John Kanell, of Preppy Kitchen fame, is back with a new cookbook — this one titled, Preppy Kitchen Super Easy: 100 Simple and Versatile Recipes. Out on August 20 — the same day he’s in NYC for a book signing — the cookbook features a variety of perfect-for-daily use recipes, including breakfasts, dinners, and desserts, along with options for swaps, additions, and other practical tips. We caught up with the Litchfield County resident and former teacher, who talked to us about his inspiration, what he hopes readers take away from the book, and more.
Congratulations on the new cookbook! What’s the inspiration behind it?
John Kanell: Life has gotten exponentially busier as my sons George and Lachlan have gotten older, and I still want to make delicious food for my family but with less time (and no added stress). My new book is filled with just that — quick and easy recipes, so no matter how little time you have you can still make an amazing meal. I streamlined the recipes so there are fewer ingredients where possible and gave tips for using all our favorite time saving appliances from air fryers to slow cookers.
Along with some great recipes, you have lots of variations and tips. Why was it important to you to include these?
Kanell: I really wanted people to have some freedom and play with these recipes to make them their own. Sometimes there’s a recipe you love, but want to make it a little nicer for a celebration, or more convenient for a week-night meal. Or maybe you have a packet of pork chops you need to use up instead of buying chicken.
Throughout the recipes, you can use different proteins, spices, and mix-ins, or change the baking pan or cooking vessel to meet your needs. Make a sheet cake as a layer cake or a quick set of cupcakes. My fluffy pancake batter also makes amazing waffles. Cook the chicken stew on the stove or in the pressure cooker depending on your time. The dips, sauces and dressings are beyond versatile. In fact, there’s a whole “pantry of convenience” chapter with recipes for dressings, sauces, and dry mixes you can have on hand to make cookies, cakes and bring together a full meal on-demand and in less time.
This is your second cookbook — not to mention your popular website and social media. How do you find fresh material and recipes to share?
Kanell: There are so many recipes bubbling around in my head, I actually keep a list of them and develop the ideas as I have time. I also got a lot of wonderful feedback from all the people I met on the first book tour and many of the recipes are by popular request!
What do you hope readers take away from this book? Is there a particular recipe you love most?
Kanell: I hope this book is well worn, full of splatters and dogged edges in all the kitchens it lives in. I would love readers to come back to the book again and again, not just because the recipes are easy and delicious, but because you can try all the variations out, do some experimenting and really make them your own.
What next for you — and Preppy Kitchen?
Kanell: I’m really looking forward to the book tour and meeting all the lovely people who can make it out. I love what I do but meeting people in person is so special and I truly love it.
