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Good Enough: A Cookbook: Embracing the Joys of Imperfection and Practicing Self-Care in the Kitchen
You’ve got this!
Good enough is a cookbook, but it’s as much about the healing process of cooking as it is about delicious recipes. It’s about acknowledging the fears and anxieties many of us have when we get in the kitchen, then learning to let them go in the sensory experience of working with food. It’s about slowing down, honoring the beautiful act of feeding yourself and your loved ones, and releasing the worries about whether what you’ve made is good enough. It is.
A generous mix of essays, stories, and nearly 100 dazzling recipes, Good Enough is a deeply personal cookbook. It's subject is more than Smoky Honey Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Fennel Slaw or Sticky Toffee Cookies; ultimately it's about learning to love and accept yourself, in and out of the kitchen.
Good enough is a cookbook, but it’s as much about the healing process of cooking as it is about delicious recipes. It’s about acknowledging the fears and anxieties many of us have when we get in the kitchen, then learning to let them go in the sensory experience of working with food. It’s about slowing down, honoring the beautiful act of feeding yourself and your loved ones, and releasing the worries about whether what you’ve made is good enough. It is.
A generous mix of essays, stories, and nearly 100 dazzling recipes, Good Enough is a deeply personal cookbook. It's subject is more than Smoky Honey Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Fennel Slaw or Sticky Toffee Cookies; ultimately it's about learning to love and accept yourself, in and out of the kitchen.
288 pages, Paperback
Published January 11, 2022
95 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Leanne Brown
10 books36 followersLeanne Brown wrote Good and Cheap as the capstone for her master’s in food studies from New York University. She and her husband live in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 29, 2021
I read this author's other cookbook Good and Cheap: Eat Well On $4/Day and I really did enjoy it.
This one? Not so much. I understand that Ms. Brown under went depression after her last book and my heart goes out to her for that. Depression sucks. Big old monkey balls sucks.
But this is about this book. I just didn't like it. It is supposed to be recipes that you can just cook on those days where you do not want to get out of bed. However, these recipes seem like wayyy too much work for that. I know I'm going to get trolled by some asshole that says you should eat healthy when depression rears it's ugly head. I KNOW that. I just know FOR myself it ain't happening. I want chips and dip, frozen pizza and maybe a grilled cheese.
There is one recipe that I will try in this one though.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
This one? Not so much. I understand that Ms. Brown under went depression after her last book and my heart goes out to her for that. Depression sucks. Big old monkey balls sucks.
But this is about this book. I just didn't like it. It is supposed to be recipes that you can just cook on those days where you do not want to get out of bed. However, these recipes seem like wayyy too much work for that. I know I'm going to get trolled by some asshole that says you should eat healthy when depression rears it's ugly head. I KNOW that. I just know FOR myself it ain't happening. I want chips and dip, frozen pizza and maybe a grilled cheese.
There is one recipe that I will try in this one though.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
December 26, 2021
I loved the premise of this cookbook but the execution fell flat for me in a few ways. Brown has really written more of a self help book than cookbook, part memoir and part life advice with some recipes too. She writes about being very depressed at times, lonely, too sick from morning sickness to want to eat, not having the energy to cook, and issues like this. She does well at telling her own story and somewhat well in giving advice about loving yourself, taking care of yourself and how to keep going in the kitchen.
There are a number of recipes and I didn't find them very helpful for the main point of the book, as many are still rather fiddly. One of the first recipes is for zucchini muffins and she calls for a half cup of ground pistachios in them. You're supposed to grind the pistachios in a food processor and measure until you get a half cup. I was out already. First of all, I'd have to convert it to gluten free for my family and my husband and I couldn't eat them because we're keto. But even then, I don't want to have to repeatedly grind and measure pistachios for a zucchini muffin recipe in the morning, especially when I'm feeling depressed or not up to cooking! It baffles me that she'd lead with a recipe like this even if it's good. How is that easier than any other recipe?
The aforementioned food issues also ruled this cookbook out almost entirely for our family. Apparently people who are gluten free, keto, diabetic or vegan don't need self care or recipes. The vast majority of these recipes are very heavy on carbs and sugar. There are tons of desserts and there is generally sugar in even the dinner recipes. Even the pepperoni salad is drizzled with honey. Sorry, but all I could think is that this mindset of needing lots of carbs and sugar especially when we're down is part of the reason that more than half of the adults in the U.S. have diabetes or pre-diabetes (many of whom don't even know it). She does include a lot of healthier carbs like quinoa and farro, but these recipes are still off limits for me and they frankly didn't appeal to me.
The essays did have good messages for people who need to learn how to take care of themselves, forgive themselves, etc. but the recipes seem far too complicated for most people who really need them. There were a few lists of things that don't need cooking and can just be put together, and I would have loved an entire cookbook of that sort of thing instead of these recipes. Or even truly simple recipes -- remind people that you can do something like microwave a baked potato and top it with leftovers, or boil up a bag of chickpea pasta with a pound of frozen veggies added to the cooking water towards the end and then toss it with a homemade alfredo by just heating heavy cream, butter and parmesan until thick to make a sauce and have a restaurant worthy dinner in under 20 minutes that will feed 8 for under $10. Or mix and match omelets, or how to turn leftovers into curry with a can of coconut milk, a can of tomatoes and spices... I guess when I'm feeling worn down I really need more open-ended and easy recipes. Perhaps this book will be better for those who want inspiration in the form of specifics though.
