Preppy Kitchen: Recipes for Seasonal Dishes and Simple Pleasures (A Cookbook)

by John Kanell

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Decadent, delicious seasonal comfort foods and desserts you can make at home no matter what your cooking level from the beloved social media star @PreppyKitchen.

Preppy Kitchen creator John Kanell delivers his fan-favorite recipes and baked goods so everyone can create them at home. Organized by season so you can shop at peak freshness and embrace new traditions, the dishes featured in Preppy Kitchen are inspired by well-loved staples updated with a touch of Kanell’s signature sophistication.

Recipes
-Chive and Parmesan Buttermilk Biscuits
-Pecan Shortbread and Rosemary Caramel Bars
-Roasted Garlic and Olive-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
-Blackberry-Balsamic Pork Chops
-Apple Butter and Marzipan Bread
-Chorizo Beef Burgers with Queso and Avocado
-Fresh Tostadas with Green Tomato and Mango Salsa
-And many more!

In addition to the delicious recipes that feature tips and tricks throughout to help save time in the kitchen, Kanell includes special projects, everything from making flower arrangements and winter wreaths to pickling vegetables. Through these mouthwatering recipes, inspirational crafts, and beautiful photography, Preppy Kitchen is sure to delight longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food

580 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2022

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have used the author's recipes both from this book and from his website (preppykitchen.com). They have all been hits - no misses which is a rare thing. The recipes are easy to follow and make it easy to get a good result.

The author has instructional videos on Youtube but I personally do better with written instructions.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

I wasn't familiar with this blogger/recipe developer prior to requesting this ARC on Netgalley, but the title and description seemed promising, and I was excited to get it! I was somewhat less excited to learn after I received the ARC that it was only for half the book--I'm still very much grateful to receive even that much for free, but I do think having an incomplete copy of something makes it far more difficult to review, and to be honest, I wouldn't have put in my request had I realized that it wouldn't be for the full copy. But I got what I got, so here I am!

I'm actually very impressed with this one, and it makes me even sadder I don't have the full book! I always love when cookbooks are divided by season, as that is the way I try to cook! I got the Spring & Summer sections, which at least makes the most sense in terms of the current seasons, and there are a lot of recipes I'm looking forward to trying! This is probably the best digital cookbook ARC I've received, in that there were zero formatting issues with the file, and I found the cookbook layout quite clear and easy to read and aesthetically pleasing. Both Spring & Summer sections (and I presume Fall/Winter) contain recipes that cover Breakfast/Meals/Desserts, as well as a page at the end with some fun seasonal projects, such as drying edible flowers to use in your baked goods, which I thought was a fun touch. Some of the desserts are a bit fussy/decorative/OTT for my personal preferences (which seems to be on brand based on his blog) but for the most part the recipes are quite straightforward and not overly complicated, without difficult to source ingredients, and with flavors that definitely appealed to me! I bookmarked a LOT of recipes to make in the coming months, and I'm really quite excited about a lot of them. I also LOVED that every single recipe (in my half) had a photograph--not only were the photos gorgeous, but if a cookbook recipe doesn't have a photo, the likelihood that I'm going to make it rapidly decreases. There were a couple of no-meat recipes in my half, but most of those were for desserts or sides, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend for vegetarians, though there are definitely some recipes in here that would appeal. Overall, I thought this was a really solid and well curated cookbook, and I'll definitely keep an eye out for it when it comes out so I can take a peak at the fall & winter sections!

I received a partial ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Recipes I've Made
Grilled Halloumi and Figs with Toasty Pitas - Pretty damn tasty! Always down for more Halloumi recipes and this was a delightful vegetarian summer meal.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter received this book for Christmas, and we have been thinking about all the yummy foods to bake and cook. She recently baked the Chai Babka, and it was delicious!!! Everything in the book looks so yummy, plus I also like the crafts. :)

[Megan W. (pnwbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the seasonal layout to this cookbook and appreciated all of the tips and substitutions offered with the cookbook. The recipes all seemed elegant enough to impress but also easy enough to make. The book also has some great photos.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preppy Kitchen provides elegant, yet simple, recipes for anyone who wants to try their hand at cooking what we would consider fancy food, but has felt intimidated previously.

Although not complete, I was given enough of the book to get an idea of what it will look like when complete.
It's organized by season. and every recipe has a gorgeous, full color photo, which I find a plus in cookbooks.
The recipes also provide tips and tricks on how to change these recipes up and with substitutions.

