The best cookbooks when you’re craving breakfast food

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a New Englander, born and bred, 5th generation chicken keeper, and lifelong gardener. I currently live on a small farm in Maine where I raise chickens, ducks, and geese and grow all kinds of vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers. I love cooking and baking with fresh produce from my garden and fresh eggs from my chicken coop. Eggs, in particular, are a favorite ingredient of mine because they are so plentiful, versatile, delicious, and nutritious. Breakfast for dinner is obviously a favorite at our house. 


I wrote...

The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways

By Lisa Steele,

Book cover of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways

What is my book about?

Lisa Steele, fifth-generation chicken keeper and founder of the popular blog Fresh Eggs Daily, knows a thing or two about eggs. And she's ready to show you just how easy and delicious it can be to make eggs a staple of every meal.

Lisa will tell you everything you don't know about eggs and bust some common egg myths. From there, she provides you with foundational techniques for cooking with eggs. And finally, Lisa shares her go-to recipes for everything from breakfast staples. You'll encounter a wide variety of both sweet and savory dishes with Lisa's unique twists. Read The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook to discover new and exciting ways to incorporate fresh eggs into your cooking and baking repertoire each and every day.
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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Sunny-Side Up: More Than 100 Breakfast & Brunch Recipes from the Essential Egg to the Perfect Pastry

Lisa Steele Why did I love this book?

This gorgeous cookbook from former executive pastry chef and Food Network Cake Wars judge, Waylynn Lucas, is everything a breakfast cookbook should be. Runny egg yolks, light and airy pastries, fresh fruit, and everything in between. And she goes one step further and shares some brunch menus which include beverages and cocktails perfect to start the day with. I absolutely enjoyed this cookbook from a true baking pro.

By Waylynn Lucas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sunny-Side Up as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the perfect scrambled egg for one to special-occasion brunch crowd-pleasers, wake up to 100+ breakfast and brunch recipes from a Cake Wars judge and celebrated pastry chef
 
“Sure to help any cook crack into the incredible, edible egg.”—Michael Voltaggio, chef/restaurateur
 
Have you ever wished you could enjoy a delicious restaurant-quality breakfast or brunch at home with your loved ones? Sunny-Side Up will have you doing just that in no time. In her warm and encouraging voice, Waylynn Lucas demonstrates how a touch of finesse can elevate your dishes and make you more confident in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking…


Book cover of Sarabeth's Good Morning Cookbook: Breakfast, Brunch, and Baking

Lisa Steele Why did I love this book?

This gorgeously photographed cookbook by baker Sarabeth Levine, James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Pastry Chef and founder of Sarabeth’s restaurants shares many of the recipes that have made her famous brunches coveted worldwide. The wide range of recipes have been created with the home cook in mind, and there’s sure to be something that catches your eye.

By Sarabeth Levine, Genevieve Ko, Quentin Bacon (photographer)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sarabeth's Good Morning Cookbook as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The only thing better than brunch at one of Sarabeth s restaurants is brunch in her home. In this must-have collection of more than 130 classic morning recipes, Sarabeth delivers the comforting dishes she makes for family and friends, from fluffy scrambled eggs to warm sticky buns. Over thirty-five years ago, she launched her first restaurant s wildly popular weekend brunch. Today, morning lines still snake around the block at her New York City locations, as well as at her Florida and Japan outposts. Her fans will be thrilled to re-create the warmth and joy of brunch at Sarabeth s…


Book cover of Brunch at Bobby's: 140 Recipes for the Best Part of the Weekend

Lisa Steele Why did I love this book?

Fans of Bobby Flay’s many Food Network shows will enjoy this cookbook. Although he’s mainly known for his grilling and flavorful TexMex recipes, in this cookbook he focuses on brunch favorites - of course with his own unique twist. And it’s one of the few places you’ll find him baking. There are even some pastry recipes included! I really enjoyed this cookbook and Bobby’s spin on some new breakfast fare destined to become favorites.

By Bobby Flay, Stephanie Banyas, Sally Jackson

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Brunch at Bobby's as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

At long last, Bobby Flay shares his simplest, most sought-after brunch recipes—while still delivering his signature intense flavors.
 
Bobby Flay may be best known for his skills at the grill, but brunch is his favorite meal of the week. In Brunch at Bobby’s, he includes 140 recipes starting with the lip-smacking cocktails, both spiked and virgin, that we have come to expect from him, along with hot and iced coffees and teas. He then works his way through eggs; pancakes, waffles, and French toast (including flavored syrups and spreads); pastries (a first) and breads; salads, sandwiches, and side dishes. Pull…


Book cover of Bagels, Schmears, and a Nice Piece of Fish: A Whole Brunch of Recipes to Make at Home

Lisa Steele Why did I love this book?

Maybe you’re not in the mood for eggs this morning. Then this is the cookbook for you. First, learn to make homemade bagels, then discover all kinds of toppings, salads, and spreads to serve them with. Even those not confident in their baking skills will be able to create authentic NY bagels at home. James Beard Award nominee Cathy Barrow has written the cookbook that immediately inspired me to master homemade bagel baking.

By Cathy Barrow, Linda Xiao (photographer),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bagels, Schmears, and a Nice Piece of Fish as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bagel lovers rejoice! This thorough-yet-accessible cookbook demystifies bagel-making with just 5 base ingredients and straightforward techniques for making the dough, shaping the bagels, proofing, boiling, baking, storing, and more. Recipes include two dozen variations on the New York bagel, with classic and innovative flavors ranging from Sesame to Blueberry and Hatch Chile Jack, as well as homemade spreads, schmears, pickles, and other deli favorites, like home-smoked Nova and Smoked Whitefish Salad, for maximum grazing. Home bakers of all levels will delight in these reliable recipes and share them as a hostess, housewarming, or Yom Kippur gift. With suggested menus for…


Book cover of Beautiful Brunches: The Complete Cookbook: Over 100 Sweet and Savory Recipes for Breakfast and Lunch ... Brunch!

Lisa Steele Why did I love this book?

What’s the old saying: you can’t judge a book by its cover? Well, in this case, you can. This comprehensive cookbook runs the gamut of breakfast and lunch recipes accompanied by beautiful photographs that will have you drooling and your stomach rumbling before you can even turn the oven on. There’s a wide range of light as well as more hearty offerings in this cookbook that deserves a place on any brunch lover’s shelf.

By Cider Mill Press,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Beautiful Brunches as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Brunch: The Complete Cookbook features over 100 sweet and savory brunch recipes!

The greatest benefit of brunch is that there is something for everyone, from kids to vegans, those with a sweet tooth and those who prefer something savory - The Brunch Book covers it all. From lighter fare that features the best of summer produce to stick-to-your ribs comfort food that hits the spot on a winter morning, you'll never be at a loss for what to make for brunch. Host brunch with ease by following set menus that pair multiple recipes that create a sumptuous spread, or mix…


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