A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together

by Sonja Overhiser, Alex Overhiser, Shelly Westerhausen Worcel (photographer)

Sonja and Alex Overhiser of the popular food blog A Couple Cooks share their lifehacks for a strong partnership. Their top secret? Cooking together.Whether it’s a weeknight dinner with the kids or a homespun candlelit date night, somebody has to get dinner on the table. And what if doing that nightly task was something you could do in tandem with someone you feel close to, making the work more pleasurable and spending quality time together? Enter A Couple Cooks, your guide to making this dream a reality. With over 100 recipes for all occasions, from everyday dinners and large gatherings to intimate dinners for two, this book is designed to make dinner planning and prep a stress-free and enjoyable experience. With designated roles for each partner, each recipe is crafted to be made lovingly by friends over for a weekend dinner? Have your sous chef put out a Charred Corn Guac and Black Bean Hummus Snacking Platter while you're prepping the Smoky Spinach and Artichoke Lasagna.Craving a sweet pick-me-up at the end of a long week? Prep the dry ingredients while your partner preps the wet ingredients, and chow down on hard-earned Brown Butter Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies together. Brimming with vibrant photography, A Couple Cooks includes tips and tricks for hosting, upping the romance in the home, table setting and styling, and enhancing your home bar cart. Much more than your average weeknight cookbook, this is an inspiring and hardworking guide on how to make the most of the quotidian moments that make up our days by relishing time spent together, working as a team.COOKING GIFT FOR From weddings and engagements to hostess gifts and more, A Couple Cooks fits the bill for a variety of life events with a gifting moment. Pair with a bottle of wine or fun aprons and you have the perfect housewarming present for any couple! INCLUSIVE MEAL PREP Couples cookbooks have long been overdue for a refresh that includes all types of couples. Whether newlyweds, freshly engaged, together-for-a-century couples, cohabitators, or platonic life partners, A Couple Cooks is designed for all sorts of pairs looking to harmoniously divvy up jobs in the kitchen.EXPERT HUSBAND & WIFE  Sonja and Alex collaborate as cookbook authors, recipe developers, cocktail experts, and parents. Their award-winning food blog, A Couple Cooks, inspired by their shift from processed foods to cooking at home from scratch, offers thousands of original recipes, cooking tips, and meal-planning ideas to make home cooking easy. This beautiful, giftable book brings together more than 100 of their star recipes with the warm and wise guidance that has made their blog one of America’s most popular recipe websites.Perfect of all kinds (including marriages, life partnerships, long-term or new coupledom, and roommates)Parents with busy schedules looking to get dinner on the table in a snapCouple gift for newlyweds or the recently engaged Fans of healthy, vegetable-forward cookingFollowers of A Couple Cooks blog or such popular cookbook authors as Joanna Gaines, Erin French, and Erin Clarke

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking

352 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Sonja Overhiser and her husband Alex are writer and photographer of the award-winning website A Couple Cooks, and authors of two cookbooks, A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together and Pretty Simple Cooking. Their work has appeared in publications such as The Washington Post, TODAY Show, and more.

The A Couple Cooks website has thousands of original recipes, cooking tips, and meal planning ideas to make home cooking easy and fun—all written and photographed by Sonja and Alex. Together, they are certified cocktail mixologists, parents, and fans of making the world a better place through creativity, connection, and good food.

They live in Indianapolis with their children, Larson and Britta. Follow their adventures at ACoupleCooks.com.

Reviews

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not often you can find recipes that lets you get down to 2 servings! This was such a fun cook book! I loved the details about food bringing people together and the fun stories the author shared. I really loved the well-placed images to help picture the recipe. The recipes may be geared for a couple to cook together but each recipe can easily translate to a family or friends cooking together. There are easy ways to increase the service sizes to accommodate more.

I was surprised there were so many meatless dishes but the few we did already try out were absolutely delicious! I look forward to making more!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I liked the premise of this book - that it is geared towards a couple cooking "together" in the kitchen. That could be a married couple, or a mother/daughter or father/son - but it focuses on the actual enjoyment of sharing the cooking experience and changing your outlook from making meals as "chores" to an experience that everyone can enjoy together.