I do empathize with Brown and wish her all the best. I see the good in her intent, and the recipes seem great for others. They just won't be a big fit for all.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
There are a number of recipes and I didn't find them very helpful for the main point of the book, as many are still rather fiddly. One of the first recipes is for zucchini muffins and she calls for a half cup of ground pistachios in them. You're supposed to grind the pistachios in a food processor and measure until you get a half cup. I was out already. First of all, I'd have to convert it to gluten free for my family and my husband and I couldn't eat them because we're keto. But even then, I don't want to have to repeatedly grind and measure pistachios for a zucchini muffin recipe in the morning, especially when I'm feeling depressed or not up to cooking! It baffles me that she'd lead with a recipe like this even if it's good. How is that easier than any other recipe?
The aforementioned food issues also ruled this cookbook out almost entirely for our family. Apparently people who are gluten free, keto, diabetic or vegan don't need self care or recipes. The vast majority of these recipes are very heavy on carbs and sugar. There are tons of desserts and there is generally sugar in even the dinner recipes. Even the pepperoni salad is drizzled with honey. Sorry, but all I could think is that this mindset of needing lots of carbs and sugar especially when we're down is part of the reason that more than half of the adults in the U.S. have diabetes or pre-diabetes (many of whom don't even know it). She does include a lot of healthier carbs like quinoa and farro, but these recipes are still off limits for me and they frankly didn't appeal to me.
The essays did have good messages for people who need to learn how to take care of themselves, forgive themselves, etc. but the recipes seem far too complicated for most people who really need them. There were a few lists of things that don't need cooking and can just be put together, and I would have loved an entire cookbook of that sort of thing instead of these recipes. Or even truly simple recipes -- remind people that you can do something like microwave a baked potato and top it with leftovers, or boil up a bag of chickpea pasta with a pound of frozen veggies added to the cooking water towards the end and then toss it with a homemade alfredo by just heating heavy cream, butter and parmesan until thick to make a sauce and have a restaurant worthy dinner in under 20 minutes that will feed 8 for under $10. Or mix and match omelets, or how to turn leftovers into curry with a can of coconut milk, a can of tomatoes and spices... I guess when I'm feeling worn down I really need more open-ended and easy recipes. Perhaps this book will be better for those who want inspiration in the form of specifics though.
I do empathize with Brown and wish her all the best. I see the good in her intent, and the recipes seem great for others. They just won't be a big fit for all.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
July 7, 2022
Four Stars.
This is a cookbook with a great message. Sometimes life can be hard, and that can make self-care, including cooking, hard. Some days, as the author says, the best you can do is cold pizza eaten over the sink. If the idea of food and all the shopping and prepping and cooking that goes along with it stresses you out - even on your best days - this could be the book for you.
I love the prep and pantry stocking lists in the front -- they’re so useful for making sure you have a solid foundation for creating any meal. The essays are gold, the TL;DRs on the recipes are supercute, and every picture has a mouthwatering photograph. The recipes are clear and concise, made with basic, easy to obtain ingredients, but they do have varying skill and intensity levels that might not work for every cook every day. For example, I’m not sure that on a “cold pizza over the sink” kind of day that I will feel like putting together a pie crust for the corn chowder quiche. But the rest of the recipe is easy and delicious and probably would be just as great with a store bought crust. Just remember, whatever you make doesn’t need to be perfect, just “Good Enough”. The same goes for you.
I am so grateful to NetGalley and Workman Press for the opportunity to read and review Good Enough.
This is a cookbook with a great message. Sometimes life can be hard, and that can make self-care, including cooking, hard. Some days, as the author says, the best you can do is cold pizza eaten over the sink. If the idea of food and all the shopping and prepping and cooking that goes along with it stresses you out - even on your best days - this could be the book for you.
I love the prep and pantry stocking lists in the front -- they’re so useful for making sure you have a solid foundation for creating any meal. The essays are gold, the TL;DRs on the recipes are supercute, and every picture has a mouthwatering photograph. The recipes are clear and concise, made with basic, easy to obtain ingredients, but they do have varying skill and intensity levels that might not work for every cook every day. For example, I’m not sure that on a “cold pizza over the sink” kind of day that I will feel like putting together a pie crust for the corn chowder quiche. But the rest of the recipe is easy and delicious and probably would be just as great with a store bought crust. Just remember, whatever you make doesn’t need to be perfect, just “Good Enough”. The same goes for you.
I am so grateful to NetGalley and Workman Press for the opportunity to read and review Good Enough.
January 11, 2022
“For many people, cooking feels like an assignment from your least favorite class, which you undertake while dreading the C- you are sure you will receive.”
YES. YES IT DOES.
I’m the default meal planner, grocery shopper, and cook at my house, and it is a constant source of anxiety and stress for me. I hate it. All of it. The planning. The shopping. The stopping whatever I’m in the middle of doing to make dinner. The fear that what I make will be terrible, and I’ll have wasted all that time and energy and food. The worry that we’re not eating enough vegetables or protein or whole grains or whatever and my children will grow up to be fussy adults with scurvy.
But then… I love the actual part where I sit down and eat that dinner with my husband and kids. We have the most ridiculous conversations, and the dog is always under the table, and even if the food is not always the best thing ever, we are all fed and have spent time together. It’s my favorite. So how do I make getting to the sitting down part - the fun part - a less miserable process?
