"[Lidey Heuck's] straightforward instructions, suggested menus, and easy add-ons make elevating a weeknight meal seem not only doable but also appealing.” -- Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

“The recipes in Cooking in Real Life were intended to be 'low-effort, practical, and high-reward,' and that’s exactly what they are… her straightforward writing makes even unfamiliar techniques seem doable.”

– Eater

“This will be a new favorite for busy home cooks looking to enhance their weeknight repertoire.” – Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Every once in a while, a cookbook comes along that does it all, from simple to sophisticated, weeknight to showstopper, and, with tons of kitchen inspiration too, this is that cookbook.” – Booklist, Starred review

“The kind of recipes that will instantly become classics in your kitchen — they're delicious yet approachable, familiar but with a twist, comforting but celebration-worthy.”

– Food & Wine

“Lidey is straight-up spoiling us with this book. Smart and unfussy, Cooking In Real Life is loaded with everyday recipes that are deliciously repeat-worthy, filled with clever, heartfelt twists, and everything I want to eat at all the time.”

– Erin French, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Lost Kitchen and Finding Freedom

"As a longtime super fan of Lidey’s recipes I am so excited to add Cooking In Real Life to my cookbook collection. These dishes strike the ideal balance between maximum flavor and approachability, or as Lidey puts it, they are 'deliciously doable.' I know this book is going to be covered with the kinds of stains and splatters that are the signs of a well-loved cookbook."

– Molly Yeh, Author of Home is Where the Eggs Are

“Lidey's cookbook is an absolute treasure! She gives us fantastic spins on classic dishes and also whips up deliciously unexpected recipes (I'm looking at you, spaghetti with sweet corn pesto). Her knack for anticipating questions and providing answers before they even arise makes the book especially practical for everyday cooks. I can't wait to dog-ear and cook from this book!”

– Jennifer Segal, Author of Once Upon a Chef

“Lidey spent her childhood similar to me: Sunday dinners with her entire family, carefully observing her grandparents create delicious feasts with ease, and with plenty of love and laughter. I think this sets up one for a lifetime of joyful learning, cooking, and entertaining in the kitchen and beyond. Lucky for us, Lidey shares everything she knows in her gorgeous cookbook. This book is so comfortable, so lived in, and so confidently laid back that it can ONLY be described as Cooking In Real Life.”

– Dan Pelosi, Author of Let's Eat

“The recipes in Cooking in Real Life are innovative and imaginative, but they still manage to be straightforward and low-effort—always keeping the cook in mind.”

– Parade