The Best Cookbooks for Two
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Strap on your aprons and set the table—these cookbooks are perfect for two people!
Cooking for two can be a challenge when most of the recipes you find are for a family of four or more. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best cookbooks for just two people.
We’ve specifically featured cookbooks for couples, so you can use them for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun date night, or even a romantic special occasion. Some of the cookbooks include activity ideas too, so you can feed your bodies and your relationship right at home in your own kitchen.
Why no newlywed cookbooks? We believe cooking together can spark connection at any phase of your relationship, whether you’re newlyweds or parents of young children or empty nesters or somewhere in between. There are plenty of cookbooks out there that target those who have just gotten married, and while that may seem like a perfect wedding gift, or the ideal way to kick off the new phase of your relationship, we recommend something with more longevity instead. Cooking for two is practical beyond your first year or so of marriage and it’s hard to bring yourself to use a cookbook labeled for newlyweds when you are no longer newlyweds. These cookbooks keep on giving past one stage of your life, and several of the ones we’ve chosen are specifically for date nights, which we encourage in all stages of your relationship.
The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook
When America’s Test Kitchen says The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook, they mean complete. This cookbook has over 650 recipes and each one gives detailed instructions on how to craft the perfect meal. While it is not specifically targeted towards couples, what it lacks in romance it makes up for in content. America’s Test Kitchen tends to put quality first, so the recipes may not be simple or fast, but they will be thoroughly tested and the best they possibly can be.
Date Night In
According to Ashely Rodriguez in her cookbook Date Night In, “Simply carving out time to talk, cook, and eat together can be the relationship-booster you need to keep the spark alive.” If you’re looking for a cookbook that will not only nourish you, but also your relationship, then this cookbook is the one you’re looking for. Stemming from Ashley and her husband Gabe’s need for date night amid busy lives as parents of three, Date Night In offers more than 120 tasty recipe opportunities to connect and recharge together.
One Pan, Two Plates
In One Pan, Two Plates, Carla Snyder manages to master what we all strive for: delicious meals with minimal time spent prepping and cleaning. These 70 recipes can all be on the table in an hour or (often) less and require no extra planning. That’s right, no searching online for complimentary side dishes or wine pairings. This book has everything you need for simple, weeknight meals perfectly portioned for two.
Table for Two
“There are times for tables of ten, solo self-care meals for one, and dinner parties that end on the dance floor, but a table for two is something special.” Table for Two by Bre Graham not only showcases 80 recipes that are sure to impress, but also a handful of essays on the importance of cooking for the people you love. This is the kind of cookbook that tells you stories and twinges your heartstrings until that you feel like there’s nothing more important than whipping up a meal for someone you care about.
The Date Night Cookbook
The Date Night Cookbook by Rebecca Warbis focuses on what matters most: spending quality time with the one you love. This petite cookbook features uncomplicated date ideas and recipes for couples who want things to keep things easy. Best of all, the date ideas go beyond your basic dinner date. From pancakes in bed to s’mores on the beach, this book inspires couples to find romance in simplicity. With gorgeous photos, this book makes a great bridal shower, wedding, or anniversary gift. We suggest pairing it with a set of heart-shaped wooden spoons.
5-Ingredient Cooking for Two
Looking for more simplicity in your life? If you’re tired of wandering around the supermarket searching for a long list of ingredients, check out 5-Ingredient Cooking for Two by Robin Donovan. Some chefs believe that cooking has become overcomplicated, and Robin does a great job changing the paradigm with over 100 recipes that feature only a few main ingredients (not including staples like salt, pepper, water, and oil). For couples with limited time and mental energy, you’ll find a way to love cooking again with this helpful cookbook.
The Adventure Challenge: Dinner Dates
Foodie couples craving a little more spontaneity will find it in the kitchen with The Adventure Challenge: Dinner Dates. If your main goal is to spice up your date nights (literally), then scratch off the mystery date idea printed in the book and get cooking. There are 30 different dates laid out in this book, featuring activities, recipes, and even a place to document your experiences. This would make a perfect gift, either to another couple or to your own partner, especially accompanied with a fujifilm instax instant camera, as there is a place to attach photos of your experiences.
30-Minute Cooking for Two
Maybe you’re looking for a time-saving cookbook above all else. If so, 30-Minute Cooking for Two by Taylor Ellingson seems to have thought out everything for you. With a simple layout and easy to find ingredients, this cookbook saves you time in every area, from searching for a recipe, to hunting for ingredients at the store, to prepping, to cooking, and finally to cleaning. You’ll find that this cookbook can help you all around, and as they say, “without all the fuss.”
Date Night Cookbook and Activities for Couples
Do you and your partner tend to wolf down dinner in front of the TV instead of taking time to actually connect? Do you struggle to find things to talk about when you make a point to eat at the dining room table? Date Night Cookbook and Activities for Couples by Crystal Schwanke, as well as offering delicious and practical recipes, features activities and games to make date night fun again. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “My husband I have been using it for three weeks, and have agreed to do the recipes in order, one per week. The recipes are perfect for weeknight dinner dates… I was tempted to change one of the activities because we didn't think it would be very fun, but we went ahead and went with it, in the interest of trusting the process. We ended up having GREAT conversation! We've been married for 20 years, and this silly little game at the end of the dinner ended up resulting in spending two more hours together laughing and talking.” The results speak for themselves.
Healthy Cookbook for Two
We’ve featured cookbooks that prioritize saving time, bringing connection, and making things simple. But what about being healthy? Healthy Cooking for Two by Michelle Anderson makes it possible to eat food that is delicious as well as nourishing. Sometimes connecting with someone you love gets pushed to the back burner because you can’t afford to be eating rich, fancy food all the time. No more. This cookbook explains in depth how to cook everyday meals for two without loosening your belt buckle OR your purse strings.
Which cookbook did you choose? Let us know on instagram @makeadateofit
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