Also, another thing that I enjoyed was that the recipes themselves are set for a serving size of 2 - which is not something that is common. As an empty nester couple, I'm still trying to get serving sizes right after cooking for a family of 4 for so long.

The cookbook has 100 recipes, but it also (thankfully) has some very well done pictures of the finished recipes, and trust me - that is the most helpful thing for me when I am trying something new.

For each recipe there is also:
*A "tips" section for each recipe - and some of the tips are extremely helpful (from the size of shrimp to use, to the best heat to use, etc.
*A Wine or Drink pairing suggestion for the meal
*A "Cooking Together" section which gives ideas on how to share specific duties while cooking

And I just have to say it one more time - the pictures of the finished meals are beautifully done.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Chronicle Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This publication will be available October 15, 2024.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be an excellent gift for a young couple just starting out living and cooking together. It's got some good tips on cooking together and hosting friends. I liked the way they had suggestions on what each person should do while preparing the meal, it would help keep harmony in the kitchen as two folks work together. I also appreciate the way they said the book was not JUST for a romantically connected couple, it could be for roommates, friends, parent a kiddo. It definitely has a 'couple' feel to it though. But as a queer person I didn't feel excluded.

However, it is a very straight, white, hetero-normative POV, so that's something to be aware of. While they do try to keep things like budget in mind, there are some fancier items that might be out of range for more marginalized folks. Who, admittedly aren't the target audience for this book.

I loved how many plant based recipes were included, my wife and I eat mostly plant based and I could see myself making several of the meals in this book.

[Josie Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to cook, and my wife doesn't but wants to learn. There have been several times we've tried to cook together, but it's sometimes hard to figure out how to divvy up a recipe, and I usually end up taking over. It's a bad habit of mine, I know. So I was really intrigued by the concept of this cookbook that explicitly focuses on making it so two people can cook together. I wasn't sure how they were going to do that, but was pleasantly surprised from the moment I got to the first recipe. It has symbols detonating which "chef" should be doing which tasks, and has plenty of detailed tips and tricks for nearly every recipe throughout the book. The directions are concise but clear, the photography is stunning. I'm a nerd for good food photography. I also absolutely love the sample menus provided at the back of the book, as I often struggle more with pulling a full cohesive menu for a dinner party together rather than the cooking itself. I'm so psyched to try the harvest caesar salad and the coffee shop banana bread crunch muffins.

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cookbook is showcasing the idea of bonding while cooking a meal together. It’s so cute, there is even a task symbol to show what cook 1 and cook 2 should be doing. I also think it’s really helpful to have a section for when you are just cooking for two. There are many recommendations and suggestions for substitutions when needed. It has tips for cooking as a team and as someone who finds it difficult to cook when someone else is in the kitchen I found this very helpful.

This cookbook includes sections: Everyday Dinners, Just for Two, Gatherings, Mornings, Sides, Bakes, Appetizers & Snacks, Sweets, and Drinks. It even includes sample menus, and essential kitchen gear suggestions.

Also, the way it’s laid out without any fuss just makes the pages feel soothing. The pictures are beautiful as well. I think this is a great book to have in your kitchen to help foster relationships of all kinds while also eating really tasty food.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.

[Christine Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love trying new cookbooks and the premise of A Couple Cooks sparked my interest. I love the idea of incorporating my spouse into the kitchen and working together to make a meal. The authors do a wonderful job with creating steps on who does what job and I haven’t seen that before in a cookbook. It helped develop a rhythm and direction rather than just shooing him away or micromanaging him around, and that’s basically killjoy in the kitchen for anyone.
The book is divided into different sections. One for everyday dinners, one for date night dinners, one designed for large gatherings, another for breakfast, side dishes, appetizers, breads, desserts, and drinks. I tried making some of the dinner recipes and it wasn’t a hit in my house, but I’m not giving up.

Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this ARC.

[Teresa Starrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this well thought out cookbook by the Overhisers. For many years, my husband and I have considered time in the kitchen to be a treat- an extra bonus. This takes many recipes up a level delineating responsibilities for each person with easy to use icons. One bonus is they have included ways to modify recipes to make them vegan or gluten free when appropriate. Additionally, tips and wine pairings are shared.
There is even a guide for growing herbs prior to the bakes section that is well thought out and accessible. Overall, I am looking forward to digging into the variety of recipes from main dishes to sides, to bakes and cocktails that will surely keep me enjoying my time in the kitchen with my husband.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Couple Cooks focuses on recipes to bring people together through food. The recipes integrate ways to cook recipes together efficiently.