Enter Leanne Brown. I loved her first cookbook, Good and Cheap. She introduced me to the miracle that is smoked paprika on roasted cauliflower, and we use her pierogi recipe all the time. In her new cookbook, Good Enough, she talks about finding her way back to the joyful, enriching aspects of cooking. Learning to acknowledge and work through the stressful and sad parts of life, to care for herself, and to realize that good enough is good enough and that perfection is not required.
Her combination of vulnerability, honesty, and humor (and fantastic recipes!) is inspiring. I loved this book SO SO SO much and will be referring to it often — for recipes and for motivation.
TL;DR
Achievable, clearly-written, delicious recipes with a healthy side of encouragement.
YES. YES IT DOES.
I’m the default meal planner, grocery shopper, and cook at my house, and it is a constant source of anxiety and stress for me. I hate it. All of it. The planning. The shopping. The stopping whatever I’m in the middle of doing to make dinner. The fear that what I make will be terrible, and I’ll have wasted all that time and energy and food. The worry that we’re not eating enough vegetables or protein or whole grains or whatever and my children will grow up to be fussy adults with scurvy.
But then… I love the actual part where I sit down and eat that dinner with my husband and kids. We have the most ridiculous conversations, and the dog is always under the table, and even if the food is not always the best thing ever, we are all fed and have spent time together. It’s my favorite. So how do I make getting to the sitting down part - the fun part - a less miserable process?
Enter Leanne Brown. I loved her first cookbook, Good and Cheap. She introduced me to the miracle that is smoked paprika on roasted cauliflower, and we use her pierogi recipe all the time. In her new cookbook, Good Enough, she talks about finding her way back to the joyful, enriching aspects of cooking. Learning to acknowledge and work through the stressful and sad parts of life, to care for herself, and to realize that good enough is good enough and that perfection is not required.
Her combination of vulnerability, honesty, and humor (and fantastic recipes!) is inspiring. I loved this book SO SO SO much and will be referring to it often — for recipes and for motivation.
TL;DR
Achievable, clearly-written, delicious recipes with a healthy side of encouragement.
November 3, 2021
Being a spoonie myself this book was an immediate read for me, I liked getting the thoughts and feelings behind knowing it is okay to not be okay all the time.
I loved the author’s honesty about what she went thru after her first book. The insights were nice and yet again reassuring that it is ok to sometimes just have a snack plate for meals because that’s all you could handle. Although I do feel some of these recipes require some questionable time and ingredients as far as getting them put together. There are times I know at least for me as well as many others spoonies where even making a sandwich is just too much work.
Luckily I was able to make a few of the recipes all ready and have added some to general rotation. I am thankful that mental health is being brought more into the mainstream and showing how much it can affect every part of your life. I can’t wait to check out more of her cookbooks and hope she never stops being open about how real life isn’t always like a cooking show!
Thanks to NetGalley & Workman Publishing Company for sharing this digital copy ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the author’s honesty about what she went thru after her first book. The insights were nice and yet again reassuring that it is ok to sometimes just have a snack plate for meals because that’s all you could handle. Although I do feel some of these recipes require some questionable time and ingredients as far as getting them put together. There are times I know at least for me as well as many others spoonies where even making a sandwich is just too much work.
Luckily I was able to make a few of the recipes all ready and have added some to general rotation. I am thankful that mental health is being brought more into the mainstream and showing how much it can affect every part of your life. I can’t wait to check out more of her cookbooks and hope she never stops being open about how real life isn’t always like a cooking show!
Thanks to NetGalley & Workman Publishing Company for sharing this digital copy ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 22, 2021
"My intention is for this book to be a gentle hug and a whisper in your ear that you are stronger than you know, and deserve love and care, wherever you are, whoever you are, and no matter what anyone else might have told you."
Leanne Brown (Good Enough)
"Good Enough is a cookbook by Leanne Brown where she shares her struggle with severe depression. This is her personal guide to recovery through comfort foods with easy recipes for days you may not feel like taking care of yourself.
The author gives step-by-step instructions on stocking your refrigerator and pantry so you don't feel overwhelmed by constant trips to the grocery store on days when life is stressful. Leanne gives ideas on how to take care of you and your family by keeping your life/recipes simple, but adding just the right garnish to show love through your cooking. Also, remembering to practice gratitude in daily living.
All the recipes did not fit my taste, but the message of recovery and self love is a beautiful concept. Cooking and life in general is not perfect, but it can be" Good Enough"
Thank you Leanne Brown for the courage to share your beautiful journey with us!. "Good Enough" will be published January 11, 2022.
Thank you NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for my free e-book.
Leanne Brown (Good Enough)
"Good Enough is a cookbook by Leanne Brown where she shares her struggle with severe depression. This is her personal guide to recovery through comfort foods with easy recipes for days you may not feel like taking care of yourself.
The author gives step-by-step instructions on stocking your refrigerator and pantry so you don't feel overwhelmed by constant trips to the grocery store on days when life is stressful. Leanne gives ideas on how to take care of you and your family by keeping your life/recipes simple, but adding just the right garnish to show love through your cooking. Also, remembering to practice gratitude in daily living.
All the recipes did not fit my taste, but the message of recovery and self love is a beautiful concept. Cooking and life in general is not perfect, but it can be" Good Enough"
Thank you Leanne Brown for the courage to share your beautiful journey with us!. "Good Enough" will be published January 11, 2022.
Thank you NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for my free e-book.
February 18, 2022
This book came into my life exactly when I needed it. It's a beautiful mix of heartfelt, thoughtful essays about being better to ourselves and almost 100 recipes - the ones I've tried so far have been delicious.
