My Cookbook

70 brand new recipes + 30 blog favorites including:

  • Slices of Spinach Quiche on plates with forks.
    Spinach & Gruyere Quiche
  • Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce
  • Plate of crab cakes.
    Maryland Crab Cakes with Quick Tartar Sauce
  • Pile of pancakes topped with sliced bananas.
    Banana Pancakes

About the Book

WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER Once upon a time Jenn Segal went to culinary school and worked in fancy restaurants. One marriage and two kids later she created Once Upon a Chef, the popular blog that applies her tried-and-true chef skills with delicious, fresh, and approachable ingredients for family-friendly meals.

Today, Jenn cooks dinner for her family every night, and in her book, she shares 100 recipes that will up your kitchen game while surprising you with their ease. With the authority of a professional chef and the practicality of a busy working mom, Jenn teaches you to improve your cooking one recipe at a time, with helpful tips on topics such as how to season correctly with salt, how to balance flavors, and how to make the most of leftovers.

There is something for every meal of the day:

  • Cinnamon Swirl Bread
  • Savory Ham & Cheese Waffles
  • Herbed Cottage Cheese Dip
  • Bowl of gumbo.
    Andouille Sausage & Shrimp Gumbo
  • Pan-Seared Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil
  • Buffalo Chicken Kebabs
  • Moroccan-Style Brisket with Dried Fruit & Capers
  • Photo by Alexandra Grablewski (Chronicle Books, 2018)
    Chocolate Lover's Birthday Cake

Flip through the pages of this book, and you’ll want to make every recipe—whether it’s an easy family dinner your kids will love, an indulgent dessert for someone special, or fun cocktails and appetizers for your friends. This is the book you’ll turn to again and again, and with Jenn by your side in the kitchen, every meal will taste like the best night out!

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Reviews & Press Mentions

Buy now

“After receiving this last night and staying up to all hours reading it, I do believe this will become one of my all-time favorite cookbooks…If you are a skilled cook you will appreciate the thought and care she puts into all of her recipes and if you are a novice you are about to learn from what I believe is one of the best chefs out there today.”

—Deborah

“I love, love, love this book and it’s one of hundreds of cookbooks I have. The sidebar “tips” are especially great. Her note about perfecting scrambled eggs was wonderful. I read this book like a novel and have learned so much…Outstanding cookbook and great value.”

—Kerry

“I love Jennifer’s recipes. Not only are they creative, appealing and tasty, but they ALWAYS turn out right! I’ve been making things from the Once Upon A Chef blog for several years but I LOVE the convenience of having these recipes all together in a book…And there are scrumptious pictures too!”

—Cathe

“The recipes are excellent, the photos are beautiful and the layout is clear and logical. The pro tips and sourcing savvy side notes are so helpful. I’ve been a fan of her delicious and easy to follow recipes for years. My friends and family have been the happy beneficiaries! Me too. Do yourself a favor and buy this book.”

—RB

“This cookbook is fantastic! The recipes are wonderful for everyday family meals as well as for entertaining. The thing I like most about Jenn Segal’s recipes is that they are reliable and delicious 100% of the time. Every single recipe I have made from this cookbook and from Jen’s website has turned out out great! P.S. The chocolate cake recipe on page 275 is the best I’ve ever eaten!”

—Lawrence

“I have followed Jenn’s blog for years, and was so excited for the cookbook….it will elevate your cooking skills, and make you a rock star in your own kitchen! The recipes are clear, and easy for the home cook to follow, with enough flair for company!”

—Gayann

“I am absolutely delighted with this cookbook. Many cookbooks these days follow current eating trends and use often pricey ingredients. Once Upon a Chef offers simple but delicious recipes which are family friendly. Something for everyone in here and lots of helpful tips too.”

—M.O. Bird

“This cookbook is beautiful and has the same great, easy to follow recipes that are the hallmark of her website. I have tried a few and they are just as wonderful. I cannot recommend highly enough… ”

—Sandy