Cooking Up Europe: 5 Must-Try Cookbooks for Wanderlust Foodies

I haven’t had the chance to travel overseas in recent years, and I find myself yearning for those adventures. My last European escapade was in celebration of my 40th birthday back in 2019. To quench my wanderlust, I’ve discovered a delightful way to bring a touch of Europe into my own kitchen—cookbooks. These culinary treasures allow me to immerse myself in the flavors and cultures of different countries, right from the comfort of my home. Even while traveling, you can never sample all the exquisite dishes a destination has to offer, so why not recreate them in your kitchen? Here are five cookbooks that can keep you cooking up Europe in your own kitchen.

1. French Pastry Made Simple: Foolproof Recipes for Éclairs, Tarts, Macarons and More

If you’ve been following my blog, you know of my deep love for France. This cookbook, authored by an American chef living in Versailles, is one of my all-time favorites. (She also offers in-person classes). You can read my cull review of French Pastry Made Simple: Foolproof Recipes for Eclairs, Tarts, Macarons and More here.

Click here to purchase your copy of French Pastry Made Simple: Foolproof Recipes for Eclairs, Tarts, Macarons and More.*

2. Giada’s Italy: My Recipes for La Dolce Vita: A Cookbook

The moment I tried a recipe from this cookbook, I was hooked. Giada has a knack for crafting recipes that are both easy to follow and incredibly delicious. Read my full review of Giada’s Italy: My Recipes for La Dolce Vita: A Cookbook here.

Click here to purchase your copy of Giada’s Italy: My Recipes for La Dolce Vita: A Cookbook.*

3. The Forest Feast Mediterranean: Simple Vegetarian Recipes Inspired by My Travels

My culinary repertoire includes both meat and vegetarian dishes, and this cookbook is a treasure trove of inspiration for vegetarian meals. Stay tuned for my full review The Forest Feast Mediterranean: Simple Vegetarian Recipes Inspired by My Travels coming soon.

Click here to purchase your copy of The Forest Feast Mediterranean: Simple Vegetarian Recipes Inspired by My Travels.*

4. The Greek Slow Cooker: Easy, Delicious Recipes From the Heart of the Mediterranean

European dishes are often perceived as complex, but cookbooks like this one simplify the process. Full review of The Greek Slow Cooker: Easy, Delicious Recipes From the Heart of the Mediterranean coming soon.

Click here to purchase your copy of The Greek Slow Cooker: Easy, Delicious Recipes From the Heart of the Mediterranean.*

5. The Roads to Rome: A Cookbook

I stumbled upon this beautiful cookbook at 2nd & Charles, a used book store. It was a delightful find, filled with recipes that evoke the essence of traditional Italian cuisine. The level of detail in the recipes is truly impressive. It makes me hungry every time I look at it. My full review of The Roads to Rome: A Cookbook is coming soon.

Click here to purchase your copy of The Roads to Rome: A Cookbook.*

If, like me, you’re craving a taste of Europe but can’t make the journey right now, these cookbooks offer a delicious alternative. Keep cooking up Europe in your own kitchen to crave some of your wanderlust, I know I will be. Let me know which cookbook you try first.