I’m pretty sure I just blinked, and October vanished! This month has been such a whirlwind—a blur of meeting chef crushes at author talks, catching up with friends, and a quick trip to Vegas for When We Were Young (finally making up for all those Warped Tours I was never allowed to go to). Now, I’m off to New York to cheer on a friend running the NYC Marathon, spend time with some of our favorite people, and, for the first time, experience the city in all her fall glory. Anything we simply must see or do while we’re out there?
With so much movement this season, I feel a lot of shifts happening—not just in the crisp air and autumn vibes that finally showed up in SF but in my own life, too. There’s this sense of newness and energy bubbling up, and I’m fully leaning into it. With all the inspiration coming from every direction lately, I feel a renewed excitement for what’s on the horizon. I’ll share more with you all eventually, but for now, as the holidays approach, I’m embracing these moments of change and taking every opportunity to lean into the season… and my favorite way to do that? The food. Today, I’m bringing you a guide to my favorite cookbooks for fall and a little snack board for those of you celebrating Halloween on the couch with a movie marathon later in the week. Let’s get to it, babes.
The Luxe & The Laid-Back — because life is about balance
Luxe: Tomato & Hamachi Crudo from Chinese Enough
I realized the easiest way to impress at a party: bring a crudo. This week, I brought Kristina Cho’s Tomato & Hamachi Crudo to a cookbook release potluck celebrating her newest book, Chinese Enough. A lovely and talented group of women from the food industry gathered in Kristina’s home, where we collectively cooked about 20 of her recipes and somehow fit them all onto our plates. Every dish was a hit, but I think I found a new party hack with this crudo. With minimal ingredients and just 15 minutes of prep, it was so easy to pull together and was a huge hit. The rice vinegar and soy perfectly seasoned the fish, while the Fresno chiles added just the right kick. It was the simplest showstopper—and completely devoured by the end of the night!
Laid-Back: Chive Crème Fraîche Dip
On the laid-back side, I’m leaning into a classic snack-board vibe with a creamy chive crème fraîche dip. It’s everything I want for a lazy afternoon spread—smooth, tangy, and just oniony enough to keep you coming back for more. Paired with potato chips, and served up with a charcuterie board, this dip is the ultimate low-key snack meal. The only thing missing? A dollop of caviar... but then again, that would’ve bumped it right back into Luxe territory, wouldn’t it?
Come celebrate and yap about food with me in the comments! Did you have yummy bites or memorable meals this week that I should know about?
From My Cookbook Library: Fall Vibes
As the few trees in San Francisco that actually change colors finally start shifting, and the days grow shorter, I find myself reaching for cookbooks that bring warmth and inspiration. Fall and winter are some of the most enjoyable cooking seasons in my kitchen. With less daylight, there’s a natural shift to spending more time at home— time to dig into new techniques, play with more complex recipes or lean into recipes that are about comfort, lingering, and a bit of indulgence.
From celebrating seasonal produce to savoring nostalgic recipes that remind me of home in the valley, these are the cookbooks I’m turning to right now. Each book brings its own magic, whether it's the cozy flavors of childhood, a new technique to master, the rustic charm of Italian countryside cooking, or a festive ode to the holiday season. So grab a warm drink, pull up a chair, and get ready to meet the cookbooks that will carry us through the end of the year, one delicious page at a time.
Apple by James Rich
This time of year, the markets are practically bursting with apples, and James Rich’s Apple is the ultimate guide to making the most of the season. From warm, spiced apple cakes to savory apple-studded roasts, this book celebrates the versatility of apples in all their forms. It’s a go-to for everything from breakfasts to comforting desserts, reminding me just how magical this fall fruit can be. Whether you’re picking apples at the market or plucking them from a backyard tree, Apple will inspire you to bring this iconic fall flavor into every meal.
