Meet The Anti-Cookbook
ABOUT THE BOOK
Why the title? Obviously we aren’t against cooking! Instead, we are inverting the idea that cooking is simply about following a recipe. A “cookbook” method of completing a task implies a mundane, thoughtless process. Our book seeks to do the opposite—to inspire readers to think creatively about making meals, and independently about the deeper issues surrounding food and nourishment. We’re hoping to provide readers with a template for thoughtfulness around the way we feed ourselves. It’s much more than measurements, heat and chemistry and that’s what we unfold.
Who's it for? It’s for idealists and realists, environmentalists and simplifiers. And for anyone who is looking for healthful, economical and reasonable strategies for eating well and being a respectful human being on planet earth--without all the stress and added sodium.
Who Are We? A veterinarian and a lawyer-turned-writer walk into a kitchen…why us? We aren’t chefs and that’s exactly the point. Most people who feed themselves and their families every day aren’t chefs. We each bring our unique, experienced take on fashioning and balancing a life—replete with parental responsibilities and challenges. We met in college, moved into our first apartment together and began to figure all of this out. We went our separate ways and each amassed diverse experiences that have brought us back together. At fifty, we have a lot to share with our own young-adult children and you and yours as well.
Videos: ACB Basics
ACB Basics: The Omelet
ACB Basics: Almond Butter
ACB Basics: Guacamole
ACB Basics: Fruit Cobbler
ACB Basics: Vegan Pesto
ACB Basics: Hummus
Reviews
The Anti-Cookbook is a great treatise on cooking even from my point of view as a chef. Shelley and Rebecca provide common sense advice for managing the day-to-day challenges of providing good, wholesome, healthy and ethical food for today’s busy families. Their no-nonsense approach to cooking makes their book the perfect guide for our children as they leave the nest.
Frank Stitt
Highlands Bar & Grill, Bottega and Chez Fonfon, Author of Frank Stitt's Southern Table: Recipes and Gracious Traditions from Highlands Bar and Grill and Bottega Favorita: A Southern Chef's Love Affair with Italian Food
Shelley and Rebecca share their wisdom for living fully and that includes fantastic food ideas! The Anti-Cookbook not only offers any young person starting out on their own a foundation for living well in today’s hurried world, but also strips away the often confining and intimidating process of eating well. The authors share their heart-filled stories and provide the readers with valuable and important information about how to care for the world by respectfully choosing how and what we eat.
Yvonne Tally, author of Breaking Up With Busy, Real-Life Solutions for Overscheduled Women and Co-founder of Poised Inc.
The Anti-Cookbook is for the cook who needs a gentle nudge to start thinking out of the box when it comes to creating meals. Shelley and Rebecca not only give us delicious recipes, but they also show us that it’s the journey that’s inspiring the dishes. The duo are moms who understand the challenges of trying to get the kids to eat healthfully, with the eventual goal that they’ll be cooking for themselves (cooking, that is, food that doesn’t have the word “ramen” in it), as well as working women who know the value of time and money. If you are interested in the complexity of food choices, then you’ve picked up the right book.
Alex Ota, Co-founder of Breezymama.com
In my first year fending for myself in the real world, learning how to procure quality meals while not breaking the bank has been a process. We're surrounded by plentiful amounts of food and an abundance of nutrition plans and food philosophies and it often seems more convenient to just eat out or order food for delivery. With entertaining personal commentary, The Anti-Cookbook boils it down to simple, timeless recipes that make learning how to prepare real home-cooked food feasible for any busy young professional trying to eat well for a reasonable price.
Olivia Nicholls, Product Marketing Manager
Reader Reactions
"
Can't wait to try the pong pong sauce and solve the semi-empty peanut butter jar issue that has been plaguing me for years!"
"I am completely in love with this cookbook!
The combination of great recipes and practical advice makes this a must have for any family."
"Anti-Cookbook kids cut their own darn mangoes!"
"I feel like now that I've
got some base ideas it's
changed the way I think
about food and
grocery shopping. I'm
saving money and time and
eating so much better!"
"Have now sent the Anti-Cookbook for 3 different presents. Jordyn is getting one from Misha and me for her birthday in a few days!"
"It's all about thyming!
Thanks, ACB!"
As a college student it is so helpful to have guidance that allows for fun but also easy to follow recipes. My roommates and I use the ACB all the time! The lasagna was sooooo yummy, so thank you again :)
"This one's my favorite!"
"Pomegranate seeds and toasted pasta! Thanks for giving me the confidence to try new ideas!"
"Feeling so fancy on a budget!"
"You were right, that was so easy!"
Me: "What should I do with these?"
Me: "Duh, Cobbler!"
"This book has completely changed the way I think about preparing and enjoying food."
Send us a note!
