Especially when the weather outside is challenging, Valentine’s Day can be a great time to cozy up, pull out the cookbooks, and make a favorite meal for yourself or with someone you care about. Listen to the City Cast Madison podcast today as Chef Patrick O’Halloran, who co-owns the spice company and food event space The Deliciouser, talks with host Bianca Martin about ways to level up your game in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for something new to make for dinner, here’s some Madison-connected cookbooks that will give you some great ideas.
This book by Cap Times food and culture editor and friend of the City Cast Madison podcast Lindsay Christians is not technically a cookbook. Lindsay interviews nine Madison chefs who have made the city’s culinary scene so exceptional. But she includes featured recipes from each of the chefs.
Featured recipe: Graze chef Tory Miller’s Wisconsin Bibimbap
After you load up on veggies at the iconic Capitol Square market, turn to this cookbook for some great ideas on what to do with them. The book celebrates the first 50 years of the market, from the producers to the vendors to the shoppers.
Featured recipe: Mee’s Green Beans with Ground Beef, Garlic, and Thai Peppers
Lindsay worked with Chef Francesco Mangano to assemble this book of favorite recipes from the adventurous Italian restaurant on East Wilson Street.
Featured recipe: Budino de Caramello
The beloved breakfast spot on North Sherman Avenue closed in 2020, but lives on in this cookbook written by co-owner Barb Pratzel, which also tells the story about how she and her husband Mike built the cafe.
Featured recipe: Oatmeal pancakes
You’ll never recreate the retro vibe of Monty’s Blue Plate Diner at home, but you can recreate some of your favorite dishes from the east side restaurant, from soups and salads to the kids’ menu.
Featured recipe: Meatloaf platter
Chef Lauren Montelbano of The Vibrant Veg shares 57 plant-based and gluten-free recipes. Salads, sure, but also beverages, entrees, sides, and healthy desserts.
Featured recipe: Rainbow crunch salad
Madison travel writer Mary Bergin assembled this collection of over 60 recipes from supper clubs across Wisconsin. In Madison, the former Smoky’s Club and Kavanaugh’s are represented.
Featured recipe: “Perfect” hash browns from Toby’s Supper Club