The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater
Nigel Slater’s The Christmas Chronicles is more than just a cookbook; it’s a beautifully written ode to the holiday season. Each page feels like a cozy fireside chat, blending poetic reflections with recipes that capture the spirit of winter. This book reminds me to slow down, savor the moments, and embrace the traditions that make this time of year feel so magical. From spiced drinks to festive bakes, it’s a comforting read that sets the perfect tone for the holidays, and I find myself returning to it every fall as the holiday season begins.
Molly on the Range by Molly Yeh
As the weather cools, cozy food shows tend to show up up frequently in my weekend rotting sessions and Girl on the Farm is a favorite. Molly Yeh has a way of channeling nostalgia into her recipes, crafting dishes that feel like a warm hug from childhood. Her first book, Molly on the Range, is full of Midwestern comfort food with playful twists, the kind of dishes that make you feel at home no matter where you are. From rich casseroles to pillowy breads, her recipes are perfect for fall days when you just want to hunker down and indulge in a little comfort.
Zoë Bakes Cookies by Zoë François
My husband comes from a Christmas cookie family, so the craving for fresh-baked cookies hits our home right around this time each year. We have a few favorite recipes we always reach for, but Zoë François’ recent release is quickly becoming my new go-to. This book is packed with cookie recipes that are perfect for crisp autumn afternoons, filling the kitchen with warmth and sweetness—and they’re just as delightful as Zoë herself. We'll be baking our way through this one all winter long.
Flavor by Yotam Ottolenghi
Fall is when I love to dive into more complex recipes—the kind that might take a little extra time or a few more ingredients but deliver something truly delicious. Flavor by Yotam Ottolenghi is perfect for that with recipes that introduce new techniques, layer bold flavors, and bring a bright twist to the cozy, earthy tones of fall. It’s not your usual pumpkin-and-spice lineup; rather, it’s an invitation to shake things up with recipes that transform everyday vegetables into something tasty and unexpected.
The Lost Kitchen by Erin French
Even though I’ve never been, New England is exactly where I want to be transported every time fall rolls around—and The Lost Kitchen by Erin French has a way of doing just that. While technically a year-round cookbook, the recipes in the fall and winter chapters feel like little escapes into a world of crisp air, turning leaves, and cozy gatherings. Erin’s writing evokes a strong sense of place and nostalgia with dishes that are simple, soulful, and perfectly suited for cooler weather.
Wild Figs and Fennel by Letitia Clark
Wild Figs and Fennel is another year-round treasure, but it fits so effortlessly into my fall lineup. Letitia Clark brings the essence of Italian seasonal cooking to life with recipes that are both rustic and refined. Filled with comforting, soul-warming dishes that showcase produce in creative ways, this book has recipes perfect for cozy autumn nights. And with its beautiful design and earthy tones, it’s just as enjoyable to flip through as it is to cook from—adding a touch of Italian inspiration to my kitchen.
Six Seasons by Joshua McFadden
If there’s one book that’s truly earned a permanent spot in my kitchen, it’s Six Seasons. Joshua McFadden’s focus on seasonal produce means that no matter the month, there’s always something relevant and inspiring to cook. As we move into fall and the heartier, comforting vegetables that fill up the markets, Six Seasons offers recipes that celebrate the unique qualities of fall and her tasty veggies. It’s the perfect companion for anyone who loves cooking with what’s fresh and local!
Craving More?
Squash Gnocchi with Thanksgiving Chili Crunch from Wishbone Kitchen
I came across this cozy Squash Gnocchi with Thanksgiving Chili Crunch from one of my favorite recipe creators and I’m itching to try it. Perfectly pillowy gnocchi with a warm, savory squash sauce, topped with a spicy-sweet chili crunch? Yes, please. Someone try it and tell me how it is!
If you’re loving this newsletter, have some thoughts, or want me to try the recipes you’re loving, drop a line in the comments so your girl knows there are people on the other end. Love hearing from you! See you next week—stay well fed.