Overall, I feel it's definitely a great cookbook for when you feel like making something fancy and stylish without all the fuss.

Thank you to Simon Element and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Shelli Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Kannel is one of my favorite YouTube cooking shows. I was delighted to hear he was writing a cook book. He always makes baking look so easy and effortless with his videos. I was excited to see his new cookbook, #ThePreppyChef available to review on #NetGalley.

This cook book will take you through each season. The recipes and the photography are arts of work. These are fancier recipes then I was expecting. I wanted to see more desserts and what I have grown to love with his YouTube page. I would recommend this cook book to anyone who is looking for a book catered towards parties/finer dining.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element for the opportunity to review this ARC. This cookbook is set to hit the shelves on October 4, 2022.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Preppy Kitchen.

I'm not familiar with the blogger turned author, but I was intrigued by the description of the cookbook so I was pleased my request was approved.

I enjoyed reading about the author's origins; how he and his husband went from city dwellers to homeowners in the country with two sons.

I loved the description of their home, their farm, the animals and natural beauty surrounding them, and how the author incorporates the fresh produce and fruit (depending on the season) into his recipes.

The recipes are strategically arranged by season and feature many light, vegetable and fruit friendly recipes and meals, including desserts, I was pleased to see.

Naturally, I wished there were more desserts featured, but that's just me.

Some of the recipes are labor intensive but anything worth doing well takes time. If you have the time, go for it. If not, look away!

I'm not a fan of spending a lot of time cooking when I could be eating instead, but I'm not a chef, I'm a eater.

The photos came through well on my Kindle though not all of the recipes featured photos, which I hope will be corrected in the final version of the book.

I appreciated the quick tips and tricks and the Special Projects section, and Preppy Kitchen is a good cookbook to have at your fingertips especially if you love to give fancy-ish dinner parties.

[Dirty Dayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I was set up for failure here. I have not followed the blogger and with a title containing the word Simple This was not what happened. this book is about how to do fine dining at home so it is not your book for the everyday home chef.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dunno. A little too preppy, a little to froo-froo, the ingredient lists were a little long, the directions were a little involved, they were just a little more than I'm willing to do. Pretty pictures. But overall just a little too intimidating.

[Terressa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recipes are delicious, but time consuming. Not an everyday kind of cookbook.

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

people seem to think he is the female Ina Garten

i'd say it's basically conscientious recipe design, with no-nonsense technique

.....

examples

Chive and Parmesan Buttermilk Biscuits
Pecan Shortbread and Rosemary Caramel Bars
Roasted Garlic and Olive-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Blackberry-Balsamic Pork Chops
Apple Butter and Marzipan Bread
Chorizo Beef Burgers with Queso and Avocado

Fresh Tostadas with Green Tomato and Mango Salsa
Raspberry-Rose Sheet Cake
Chicken Legs with Smoky Peach Barbecue Sauce

Spiced Apple Pie with Brandy Crème Anglaise
Persimmon-Fennel Salad

Candied Kumquat Custard
Beef Tenderloin with Miso-Honey Caramel

.....

Take one look at the recipe index in John Kanell's excellent new cookbook, Preppy Kitchen, and that alone will tempt you. Add in those enticing photographs, and you'll be like me and want this in your kitchen. Chive and Parmesan Buttermilk Biscuits, Herb-Stuffed Pork Roast? Count me in.
Nancy Silverton

aha, people seem to think he is the male Ina Garten!

---

Amazone

Superb Cookbook

I rarely buy cookbooks these days, you can find any recipe on line- but I was happy to contribute to this man's career- John Kanell is one of my favorite YouTube chefs and this is his first book.

Check him out, every recipe is perfect and he's very clever and entertaining with his use of words. If I need to make baked goods I go to his recipes before all others.

Weena

---

The best cookbook to come out in a long time!

First off, everything I have made from the cookbook have been hits with my family. And secondly, the author explains everything so clearly and offers tips and tricks. I feel like a culinary genius following his recipes. Desperately waiting for his next cookbook!

Joanne

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The Preppy Contessa
As a longtime fan or Ina Gardan I see similarities in John’s simple but elegant recipes—though his cakes are next-level for sure. This cookbook combines the right amount aspirational food porn and approachable recipes that anyone can execute.

tsod

---

Loads of interesting recipes

I very rarely write a review for a cookbook but this one is special. I really have to find a recipe that inspires me and this book is full of them. Apple Cake with Maple Buttercream, chocolate carrot cake? Yummy and different. The book itself is very well organized and written. Just a great addition to the other 50 cookbooks we have and soon to be a favorite. Highly recommend

Gerald Kovach

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I love this book and I love his YouTube videos. I have literally watched tons of them and everything….. EVERYTHING, that I have followed from his recipes...

have turned out just as he says….
AMAZING!

