Cravings

Even the most celebrity-cookbook-skeptical reader will find it hard not to enjoy this tome from supermodel Chrissy Teigen. With self-deprecating wit and down-to-earth charm, Teigen posits herself as an enthusiastic home cook and passionate eater (with, of course, a day job that has her sampling the world’s best restaurants on the regular). Thankfully, she leaves highbrow pretension and health food snobbery to other lifestyle gurus. Indeed, she more closely calls to mind chef-authors Christina Tosi and Dale Talde, with her irreverent attitude and fondness for all things junk-food-y (check out the French toast casserole topped with salted Frosted Flakes or the artichoke, spinach, and buffalo chicken mashup dip). Amid the hybrids and hot sauce are some truly interesting culinary ideas (Stove Top Stuffing–crusted pork chops, charred broccoli with garlic bread crumbs), along with traditional Thai recipes care of her mother Pepper. It’s to Teigen’s credit that she has fun with the recipes but never makes them sound easier than they are—otherwise it might be very difficult to accept Hawaiian pizza jalapeño poppers from a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl. Photos. [em](Feb.) [/em]