May 4, 2022
A cookbook about how cooking is actually hard, and how we can build up barriers to cooking. I really like Leanne's previous cookbook, and this one has some great recipes too. And the essays have a lot of food for thought in them.
January 25, 2022
Good Enough is perfect.
I love cooking. It’s one of the few creative activities in my life that snuck in because it’s necessary and productive.
This book helps you to figure out and accept why you might hate cooking some days, why you abandon leftovers (and how to quit doing that) and just basically how to appreciate the very basic task of making sure you eat good food.
I love cooking. It’s one of the few creative activities in my life that snuck in because it’s necessary and productive.
This book helps you to figure out and accept why you might hate cooking some days, why you abandon leftovers (and how to quit doing that) and just basically how to appreciate the very basic task of making sure you eat good food.
February 25, 2024
Can a cookbook make you cry? Can you really read a cookbook? These are all things I never saw as true until this book was recommended to me. If you struggle sometimes to be creative in the kitchen, or even have time to cook, or look at all those decadent recipes online and are like “who has time for that?”, or just need a dose of inspiration sprinkled with a ton of self-care, I highly recommend this book. Even if you don’t use any of the recipes, it will still be good for your soul.
March 10, 2022
Cookbook as self-help book - probably the best cookbook I've ever read. If you have no hang-ups about cooking or feeding yourself or your family, you probably don't need and won't like this cookbook. If you get anxious just thinking about cooking or meal planning, this is the book for you. I want to make so many of these recipes and I'm probably going to end up purchasing this one.
December 19, 2022
Everybody has their comfort food but most of the recipes in here aren’t mine. Even when I’m sick, I have to cook for my family. On bad days, I make quesadillas, breakfast, grilled cheese sandwiches with Campbells soup, cooked pasta with butter & cheese, canned biscuits with homemade sausage gravy, beefy ramen with fried eggs or order in some Chinese or Pizza or Pho.
December 14, 2023
I feel like everyone going off to college should have a copy of this book.
Anyone who has ever felt bad about not having enough energy to make dinner will appreciate the messages in the book, and some of the simpler recipes for rough days.
I would have really appreciated a book like this when I was younger. I'm glad I got around to reading it now.
Anyone who has ever felt bad about not having enough energy to make dinner will appreciate the messages in the book, and some of the simpler recipes for rough days.
I would have really appreciated a book like this when I was younger. I'm glad I got around to reading it now.
March 12, 2022
There is so much to love about this book. While there are certainly some great recipes, some I've tried and some I'm looking forward to trying, it is so much more than a cookbook. The pages are full of stories and inspiration to help you see food in a new light, enjoy food again if you've been depriving yourself of things you enjoy just to maintain your weight. It is the perfect combination of self-care, inspiration, and delicious recipes.
Note: I received a free copy from Workman Publishing in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
Note: I received a free copy from Workman Publishing in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
April 15, 2022
I have never literally sat down and read a cookbook cover to cover, but when I went to flip through and do some meal planning for the week, I decided to skim the intro just to see what see. wtf. “I do get up earlier and go to bed earlier than I would by nature, but it’s a matter of necessity… Lying there in bed, I feel vulnerable, like I will never get enough rest to feel whole. Sometimes the reality that we can’t do everything we dream of, that we can’t connect with everyone, that we can’t solve the world’s injustices— that is sad. And the sad reality of those things tends to come to me in the morning.”
I used Good and Cheap a bunch when I was in college, because it was perfect for my group of foodie housemates who wanted to cook meals together but needed simple, affordable recipes. It was the right book at the right time, and this was also the right book at the right time.
I haven’t actually tried the recipes in this one yet, though I am sure I will soon, so maybe my rating will change, but yeah. This made me feel very not alone in a lot of ways, specifically relating to how I have chosen to center food in my life/as a purpose/means of creating change and connection, and also many of the fears/vulnerabilities/greater concerns about societal issues that are connected to that.
I used Good and Cheap a bunch when I was in college, because it was perfect for my group of foodie housemates who wanted to cook meals together but needed simple, affordable recipes. It was the right book at the right time, and this was also the right book at the right time.
I haven’t actually tried the recipes in this one yet, though I am sure I will soon, so maybe my rating will change, but yeah. This made me feel very not alone in a lot of ways, specifically relating to how I have chosen to center food in my life/as a purpose/means of creating change and connection, and also many of the fears/vulnerabilities/greater concerns about societal issues that are connected to that.
January 12, 2022
Good Enough by Leanne Brown is both more than just a cookbook, and also less than a cookbook for laissez faire cooks like myself. As someone who loves cooking but doesn’t like being bogged down by details, and regularly strays from the recipe, I thoroughly enjoyed the TL;DR notes under each recipe title. Sometimes you just wanna gather the ingredients and wing it without worrying too much about getting the process down to perfection. The Feeling Adventurous notes were right up my alley, as I rarely stick to a recipe, as written. For those that like “by the books” recipes and have the patience to measure and follow step-by-step instructions, no worries, those are also included. As an avid reader of cookbooks, I was pleasantly surprised to see many ideas that I haven’t yet come across. The salad section is exceptional and I can’t wait to try Emily’s Pizza Salad. The Cheesecake Pots look delicious and include staple ingredients that I always have on hand. The memoir portion of this book is great too. I found the anecdotes encouraging and relatable. Oh, and every recipe has a picture, which is a huge deal for me when reading cookbooks. I want to see pictures of all the recipes! I’m excited to go back and read Leanne Brown’s previous cookbook, Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day.
Thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 18, 2022
Good Enough: A Cookbook: Embracing the Joys of Imperfection, in and out of the Kitchen by Leanne Brown is currently scheduled for release on January 4 2022. After writing and launching Good and Cheap, the cookbook with a social purpose that has over 500,000 copies in print, Leanne Brown went into a tailspin. She was burnt out and depressed, and fell into a pattern of using guilt and fear to get herself back into facing the day. Her dream of becoming a cookbook author was turning into a nightmare. Something had to change. What changed, and how, is the journey of Good Enough, a deeply personal cookbook with a profoundly uplifting, relatable message. A generous mix of essays, stories and nearly 100 dazzling recipes, Good Enough is about self-compassion, and knowing it's OK to have a cheese plate for dinner. About the practice of gratitude, and ten breakfasts to start your morning right, like Creamy Hands-Off Scrambled Eggs. About cooking as self-care, and healing your spirit with a comforting Salmon Dinner Pie. About overcoming barriers like social anxiety, and embracing entertaining with Smoky Honey Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Fennel Slaw. About knowing it’s hard but you’re completely worth it—and indulging yourself with My Spicy Umami Noodles. About giving yourself permission to feel great—so go ahead, have another Sticky Toffee Cookie. There are no judgments here. And ultimately, it's about embracing the joy of imperfection to find peace and happiness in and out of the kitchen. Because good enough is great.
Good Enough is a cookbook that embraces mindfulness and kindness, toward ourselves and others. We all have moments of being overwhelmed, burned out, depressed, or just out of it enough that putting in the effort to feed ourselves (and/or our families) seems like it is too much. This book offers a judgement free look at how we can be prepared enough to already have most necessary ingredients around so that we do not have to make an extra trip to the store, and the understanding to know that a dinner of snack like foods is just fine if that is what we want or all that we can handle on any given day. It gives great recipes and tip to make cooking less stressful, and offers readers the sense of forgiveness and kindness that so many of us offer others while failing to provide it for ourselves. The majority of the book is not the recipes, but essays and suggestions for self care and taking care of yourself even when it might feel like it is too much effort. Looking at the last two years, I think this book could be a helpful and interesting read for many. I would have preferred more recipes, preferably with more photographs of the food. I also had some serious issues with formatting in the digital galley- however I am going to hope that formatting will be a non issue with the final version of the book.
Good Enough is a book about self care and kindness towards ourselves, with a selection of recipes and cooking tips to make the process more mindful than stressful.
Good Enough is a cookbook that embraces mindfulness and kindness, toward ourselves and others. We all have moments of being overwhelmed, burned out, depressed, or just out of it enough that putting in the effort to feed ourselves (and/or our families) seems like it is too much. This book offers a judgement free look at how we can be prepared enough to already have most necessary ingredients around so that we do not have to make an extra trip to the store, and the understanding to know that a dinner of snack like foods is just fine if that is what we want or all that we can handle on any given day. It gives great recipes and tip to make cooking less stressful, and offers readers the sense of forgiveness and kindness that so many of us offer others while failing to provide it for ourselves. The majority of the book is not the recipes, but essays and suggestions for self care and taking care of yourself even when it might feel like it is too much effort. Looking at the last two years, I think this book could be a helpful and interesting read for many. I would have preferred more recipes, preferably with more photographs of the food. I also had some serious issues with formatting in the digital galley- however I am going to hope that formatting will be a non issue with the final version of the book.
Good Enough is a book about self care and kindness towards ourselves, with a selection of recipes and cooking tips to make the process more mindful than stressful.
November 1, 2022
"Good Enough?" I'm sold. I love cooking and I find that I have a problem with making sure that my dish is always up to a high quality standard. I'm not competing on a cooking show, I'm not trying to impress some big celebrity, I'm cooking for family and friends - I'm doing something I love for people I love. It doesn't have to be perfect - it just has to be good enough.
And ironically, all I can say about this book is that it's "Good Enough."
Sure, it was an interesting read. It made a lot of good points and I appreciated some of the tips and tricks that I might implement into my own cooking, but there was something missing from this book that is, I think, summarized by one of the final sentences in Ms. Brown's "Final Thought."
"This book is about the joy of imperfection." But... it's not. Not really. There is nothing imperfect about the dishes that she describes. Yes, I definitely marked a few for my own experimentation (mostly the desserts,) but the recipes she lists are sometimes tedious and full of... work. No, that is not a recipe deserving of good enough or simplicity or imperfection. When I think of an imperfect recipe, I think of soups, stews, and chilis; hearty things that I can throw in a pot with meat and veggies and spices and let them simmer; baked chicken that looks like a mess of spices but tastes wonderful; mixed veggies tossed together with a simple dressing; simple and basic foods that aren't expensive.
Bacon and kale risotto with fried eggs; smoky honey shrimp tacos with spicy fennel slaw; the miso salmon taco bowl (which has separate ingredients for the quinoa, the salmon, the homemade dressing, and the salad) - it's all too much. There is no "good enough" in these types of recipes. They take time and care and patience and a lot of energy that most people simply don't have.
If this book was more down to earth, I definitely would have given it five stars. With the recipes it gives, it reads more like any other boring mommy cooking blogger trying her best to make a Gordon Ramsay approved recipe and failing spectacularly.
And ironically, all I can say about this book is that it's "Good Enough."
Sure, it was an interesting read. It made a lot of good points and I appreciated some of the tips and tricks that I might implement into my own cooking, but there was something missing from this book that is, I think, summarized by one of the final sentences in Ms. Brown's "Final Thought."
