Smitten Kitchen Every Day: Triumphant and Unfussy New Favorites

Blogger and cookbook author Perelman (The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook) found she had to modify her approach to mealtime to accommodate a young, hungry family. This cookbook is her attempt to inspire herself and others to take a relaxed yet celebratory approach to feeding our families. The result is a joyous cookbook filled with delectable, creative possibilities for every meal. Main-dish recipes include miso maple ribs with roasted scallions; chicken and rice, street-cart style; and meatballs marsala with egg noodles. Even salads, the afterthought of many a meal, are given some sparkle with options such as a smashed cucumber salad with salted peanuts and wasabi peas and a Sushi Takeout Cobb Salad finished with the carrot-based dressing made famous in American sushi restaurants. Vegetarians and omnivores alike will be tempted by the vegetable-centric main dishes Perelman offers, which include a Parmesan Dutch Baby (pancake) with creamed mushrooms, dry-rub sweet potato steaks with green bean slaw, and an artichoke and Parmesan galette. Desserts are Perelman’s forte and her recipes include a chocolate pecan slab pie, a chocolate peanut butter ice box cake, and a brilliant primer for creating party cakes for any occasion. Perelman’s latest is packed with tempting, well-written recipes that promise delicious meals for the whole family. Agent: Alison Fargis, Stonesong. (Oct.)