The Secret Ingredient Cookbook

Starred review from April 5, 2021
Chef and Just a Taste blogger Senyei delivers a dynamic debut collection of family-friendly recipes, each of which features a “secret ingredient.” From simple cocktails to quick pastas, Senyei employs often surprising substitutions—such as swapping out breadcrumbs for graham crackers or using cottage cheese as a smoothie protein—to elevate her 125 offerings. She’s careful to note her modifications aren’t chosen willy-nilly; each has been selected to enhance a recipe’s flavors, rather than just adding novelty. After sharing her sometimes unorthodox cooking hacks (“the best place to proof dough: your dryer!”), Senyei dives into a delightful mix of recipes. Among the many standouts are her breakfast options, including egg sandwiches topped with strawberry jam, and pumpkin waffles with ginger ale stirred in for a “light, crispy texture.” Among the snacks are queso with sweet potato for a “touch of sweetness,” while the mains include a tempting dish of scallops with pineapple risotto. Senyei promises that none of her secret ingredients are hard to find—and she mostly delivers. This enjoyable shake-up of kitchen standards is full of what are bound to become new mealtime favorites. Agent: Stacy Glick, DG&B.