NRAEF : Blog

As we continue to celebrate #PrideMonth, we thought we would celebrate the art of cooking as well as the LGBTQ community by showing you some must-see cookbooks written by LGBTQ+ chefs. Whether you’re looking for a new show-stopping recipe for a dinner party, or just can’t decide what to make for lunch, we have a variety of cookbooks to share with you and celebrate the diverse community and recipes!

“Kristen Kish Cooking: Recipes and Techniques” by Kristen Kish

Top Chef Season 10 winner Kristen Kish shares recipes that pay homage to her midwestern upbringing and show off her impeccable skills as a fine-dining chef. If you’re looking to elevate your kitchen skills, this book has recipes that are surprising, innovative, and overall refined. 

“Basic Bitchen” by Joey Skladany

If you’re still looking to get a grip on the kitchen basics, Joey Skladany has over 100 everyday recipes in his new book “Basic Bitchen”. Prepare to laugh out loud as you dive into this joy of a book with recipes from Gossip Worthy Sunday Pancakes to PSL (pumpkin spice lattes). 

“Son of a Southern Chef: Cook with Soul” by Lazarus Lynch

Author Lazarus Lynch was raised in New York by his Alabama-born father and Guyanese and British mother. His food is a melting pot of diverse flavors with every bite drawing on his rich heritage. In this book, devour impeccable photography, heartwarming stories, and mouth-watering recipes designed to satisfy.

“The Juhu Beach Club Cookbook: Indian Spice, Oakland Soul” by Preeti Mistry

Preeti Mistry mashes modern Indian Cuisine with American influence in this cookbook. She features street food classics, comfort classics, and restaurant favorites with grace, not to mention the notes and stories that scatter the pages of “The Juhu Beach Club Cookbook”. The former Top Chef contestant has recipes in here almost as energetic and eclectic as her. 

“Cooking on a Bootstrap: Over 100 Simple, Budget Recipes” by Jack Monroe

If you’re looking for budget-friendly but delicious recipes, anti-poverty advocate and food activist chef Jack Monroe has cultivated the perfect combination in her cookbook, “Cooking on a Bootstrap”. Inside the book of 118 recipes, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for comfort food favorites and simple dishes that can be made from common pantry staples. To wrap it all together, they’re all outlined with money-saving tips for her delicious eats. 

“Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails” by Shannon Mustipher

Of course, with all these irresistible meals you need a cocktail to pair! Shannon Mustipher adds a tiki twist to classic cocktails perfect for any happy hour. The book has sections on foundational cocktails and communal drinks, as well as frozen treats. Mustipher’s expertise comes out on every page, and you’re sure to raise a glass to this book.

“Big Gay Ice Cream: Saucy Stories & Frozen Treats: Going All the Way with Ice Cream” by Bryan Petroff and Douglas Quint

And of course, we couldn’t forget dessert. You may have heard of or seen Big Gay Ice Cream in New York’s East Village or on Instagram. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, now you can make all the recipes at home in your own kitchen! The book has recipes starting simple at “freshman” level, all the way up to “senior” level difficulty. This book is perfect for ice cream enthusiasts and cooks alike.