Some of the oldest cookbooks have been around since the 1300s. Many people know of the household names, such as Julia Child and her “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” which introduced French cooking to Americans in the 1960s, or the fictional Betty Crocker who has more than 250 cookbooks published to date.
More than exotic pictures and long lists of ingredients, cookbooks share rich histories, traditions and cultures through the art of making food. Cookbooks can provide ways to eat healthier, cook for a partner, try a new cuisine or learn how to make a favorite dish from scratch. They also allow families to pass down favorite recipes and treasured memories.
The benefits of cookbooks are endless
- Expand your palate by trying new ingredients or spices
- Prepare homemade, healthier foods or make comfort foods healthier
- Try new cuisines or expand your food ethnicity
- Try a variety of cooking methods
- Learn nutritional facts about foods or the health benefits of ingredients
The VA Nutrition and Food Services Healthy Teaching Kitchen program has developed many recipes, cookbooks and cooking videos. Our cookbook, Cooking with Ease, provides ways to plan easy and low budget meals. It also shows you how to meal prep, cook for a small crowd and it has helpful tips and tricks. Want to add some healthy plant-based options? Check out plant-based cooking for some great recipes.
Join a Healthy Teaching Kitchen cooking class at your local VA or online to learn ways to make cooking healthy and fun. Reach out to your VA clinic and make an appointment with a registered dietitian to help you find a great cookbook and recipe ideas.
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The cookbook has some great sounding recipes I’m looking forward to trying!
Is the “Cooking with Ease” Cookbook available to order?
If you click on the Cooking With Ease link above it opens a PDF file that you can download. Or copy and paste this link in your browser. https://www.nutrition.va.gov/docs/Cookbooks/CookingWithEaseCookbookJAN2023.pdf
Hope this was helpful.
I started going to cooking class on Tuesday. It is wonderful and much good information. I get to also make new friends with other Veterans. Billie Smith very knowledgeable and helpful for helping me make healthy food choices.