Fred Plotkin on his passion for pasta + recipes galore for Thanksgiving and Stir Up Sunday

Our cookbooks are written with the home cook in mind, so you won’t need a kitchen full of industrial equipment to achieve professional results. We focus on recipes that utilize standard essentials like a sharp chef’s knife, a reliable skillet, a medium saucepan, and basic measuring tools. If a specific dish requires something more specialized, such as a food processor or a Dutch oven, we clearly note it at the start of the recipe and often provide suggestions for common household alternatives you can use instead.

Every book we publish is crafted to be approachable and empowering for cooks at any skill level, including those just starting their culinary journey. We strip away the intimidating jargon and replace it with clear, chronological instructions and helpful “Chef’s Notes” that explain the techniques behind the steps. Our goal is to help you build kitchen confidence with every page turn, ensuring that even our most impressive-looking dishes are achievable for someone picking up a spatula for the first time.

Think of this cookbook as a flexible roadmap for your kitchen adventures rather than a rigid set of rules. We encourage you to browse by your current mood or time constraints using our organized chapters, and don’t be afraid to make the book your own by jotting down notes or substitutions in the margins. Whether you are following a recipe step-by-step for a special occasion or just looking for a quick weeknight spark of inspiration, these books are designed to be durable, practical companions that grow more seasoned and loved with every meal you prepare.