I’ve made perfect apple bread to pumpkin pies and was excited to get his book. I haven’t yet tried the recipes in the book yet but it’s still a new purchase for me and I am excited to try some of the dinner recipes.

He explains why he does what he does and gives you the knowledge of the art of baking and what works and doesn’t work. He is my absolute “go to” guy when it need a good recipe!!

Robin Simpson

[K.A. Goodsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preppy Kitchen is a cookbook that covers recipes throughout all seasons and includes a dreamy look at living countryside while making delicious food, taking care of animals and enjoying family time.

The cover photography and typography is great and matches what we're about to dive into. It feels like the classic cookbook covers of celebrities, but also has a comfortable home feel.

Just as the cover, the photography spread out throughout the book is well done, edited in a color palette that is comforting, and even slightly romantic. The author's introduction and backstory was well written and made me want to look through the book more. Hook, line and sinker.

Conveniently the recipes are spread apart per season, and with recipes like Strawberry Lavender Jam, Chocolate Carrot Cake (why have I never thought about combining those two together?), and even Pickling, there's a recipe for everyone. They're also explained in an easy way and with ingredients that aren't difficult to find.

5 Stars. Would recommend. This is a copy that I would put within my home cookbook library. I'm excited to dive in and create some of the recipes for Summer this, well, summer!

Now, I'm going to live in my kitchen and try to make those Blackberry Rosemary Hand Pies.

Thanks to the publisher, Simon Element, the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy to read and review. Review will also be posted to my blog (www.kagoodsell.com/book-reviews), GoodReads, TikTok (@unearthingeco), as well as NetGalley reviews.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confession: I am probably not the right audience for this read. I was not familiar with Kanell prior to requesting the book, and a cursory Google search or review of his online platform probably would have clued me in. :)

I'm also a little disappointed in that the NetGalley eARC only provided half the book to read--Spring and Summer--and left out my two favorite seasons, for cooking and in general! So between the two, I kynda started off on the wrong foot.

But, for what _was_ in the eARC, it was beautifully presented, photographed, and explained. There were a number of delicious-looking recipes that I'd gladly consider trying.

While "simple" may be a bit of a stretch in some regards, it also encourages and reminds me I don't have to look far for beauty, taste, and joy--I can find it as close as my own kitchen.

I received a (partial) eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t familiar with this author’s blog, but he gave a reading in my area and it looked interesting. The book is beautiful and there are incredible photos for every dish. There are also a lot of lifestyle photos, of his farm, kids and husband which I never understand if it’s not a celebrity. Though those are very well done, too.

The book is organized by seasons, and each chapter moves through the time of day you’d eat the meal. So each chapter starts with breakfast and ends with dessert. At the end of each chapter is a craft and decorating idea that ties into the season. The lunch recipes were the most accessible (chickpea salad is great). Overall, his recipes are great - very well written with thorough instructions. But they are generally more time consuming than what I’d cook during a weekday. For me, this is a special occasion book. The cocktails and chocolate carrot cake are highlights.

[Penmouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preppy Kitchen by John Kanell with Rachel Holtzman is a truly lovely cookbook as both the writing and photos create a book you'd love to cozy up with. I can their cookbook gracing a living room table as the photos are absolutely gorgeous. Some of the recipes I found in their cookbook include:

Shirred Eggs with Leeks, Spring Herbs and Gruyere
Crispy Flatbread with Spring Herbs, Radishes, and Whipped Feta
Shortcakes with Strawberry and Pink Peppercorn Ice Cream
Chicken Legs with Smoky Peach Barbecue Sauce
Key Lime Coconut Cream Pie

Recommend.

Review written after reading a sample egalley from the publisher.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many tasty recipes

Just a bit over 100 delicious sounding recipes. I watch the youtube channel and everything that I make comes out perfect. Most ingredients are stuff youd3have around the house anyway, a few aren't. But probably not difficult to get. A couple might be (grape leaves? I'll have to figure that out).

Many of the recipes sound fancy, but still all look easy enough to make. They're not going to take all day. But also, there are no recipes that call for processed foods. There are no use a box of cake mix and some canned fruit, or cans of soup kind of recipes. That's not cooking.

