Celebrating Comfy, Cozy Foods from North America

CELEBRATING COMFY, COZY FOODS FROM NORTH AMERICA, Astrid Tuttle Winegar’s third cookbook in her Cooking for Halflings & Monsters series, focuses on North American cooking, especially that of her home region of the southwest. Winegar’s first cookbook was inspired by her love of fantasy, Tolkien, STAR WARS, etc. This cookbook was written during the COVID pandemic, dedicated to both those who survived and those who did not. The tone of the book is light and fun, with short asides and anecdotes around the recipes. The recipes themselves read clearly and cook up well as written. New Englanders will get a good chuckle from one of the ingredients in the New England seasoning mix. There’s a delightful array of cocktails. The chapters are built around either a holiday (Fourth of July, Thanksgiving) or a type of food (Lunchy Stuff, Pasta). There are multiple delectable versions of mac and cheese, including one with bacon. The chicken salad is particularly tasty, as is the Hidden Treasure Meatloaf. If you like a pan-sized cookie, the Chocolate Chips in a Pan resembles a pizza made of cookie dough (and is delicious). Winegar’s writing style is warm and conversational. It’s pleasurable reading, and cooking from the book feels like cooking with a friend. COOKING FOR HALFLINGS & MONSTERS VOLUME 3 deserves a place of honor on the cookbook shelf, and leaves the reader eagerly awaiting the next volume (which will focus on Europe).