I Dream of Dinner (so You Don't Have To) by Ali Slagle

 James Beard Award Nominee Weeknight cooking that actually works. Ali Slagle’s I Dream of Dinner (so You Don’t Have To) is a lifesaver for anyone who wants to cook more but doesn’t want the stress. With 150 flexible, flavor-packed recipes built around pantry staples, this book helps you turn “what’s in the fridge?” into dinner—without a grocery run. It’s full of clever swaps, short ingredient lists, and quick prep tips that make it ideal for busy weeknights (or lazy Sundays). Why we love it: Ali’s tone is warm, practical, and encouraging—like a friend texting you a great idea at 5pm. Many recipes are naturally vegetarian, and none require fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Who’s it for? Busy home cooks, new apartment dwellers, and anyone looking to cook more creatively with less effort. Spices used in the book: chili powder, cinnamon sticks, cocoa, coriander, cumin, fennel, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, turmeric, and za’atar.