�鶹Ӱ��

We know you can get innumerable recipes online, but there's just something about a cookbook that someone has put together and (hopefully) tested the recipes until they're just right.

Both �鶹Ӱ�� Library locations with circulating book collections have cookbooks available. From classics to new releases, check out the TX location on our shelves for all your cookbook needs.

Prefer to read your cookbook on a tablet? The NC LIVE HomeGrown Ebooks Collection has some real gems-- from bacon to beans (gotta love ) to s'mores and sheet pans.

Click on the book titles above to go to the database. Log on from home using your �鶹Ӱ�� username and password, just like for Canvas or Self-Service.

Julie Humphrey, the �鶹Ӱ�� Library director, explored our on-shelf cookbook collection at Main Campus, cooked a recipe or two, and has some recommendations for you.

Julie checked out Life-Changing Salads: 100 Plant-Based Salads and Dressings Beyond Your Wildest Greens by Danielle Brown (HealthyGirl Kitchen).

I’m a vegetarian and I genuinely love salads, but they can get a little routine. After a while, even kale starts to feel like homework. I wanted some heartier, more interesting ideas, so I checked out a couple of cookbooks from our collection and went to work in the kitchen.

This book is all about plant-based, vegan salads that feel like real meals, not side dishes—lots of colorful bowls, grains, legumes, and creative dressings.

Recipe I tried: Spring Roll Salad

I love fresh spring rolls, so turning that into a salad felt like a fun twist.,

The peanut sauce was the star: spicy from ginger, garlic, and sriracha, and creamy from peanut butter and coconut oil.

Rice noodles made it satisfying and more like a main dish.

It turned into a very colorful bowl with purple cabbage, red pepper, and carrots.

Peanuts and sesame seeds added a great crunch.

I skipped the cucumber and did not miss it.

Verdict: I will definitely make this again. Next time I plan to add baked tofu to bump up the protein and make it even more filling.

Other recipes I want to try from this book:

• Summer Elote Pasta Salad with fresh corn, herbs, pasta, and a creamy dressing.
• Cauli-Power Salad with Indian spices, pine nuts, dates, and fresh herbs.
• Several of the homemade salad dressings, which all look worth a taste test.

Adrian checked out The Choi of Cooking: Flavor-Packed, Rule-Breaking Recipes for a Delicious Life by Roy Choi.

I have admired Roy Choi for a long time. He is known for blending Mexican food with Korean BBQ, especially through his Kogi food truck in Los Angeles. I actually visited the truck once. He was outside sweeping, an extra taco appeared at the window, and he handed it to my husband. Kimchi tacos really are as good as they sound.

Recipe I tried: Veggie on the Lo Mein Spaghetti

This recipe uses thin spaghetti in an Asian-style noodle dish, which I had never thought to do before.

Lots of mushrooms give it a deep, savory flavor.

Celery and bean sprouts add a nice crunch.

Sesame oil gives the whole dish a rich, toasty finish.

Verdict: Easy, comforting, and delicious. It is a good “weeknight but still interesting” kind of meal.

Other recipes I want to try from this book:

• Carrot (Pan)cakes made with potato, mung beans, carrots, scallions, and tempura batter.
• Shakshuka Baked Ziti with sunny-side-up eggs baked right on top.

Both of these cookbooks offered dishes that felt fresh and satisfying, especially if you eat vegetarian or just want more veggies in your life.