Molly, Kristin, Andrea and Kate tackle the topic of cookbook criticism, spurred on by recent online conversations. They discuss what it could look like, its importance and what the lack of rigorous criticism means for cookbook publishing. They talk about the unique obstacles to reviewing cookbooks, the elements reviews should highlight and why we need to be wary of echo chambers. Our hosts speak on the idea that this genre isn't taken as seriously as others, what that means for cookbook quality and share what they specifically want to see in a good cookbook.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Cookbooks And Criticism by Tim Mazurek
Cooks Without Borders by Leslie Brenner
Where the Heck Is All the Cookbook Criticism? by Paula Forbes
A Wine Guide for a Changing World (for Better and for Worse) in NYT
Episode 19: Do Cookbook Awards Matter? | Charlotte Druckman
Episode 49: Cookbook Media Coverage with Bonnie Benwick
Kitchen Bookshelf on Instagram
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show