Pass the Plate

Starred review from September 16, 2024
Foodie influencer Gelen debuts with an eclectic and endlessly appealing collection of recipes for any occasion. Taking inspiration from her experiences working in professional kitchens, she puts a new spin on dozens of classics. For example, she gives chicken nuggets an upgrade with a coconut-panko coating and pineapple-basil dipping sauce, opts for butter beans in place of penne to go with her vodka sauce, and bakes risotto with blistered tomatoes and burrata instead of simmering it. Some recipes pay tribute to her native Transylvania, among them one-pan garlicky chicken couscous, cabbage roll casserole, and cremes (a slice of vanilla custard on puff pastry), while others draw from cultures across the globe. Whether showing readers how to prepare the West African-inspired peanut butter chicken mafé stew, mushroom shawarma, or tacos inspired by arayes (Middle Eastern meat-stuffed pita pockets), Gelen makes sure all of the ingredients are easily obtainable. Her thorough instructions are a breeze to follow, and Gelen’s notes throughout are valuable (for the upside-down pineapple coconut cake, canned or frozen pineapple will work in a pinch). This is a treasure trove of inspiration that home cooks will turn to time and again. Agent: Nicole Tourtelot, Gernert Co.