The Sections are
Ch 1: Everyday Dinners
Ch 2: Just for Two
Ch 3: Gatherings
Ch 4: Mornings
Ch 5: Sides
Ch 6: Bakes
Ch 7: Appetizers and Snacks
Ch 8: Sweets
Ch 9: Drinks

Each recipe has servings, ingredients, directions, diets, and symbols to divide tasks. Most recipes have beautiful photos of the dishes, tips, recipe blurbs, storage and some even have wine pairings.

There are tons of amazing recipes I am excited to try and an amazing cookbooks to use with your significant other.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Meeoak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful cookbook anchored on the idea of partners and couples cooking together in the kitchen. While the book is geared toward romantic couples, I can see it being used by families, friends, and communities to prepare meals together. This book promotes the idea that good food cultivates relationships and community. The recipes are beautifully photographed, accessible, and arranged by every day dinners, cooking for two, gatherings, breakfast, sides, baking, appetizers, sweets and drinks. So many favorites to choose from, but my go-to recipes are the Quick & Cozy Chickpea Curry, Seared Tuna Steaks with Chimichurri, and Warm Goat Cheese with Jam.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

[Sofya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Couple Cooks
Author: Sonja Overhiser + Alex Overhiser
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a fantastic cookbook! I really enjoyed how it encourages couples to cook together - as someone who struggles with delegation in the kitchen this is a major plus for me. The recipes all sound delicious and feature beautiful photographs. I also really liked how it had tips for date nights and hosting parties. The sample menus are really helpful as well! This book would make a great wedding/engagement gift.
I will definitely be purchasing this cookbook as soon as its released!

Thanks to NetGalley, Chronicle Books, and Sonja Overhiser + Alex Overhiser for an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook was significantly better than a lot of other cookbooks I’ve used! The pictures were beautiful, the ingredients were laid out nicely, and the recipes were easy to follow. I made two recipes from this book so far: Creamy Scallops with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Molten Brownie Batter Pudding. They were AMAZING!!! I had enough ingredients leftover to make the recipe again and I certainly plan to make a few more recipes from this cookbooks in the future.

Here are some pictures on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNt4gjXWi...

YouTube vlog to come

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

[Kate M. Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this cookbook is that each recipe has instructions for how to make it if two people are cooking together. It's a very aspirational book for me. I would love to cook delicious, mostly healthy meals like this with Daniel, but that's not our season of life right now. Perhaps a date night, though! The food pictures are gorgeous, and the recipes range from simple, everyday meals you can eat with your kids to more advanced/fancier date night or dinner party options. I saved many of them for future reference. There are even cocktail recipes at the end, if you're into that.

Note: Reading date not accurate, as I can't remember exactly when I read it in the last month.

[Leeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a really great idea! The recipes are clear and easy to understand. Throughout the book, the authors include wine pairings, tips for how to cook together, and how long it will keep in the fridge. I also REALLY liked that each was marked with the type of recipe it is - diary-free, pescatarian, vegetarian, etc. As someone who is dairy-free, knowing this immediately is really helpful. I'll definitely be trying these out with my boyfriend this summer! There's also beautiful color images of some of the recipes!

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook is hands down one of the most unique and brilliant I've ever seen.
The concept of a couple cooking together is wonderfully executed in this book with pre-determined recommendations of what tasks should be separated and which should be done together.


There are also wonderful tips for hosting, meals for just two and the variety of recipes is splendid from meals to desserts to even beverages.

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley, Chronicle Books, Sonja Overhiser and Alex Overhiser for giving me an ARC of this awesome cookbook!

[Ginnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy!

What a beautiful cookbook! The recipes are all very tempting, but don't seem overly complicated, and there's a great variety ... from meals for two to cooking for a crowd. I loved the photography (there are photos for most recipes), too. There are also tips throughout for making the recipes with a partner, altering recipes, and more. Super helpful, and maybe I'll even be able to convince my husband to join me in the kitchen!

