Good Enough: A Cookbook: Embracing The Joys of Imperfection, in and out of the Kitchen

Brown (Good and Cheap) guides readers on a contemplative "journey to accept and fully honor the beautiful, complex, and meaningful act of cooking" in this deeply personal work. After revealing the depression she faced after the success of Good and Cheap, she explains how self-care-particularly in preparing a meal for herself-helped her overcome her bouts of fear and guilt. Splitting the book into two sections-"getting through your day" and "getting through your life"-she combines essays "about the feelings that come up around cooking" with gentle advice and simple yet innovative recipes. An essay about social anxiety and loneliness, for instance, is followed by "A Menu for Doing Enough"-which includes tips on how to "Ask for What You Need"-and dishes for groups, such as turkey falafel balls with tangy tomato sauce, and corn chowder quiche. Acknowledging there are days when she doesn't feel like cooking, Brown also shares plenty of ideas for quick dishes that are "thoughtful, but still low stress" such as segmented oranges drizzled with olive oil, salt, and pistachios, and cheddar cheese and pickle sandwiches with honey. Readers who see a strong emotional component in their cooking and eating habits will find much to savor in this multifaceted approach to emotional healing. (Jan.)