Review: Simple Pleasures: Incredibly Craveable Recipes for Everyday Cooking

Mary Ann
Jun 18
2 min read

Jodi Moreno “Simple Pleasures” lives up to its name in every possible way—and then some. As a James Beard Award–nominated author, Jodi brings a thoughtful, deeply intuitive balance of flavor, ease, and elegance to everyday cooking that feels both fresh and timeless. You can tell this book was written by someone who truly understands how real people cook at home.

After reading through the pages several times (and mentally bookmarking almost every recipe), I finally dove in and made the Celery Caesar Salad with Bacon Breadcrumbs and the Spaghetti Pomodoro with Crispy Basil + Anchovy Breadcrumbs. Both were absolutely fantastic. The salad was punchy, crunchy, and refreshing, and those bacon breadcrumbs? I could eat them by the spoonful. The spaghetti was rich, savory, and beautifully balanced—the crispy basil added an addictive crunch that made it feel like something you'd order at a restaurant, but without any fuss.

What really stood out to me is how manageable everything felt. My kitchen didn’t end up in chaos (a rare feat), the ingredients were accessible, and the instructions were clear and confidence-boosting. This book doesn’t try to impress with over-complication—it wins you over with thoughtful techniques, layered flavors, and dishes that are genuinely satisfying to make and eat.

Every recipe I’ve tried so far feels approachable yet somehow elevated. It’s the kind of cookbook that invites you to slow down and enjoy the process, while also delivering results that make you feel like a better cook. It’s safe to say I’ve found my new go-to. 10/10. 📖🥗🍝