"This book is about the joy of imperfection." But... it's not. Not really. There is nothing imperfect about the dishes that she describes. Yes, I definitely marked a few for my own experimentation (mostly the desserts,) but the recipes she lists are sometimes tedious and full of... work. No, that is not a recipe deserving of good enough or simplicity or imperfection. When I think of an imperfect recipe, I think of soups, stews, and chilis; hearty things that I can throw in a pot with meat and veggies and spices and let them simmer; baked chicken that looks like a mess of spices but tastes wonderful; mixed veggies tossed together with a simple dressing; simple and basic foods that aren't expensive.
Bacon and kale risotto with fried eggs; smoky honey shrimp tacos with spicy fennel slaw; the miso salmon taco bowl (which has separate ingredients for the quinoa, the salmon, the homemade dressing, and the salad) - it's all too much. There is no "good enough" in these types of recipes. They take time and care and patience and a lot of energy that most people simply don't have.
If this book was more down to earth, I definitely would have given it five stars. With the recipes it gives, it reads more like any other boring mommy cooking blogger trying her best to make a Gordon Ramsay approved recipe and failing spectacularly.
April 19, 2023
I'm not sure how I discovered this cookbook or why I put it on hold at the library. But it came to me at just the right time. I tend to read cookbooks like novels and this is definitely how this one should be read! This cookbook could be easily placed in the self-help section of your bookstore or library as it teaches you self-compassion in the kitchen. And it goes beyond giving yourself grace for a unsuccessful recipe...
Brown shares her own struggles with feeling shame when ordering takeout, not having energy to cook and not feeling like cooking. We've all been there! She suggests giving ourselves permission to do and feel all these things and what to do in the moment so that we take care of ourselves and those feelings.
Two of my favorite parts included:
~Brown's discovery that a perfect day would include a butler following her around and cleaning up and doing everything for her because she is so amazing and deserving of that. Her realization? What if I could be my own Butler? This was a mind-blowing self-care realization for me! She helps you create your own butler, too.
~The term "safe foods" to replace comfort foods to keep them from the stigma of sounding bad or judgmental. Some foods do make us feel better and, for lack of a better word, comforted.
What's more? I wanted to make nearly every recipe in this book. (Or the author encourages us to make our OWN version of it based on what will nurture us.) It was one of the few cookbooks that after returning to the library went straight into my shopping cart.
Brown shares her own struggles with feeling shame when ordering takeout, not having energy to cook and not feeling like cooking. We've all been there! She suggests giving ourselves permission to do and feel all these things and what to do in the moment so that we take care of ourselves and those feelings.
Two of my favorite parts included:
~Brown's discovery that a perfect day would include a butler following her around and cleaning up and doing everything for her because she is so amazing and deserving of that. Her realization? What if I could be my own Butler? This was a mind-blowing self-care realization for me! She helps you create your own butler, too.
~The term "safe foods" to replace comfort foods to keep them from the stigma of sounding bad or judgmental. Some foods do make us feel better and, for lack of a better word, comforted.
What's more? I wanted to make nearly every recipe in this book. (Or the author encourages us to make our OWN version of it based on what will nurture us.) It was one of the few cookbooks that after returning to the library went straight into my shopping cart.
March 22, 2022
Good Enough is the perfect cookbook for anyone whose dishes don’t always turn out perfectly. If we’re honest, there are times that most of us get in a hurry, make a mistake with ingredients, or mess up on timing, so this book is really for everyone. Good Enough is not only a cookbook, but a self-help book that sets out to convince readers that less-than-perfect is good enough and that there is no reason to feel guilt because of it.
Included are helps on organizing, shopping, having a food storage program, feeling less guilt, and other subjects to help make our cooking experience easier and calmer so we don’t feel as stressed. The articles include illustrations which are delightful and colorful, making this a fun book to read, even when not cooking from it.
The best part of the book is the recipes, however, and many are fairly healthy, although there are several mouthwatering desserts that won’t go unnoticed. One of the best things about this cookbook is that there is a beautiful photograph of every recipe, so readers will know how their dishes are supposed to look when finished. Of course, less than perfect is “good enough,” but most of the recipes are quite easy, so most of us will get good to excellent results. The recipes are written in standard form, and are easy to follow.
All told, this cookbook is a bit different, but definitely good for a good read as well as a recipe book. Very fun!
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
Included are helps on organizing, shopping, having a food storage program, feeling less guilt, and other subjects to help make our cooking experience easier and calmer so we don’t feel as stressed. The articles include illustrations which are delightful and colorful, making this a fun book to read, even when not cooking from it.
The best part of the book is the recipes, however, and many are fairly healthy, although there are several mouthwatering desserts that won’t go unnoticed. One of the best things about this cookbook is that there is a beautiful photograph of every recipe, so readers will know how their dishes are supposed to look when finished. Of course, less than perfect is “good enough,” but most of the recipes are quite easy, so most of us will get good to excellent results. The recipes are written in standard form, and are easy to follow.
All told, this cookbook is a bit different, but definitely good for a good read as well as a recipe book. Very fun!
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
January 7, 2022
This book brings to mind the adage 'food is love.' While here it relates mostly to loving ourselves (there's even a recipe for Self-Love Potion), there is just enough narrative dedicated to the ways that sharing food with others is also an expression of love. Entire cookbooks devoted to comfort food exist - I own several - but this book, in and of itself, is comfort, making every recipe within feel like a cozy hug - even the salads. I knew Leanne Brown would be my new kitchen BFF when I read her recipe I Spell Love Q-U-E-S-O. Same, Leanne. Same.
