Cook Beautiful

Book excerpt: The debut cookbook from the creator of EyeSwoon features 100 seasonal recipes for meals as gorgeous as they are delicious. In Cook Beautiful, Athena Calderone reveals the secrets to preparing and presenting unforgettable meals. As “The modern girl’s Martha Stewart”, Athena cooks with top chefs, hosts incredible dinners, and designs stunning tablescapes—all while balancing the visual elements of each dish with incredible flavors. In her debut cookbook, she shows us how to achieve her impeccable yet approachable cooking style (New York Times T Magazine). Included are 100 recipes with step-by-step advice on everything from prep to presentation—from artfully layering a peach and burrata salad to searing a perfect steak. Recipes include Grilled Zucchini Flatbread with Ramp-Pistachio Pesto, Stewed Pork with Squash and Walnut Gremolata, Blood Orange Bundt Cake with Orange Bitters Glaze, and more. Organized by season, each section closes with a tablescape inspired by nature, along with specific table décor and entertaining tips.