Book review: “you gotta eat” by margaret eby

If you need a cookbook made for people who don’t cook, there’s a perfect book for you: “You Gotta Eat: Real-Life Strategies for Feeding Yourself When Cooking Feels Impossible” by Margaret Eby.

The book isn’t specifically for solo cooks, but it is great for people who are on their own for the first time. Eby gives recipes for items – such as salads, sandwiches and smoothies – that may seem obvious, but you need ideas when you’re tired after a long day or you don’t want to spend too much money at restaurants.

“We will avoid creating more dishes to clean whenever possible,” Eby wrote. “If there’s a way to skip a step, we’re gonna skip it. … It’s about figuring out how to make whatever you’re working with a tiny bit more exciting or palatable, while also acknowledging that at the end of the day you’re just an animal who needs nutrients.”

As you can tell, Eby has a relatable, fun voice that helps you make good, nutritious meals, whether it’s popping something in the microwave or combining items you already have.

We had an unused bag of tater tots in the freezer that served as an ingredient for “Party Leftovers Casserole” (above) – a fun treat which lasted several days. We also tried “The Easiest Dip I Know” (below) that went great with our favorite chips and added zest to our vegetables.

Her other ideas include various combinations to make bean salad, soups, cheese boards and other creations.

With its beautiful illustrations by María Toro, this is a great gift for graduates and others who want to do more in the kitchen.