Good Enough by Leanne Brown

GOOD ENOUGH by Leanne Brown is a mix of recipes and commentary from the author of Good and Cheap, one of my favorite cookbooks of the last few years. Brown subtitles her latest offering “Embracing the Joys of Imperfection and Practicing Self-Care in the Kitchen.” For someone looking for a more “mindful” approach to cooking, this might appeal, but I was more interested in finding easy to make recipes.  Brown definitely wants to support her readers, saying “my intention is for this book to be a gentle hug and a whisper in your ear that you are stronger than you know…” Throughout, she shares some cute graphics as well as attractive pictures of food and personal stories like the one that accompanies “How to Get a Girlfriend Salad” and describes her husband Dan’s cooking. In another part of the book is a section titled “Being Your Own Best Parent” and a list of healing activities like cooking and baking, reading a novel, listening to music, walking or running, and drawing or writing. I think most of us have found solace in cooking and baking during the pandemic – many may enjoy making Brown’s “Every Day is Summer Berry Cookie Bars” or “British Beer Cheese and Roasted Broccoli” or “Curried Chickpeas and Spinach.” However, I wish there was even more overall emphasis on practical, nutritious recipes like those in her earlier cookbook.