Interspersing heartwarming stories like Harry's Grilled Cheese and fun asides like A Gratitude Practice, How To Make Weekday Lunches More Intentional, and Make Your Own Happy Hour, Brown shows the delicious possibilities in culinary self-care. As a pescetarian, some of my favorite recipes in this collection are the Miso Salmon Taco Bowl, Jalapeno and Honey Biscuits, Sour Cream and Onion Potatoes, and Brunch Gnocchi. I love hot and hearty dips, and the British Beer Cheese is a new favorite. I'm also thrilled to have a few new tricks up my oven mitt to dress up a humble cheese or egg sandwich. With its gentle, encouraging tone, charming illustrations, mouthwatering photos, and simple yet delectable recipes, this cookbook is so much more than "Good Enough" for me.
I received a digital pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I'll be including it in an upcoming book blog post on upcoming releases for foodies. And, loved it so much that I pre-ordered a hard copy for my permanent collection.
Interspersing heartwarming stories like Harry's Grilled Cheese and fun asides like A Gratitude Practice, How To Make Weekday Lunches More Intentional, and Make Your Own Happy Hour, Brown shows the delicious possibilities in culinary self-care. As a pescetarian, some of my favorite recipes in this collection are the Miso Salmon Taco Bowl, Jalapeno and Honey Biscuits, Sour Cream and Onion Potatoes, and Brunch Gnocchi. I love hot and hearty dips, and the British Beer Cheese is a new favorite. I'm also thrilled to have a few new tricks up my oven mitt to dress up a humble cheese or egg sandwich. With its gentle, encouraging tone, charming illustrations, mouthwatering photos, and simple yet delectable recipes, this cookbook is so much more than "Good Enough" for me.
I received a digital pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I'll be including it in an upcoming book blog post on upcoming releases for foodies. And, loved it so much that I pre-ordered a hard copy for my permanent collection.
March 28, 2025
TL;DR:
- Not a great recipe resource
- Great place to learn the basics of storing, buying, and using ingredients
- Great self-help and therapy book
- Great essays to learn to care for yourself with thought challenging, thought reframing, and being patient with yourself.
- Great essays for moms in PPD through shared experiences
- Great essays for people who might be struggling with anxiety & perfectionism.
This book is advertised as a cookbook, but I don't think the recipes are for me. The specific recipes aren't meant for people like me
-or anyone with disabilities/mobility issues, financial restrictions, bad schedules/time limitations, or any allergies/food restrictions.-
I see it mentioned in other reviews as well that many of the recipes are not great for people with mental illness, which is a shame because the essays included in this book are such a good resource for those with mental illness.
As a therapist, I enjoyed the essays as they are realistic applications of techniques and specific mindsets I would try to teach to clients.
- Not a great recipe resource
- Great place to learn the basics of storing, buying, and using ingredients
- Great self-help and therapy book
- Great essays to learn to care for yourself with thought challenging, thought reframing, and being patient with yourself.
- Great essays for moms in PPD through shared experiences
- Great essays for people who might be struggling with anxiety & perfectionism.
This book is advertised as a cookbook, but I don't think the recipes are for me. The specific recipes aren't meant for people like me
-or anyone with disabilities/mobility issues, financial restrictions, bad schedules/time limitations, or any allergies/food restrictions.-
I see it mentioned in other reviews as well that many of the recipes are not great for people with mental illness, which is a shame because the essays included in this book are such a good resource for those with mental illness.
As a therapist, I enjoyed the essays as they are realistic applications of techniques and specific mindsets I would try to teach to clients.
January 18, 2022
I am conflicted on this one, and I looooooove all types of cookbooks. I really like the realistic expectations set forth by the anecdotes and writing part of this. Sometimes, you aren’t looking for great, you are just looking for good enough. And I like that. Nobody is perfect here, we’re all just people… And this book even has a couple of pretty good recipes too. But then there seems to be a bit of a disconnect between the message (just do your best) and the recipes (which frankly… a majority are pretty… unrealistic…) I expected it to be more “Omelet turned accidental scrambled eggs” since that is keeping more with the good enough tone than a “Delicate Dill and Cheddar Omelette”. When I am struggling to be good enough, I am definitely struggling to procure fresh dill and perfectly timed omelets… Some of the content just seems a bit out of touch with the message of the book.
I received an ARC, but my opinions are all mine.
I received an ARC, but my opinions are all mine.
February 8, 2022
Personal and relatable
This is so much more than some recipes. My favorite cookbooks are the ones that have some story in them and aren't just a list of rules and calling it a recipe. I like learning something and feeling better about something...this is a book for those that maybe love the idea of cooking and then don't do it quite so much because of the negative feelings that end up surrounding the reality of it. She writes with such openess and truth and there's so much meaning behind the recipes. She's put thought into them and even if they're not your cup of tea (a few ingredients she loves I don't care so much for), they are inspiring and you can adjust them how you'd like. She gives you the comfort and confidence to do with it what you like; ultimately this book ads up to one big, wonderful pep talk for your life in the kitchen and I will return to it again and again.
