their efforts with loved ones. (Nov.)