[Marissa C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cookbook is unique in that it targets couples cooking together. They also, provide alternate ingredients is some cases and they also provide didn’t drinks that would complement a meal. I made some of the breakfast meals and some of the dinner meal. My favorite was the Lemon Orzo Chickpeas with Broccoli dish, my husband isn’t a fan of Chickpeas, so I made it with Chicken as the only substitute, and it was delicious.

[Jennifer E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. You can tell that all of the recipes are made with love. I have never met Sonja & Alex, but after cooking/making their recipes, I feel like we could be besties! The flavors are on point and come through each recipe in their own unique and delicious ways. Some of my favorites are the Aperol spritz slushies, amaretto whiskey sour, and the salmon burgers!! My kids loved the Gouda cheddar ranch pull-apart bread! But really, you can’t go wrong. 💕

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooking together will change your life, truth, with the caveat of utilize your strengths. The salmon piccata was amazing. The maple glazed buttermilk cornbread was a fantastic side to the Mango Chicken Bowls with peanut sauce. I enjoyed the variety of recipes and how the chapters are set up. For couples looking to start cooking together or those looking to expand their repertoire, A Couple Cooks has you covered. Thank you to the publisher and authors for the chance to cook from your book early!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved that this cookbook separates tasks for each person. To not have to divide tasks is a game changer. There were recipes from all different cuisines for all types of meals. It would be the perfect gift for newlyweds!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of this cookbook is so unique! I love cooking with my partner and it's nice to have a cookbook with tasks already divided so I don't have to try and figure out a flow on my own. The recipes range from simple to complex meals and offer a variety if tips and tricks throughout. This will make a great reference for cooking together and having fun!

Thanks for the arc!

[Sarah Buron · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! This cookbook would make a fun gift for a couple, although I wish there was a bit more food photography in it. The sheet pan egg bake and gouda cheddar ranch pull-apart bread are two recipes we have our eye on. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review – pub day is 10/15/24!

[Karen Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cookbook. It is so good. I love that the recipes are set up that if you are cooking with a partner it gives both of you something to do. Sonja and Alex are my go to for recipes. They never disappoint. Everything that I have ever made is delicious 😋 from this book. I look forward to making everything in this cookbook.

[Siri Mellem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never seen a cookbook that divvies up tasks for partners before, and it's a great way to get both people involved in the process! We've loved all of the recipes we've tried and appreciate that there's a great mix of classic and creative options. The cookbook itself is so beautiful, simple, and easy to use. It has quickly become our go-to!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Couple Cooks is a collection of 100 recipes that can be used for various events. Sonja and Alex use cooking to foster their partnership and present this cookbook as a way for others to do the same. Accompanied by vibrant photographs, this cookbook is filled with recipes everyone will love.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm buying this helpful book so my husband and I can learn to cook together, using the 100 delicious recipes for all kinds of meals. Can our kitchen accommodate two? Yes!

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple that cooks together...

Stays together. Sonja and Alex do everything together..
Cook together, podcast together...entertain together...
Now, here's their couples cookbook.

[Joni Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice cookbook. Would make an amazing wedding gift for young couples. The recipes are written well with easily accessible ingredients. The pictures are beautiful.

[Jodi Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pictures are beautiful and plentiful as well. If you have seen their blog, you will love this book! What a well written cookbook and love the easy to make recipes.

[Nathan Brungart · Rating 5 out of 5]

simple to execute recipes, the ricotta shortcakes, Tahini and maple sauce were my favorite gems.

[Oaky Tyree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed browsing through this cookbook, and tagged a great number of recipes I wanted to try out. I loved the structure of this, and liked the little notes of who can do what during the duo-cooking process. The stories were nice to have, but I was really drawn to the recipes and the photographs themselves, which was the main pull to pick up a cookbook, right?

The recipes were simple enough, and the overall collection also had tips and sample menus. I definitely wanted to journey through cooking most of these recipes. Even if you were doing it on your own, it would still be fun to try any of the dishes. Great addition to the cookbook obsessions that I have lol!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this great and fun cookbook. All opinions are my own.