This is so much more than some recipes. My favorite cookbooks are the ones that have some story in them and aren't just a list of rules and calling it a recipe. I like learning something and feeling better about something...this is a book for those that maybe love the idea of cooking and then don't do it quite so much because of the negative feelings that end up surrounding the reality of it. She writes with such openess and truth and there's so much meaning behind the recipes. She's put thought into them and even if they're not your cup of tea (a few ingredients she loves I don't care so much for), they are inspiring and you can adjust them how you'd like. She gives you the comfort and confidence to do with it what you like; ultimately this book ads up to one big, wonderful pep talk for your life in the kitchen and I will return to it again and again.
July 27, 2021
The author Leeanne Brown emphasizes "take care of yourself". Even if you're the only one in the house, pamper yourself. The cooking for you doesn't have to be perfect, but you can eat better than simple peanut butter on crackers.
She offers a variety of ways to fix smoothies (she mentions Jamie Stetler who I follow on Instagram), salads, cheese sandwiches and toppings for yogurt. Some pages give a list of things to remember, such as gratitude practices and Make Your Own Happy Hour. Take yourself on a date by setting out a cheese platter.
With many recipes, she includes TL;DR: which stands for "too long; didn't read." This is a perfect summary of the general flow of the steps in cooking the recipe.
The photos1 Yummy photos.
Thanks to Netgalley and Workman Publishing for giving me a preview of this cookbook.
She offers a variety of ways to fix smoothies (she mentions Jamie Stetler who I follow on Instagram), salads, cheese sandwiches and toppings for yogurt. Some pages give a list of things to remember, such as gratitude practices and Make Your Own Happy Hour. Take yourself on a date by setting out a cheese platter.
With many recipes, she includes TL;DR: which stands for "too long; didn't read." This is a perfect summary of the general flow of the steps in cooking the recipe.
The photos1 Yummy photos.
Thanks to Netgalley and Workman Publishing for giving me a preview of this cookbook.
August 16, 2021
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an interesting cook book!
There actually aren't that many recipes in this book. I prefer my recipes to have pictures and not every recipe has a picture in this book, but there's so much more than recipes included! Brown gives advice on life, cooking, and self care. Her words are thoughtful and uplifting. I appreciate that she talks about the cycle of getting leftovers and then not eating them and offers ways to dress them up so they're more appealing. Brown also talks about how taking care of yourself the best way you can is the best way to go and what that can look like.
Some of the recipes are time intensive and there is a surprising amount of meat. Overall an interesting look at how food helps us take care of ourselves and each other.
This is an interesting cook book!
There actually aren't that many recipes in this book. I prefer my recipes to have pictures and not every recipe has a picture in this book, but there's so much more than recipes included! Brown gives advice on life, cooking, and self care. Her words are thoughtful and uplifting. I appreciate that she talks about the cycle of getting leftovers and then not eating them and offers ways to dress them up so they're more appealing. Brown also talks about how taking care of yourself the best way you can is the best way to go and what that can look like.
Some of the recipes are time intensive and there is a surprising amount of meat. Overall an interesting look at how food helps us take care of ourselves and each other.
February 1, 2022
This cookbook was an absolute delight! Part cookbook, part therapy session, and every moment has you sinking deeper and deeper into peaceful bliss. The stories are written very well, and are very relatable, so that any reader can pull different life lessons out of each story. The recipes seem very comforting and down-to-earth, and though i haven't tried every single recipe, the ones I have tried have been delicious! The life lessons in this book are gold - this book will revive your love of food and erase your fear of cooking in the kitchen. Not only that, but it will revive your love of yourself and erase the fears and anxiety that you have in life. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for ways to learn to love cooking and themselves again.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2021
I love how this author tied mental health and food together. This wasn't a cookbook with a ton of recipes but it had delightful insights into mental health and the daily struggle that made it worthwhile. I thought it was really clever how that author had a leftover section that explicitly stated what recipes make good leftovers and how to spruce up the leftovers so they can be eaten. That was great and I wish more cookbooks did that. I already have a few recipes that I really want to try and I am looking forward to making them.
Will update review after a few recipe are tried and tested.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Will update review after a few recipe are tried and tested.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2022
I liked reading the experience of this author and her relationship with food after her daughter was born.
There were lovely snippets of truth and insight that just really spoke to me. I found one or two recipes to try, and I enjoyed the sections about how to love other people by preparing food.
Overall, though, between my needing to avoid gluten and the intricate recipes, I probably found two things to try when I’m feeling very energetic.
I didn’t hate the book, but I also wasn’t holding my breath for a lot of recipes because of my diet restrictions. Would skim it again, for the feeling of knowing someone else experienced struggles in motherhood, but prob not for the recipes.
There were lovely snippets of truth and insight that just really spoke to me. I found one or two recipes to try, and I enjoyed the sections about how to love other people by preparing food.
Overall, though, between my needing to avoid gluten and the intricate recipes, I probably found two things to try when I’m feeling very energetic.
I didn’t hate the book, but I also wasn’t holding my breath for a lot of recipes because of my diet restrictions. Would skim it again, for the feeling of knowing someone else experienced struggles in motherhood, but prob not for the recipes.
April 11, 2022
If you want a self-help book mixed with a cookbook this is the book for you. The author jumps between small essays and what seems to be quite tasty recipes. Almost every recipe has an introductory paragraph. While I think this is enjoyable for some people I don't think everyone will care for it. Definitely for those who actually enjoy reading the food blog and not just the recipe. I myself am one who likes to scroll down to just the recipe. That what I came for not the entire preamble beforehand. While this cookbook will not be one of my top ones I reach for again it was enjoyable.
I will post my review to Goodreads and any retailer sites closer to the publication date.
I will post my review to Goodreads and any retailer sites closer to the publication date.
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