So get this book and have fun cooking some real food that's easy to make.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

John's recipes and instructions are always top notch-rock solid. You can totally trust him. He is the reason that my very first batch of macarons were STUNNING!! I was in total shock.

I love the layout of this book, it is gorgeous. I keep my personal copy close by and at the ready. Oh, and I am often on his YouTube channel following his expert and very entertaining video instructions. Did I mention John is also hilarious? Big personality, I have had so many burst out loud laughing moments.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mouthwatering photos and beautiful recipes

I discovered John’s recipes on Instagram. His videos and photos are spectacular. I’ve bookmarked dozens of recipes that appealed to me, and I plan to make—from savory to sweet. I like that he’s arranged chapters by season. This cookbook probably won’t appeal to a meat and potatoes type of food person. His recipes are more gourmet, with unique twists—and that’s right up my alley. I’ll update once I’ve made a recipe or two. I’m starting with the Sweet Potato Pie with marshmallow’s meringue. Drool!

[Carm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this book but am disappointed in it. Many recipes I expect an accompanying video to be available and am somewhat confused why so many of these recipes don't correspond with the videos. For someone who obviously loves making videos, I think this is a major fail. The seasonal recipes are a nice idea but don't really apply so well to the seasons in Canada. I found there weren't enough recipes i would actually make or found particularly unique to this cook. To me it lacked the originality i expected from someone who often wants to show his recipe ideas.

[Drea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous cookbook with lovely photos of finished recipes as well as the countryside where the author lives with his spouse and children. As Tina Fey once said “I want to go to there”. Loved reading their story of transitioning from the city to the country and the genesis of his life as a home cook. The recipes look simple but with a twist - pork tenderloin with Chinese spice as an ingredient. Neat! So grateful to Simon Element for the advanced copy. I’m grateful.

[Darlene Messenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author John Kanell first came to my attention through his YouTube channel. His videos are well presented and highly entertaining. His book is excellently written and illustrated. His move to a seasonal area inspired him to prepare meals using fresh available produce. There’s something for every palate in this book. Must admit many ingredients may not be available or affordable in your area of the country.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

i would enjoy a hard back copy but that is a bit pricey. i purchased a kindle version. i need to check out the recipes i have yet to make one ...but there are plenty to try. i have watch John on the YouTube ... love how easy they are to complete. not tough to try or make ... easy to understand ... a very likeable person. check this one out. i love a good cookbook and i know sometimes it tough to find one that is easy read or understanded.

[Eunice Marr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful book - stories and recipes (all with pictures - yay) and special projects for each season. I think we have a new Martha. My only complaint is the tiny font. Even with my readers on, I'm straining to read it. So, John, remember, the retired generation has time and money to make these gorgeous recipes. And we have the money to buy your book -- as soon as you publish a large print version please!

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Kanell is such a genuine person and in his first cookbook, we really get a glimpse into his lovely rural lifestyle. The book is separated by seasons, which is amazing. The recipes are unique, new from what we're used to on his channel with tons of both savoury and sweet options. The photography is beautiful as well!

[Melissa Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The recipes are delicious, but a little fancy for everyday cooking. I did make the apple cake with brown butter icing, and it was amazing if you need a good place to start. I do not like the way it is organized by season. I would prefer to have recipes organized into related sections like chicken, desserts, soups, bread, etc.

[Leilany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been watching John Kanell's youtube channel for a long time and have done many of his recipes. When I saw that this book was coming out I was really excited, and even though I was a little disappointed that it wasn't all just desserts I can appreciate the actual food recipes that it contains.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, technically I’ve had this book since last year when I stumbled onto his blog and discovered coconut cupcakes. I got so good at them that family send over requests. I found some of the recipes a bit much but his desserts are amazing. All the cupcakes and icing! Always have to cut that in half though because then I end up with too much and I’m not a big icing person.

[Joni Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be besties with this author and his husband. They are just the cutest. After reading this book you will totally agree with me.

The recipes are wonderful. The pictures so so beautiful. Honestly the whole book is life goals. And this book makes it attainable. Well mostly. Lol

[Ann Marie Sosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful done. The pictures, recipes and aesthetics are truly dreamy. Got it on sale online at Book Outlet. Loved every bit of it, especially the “special projects” in the back. I’m excited to try picking myself.

[GAL]

When a cookbook is a novel

I read a lot of cookbooks and enjoy doing so. I want recipes, not stories. Thus 500+ page book had more stories than recipe content and I simply scrolled by them to read what I came for, eventually I gave up and stopped reading.