Cookbook Review: The Great American Recipe is a comforting collection of stories and recipes

The Great American Recipe cookbook has arrived! And with it, a collection of recipes that we have seen brought to life on our screens.

While there are other recipes included in the cookbook, in many cases it is definitely the ones we have seen from the cooks in the first season of The Great American Recipe competition that had us excited to get in the kitchen and get cooking.

From the very beginning of the book, we get stunning photography featuring the home cooks in the show’s competition kitchen. It was a chance to see a little bit more of the behind-the-scenes action from the show, while also seeing what really went into the dishes that we are getting to cook for ourselves.

The Great American Recipe cookbook has arrived

Of course, the real focus of this cookbook is the recipes (obviously). And just like when we watched the cooks on PBS, these felt like comfort and home. But truly the thing we love the most is the fact that all of these recipes are accessible.

These recipes are easy enough to follow along with and they are things that anyone can make at home. We’re there some challenges? Of course there were. Baking isn’t always the easiest thing ever and some of these dishes were just a bit trickier than others.

But which dishes are our favorites (so far)? A few of our recommendations for must try recipes once you get your copy of this cookbook are:

• The Rhode Island-Style Fried Calamari (from Dan)
• Southern Smoke Mac and Cheese (from Bambi)
• Gnocchi and Buffalo Mozzarella (from Dan)
• Red Chilaquiles (from Silvia)
• Potato Crust Herb Quiche (from Robin)
• Cannoli Dip (from Tony)
• Alejandra’s Arroz con Leche (from our host, Alejandra Ramos)
• Grilled Mango Sticky Rice (from Foo)

Overall, this cookbook was everything we could have hoped for from The Great American Recipe and so much more. This was a chance to learn even more about the cooks we met in Season 1 and also connect with them on a more culinary level.

What do you think Guilty Eaters? Will you be snagging a copy of this cookbook for yourself?