My new cookbook!
‘George, you have an amazing palate! You actually tasted the coriander in the rub?’ asked a friend who had offered a bite of his duck. Yes, I did! I’ve always detected such things, which helps me know when a plate succeeds or needs a tweak. That’s been my guiding principle as I’ve collected and written recipes throughout my life — searching for what works.
This is the culmination, the best of hundreds of notes and recipes I’ve created through the years — all photographed and designed by me to inspire new and seasoned cooks alike.
I’ve always dreamed of this book, and I’m super happy to offer it to you now!
Available august 2025
Great food, plus lots of extras!
I love big, exciting flavors. So, I wrote these modern twists on American classics with one goal: keep people coming back for more! Not only to my table, but now I hope to yours as well.
Revising a recipe to peak satisfaction makes me happy. I love adjusting ingredients and techniques until a plate is just right. Then I know I have another reliable option for entertaining friends and family. Now I’m happy to offer my favorites to everyone.
Many step-by-step tutorials (with photos) guide you along the way. How to chop dates? Done. Dice a mango? It’s here. I’ve also included notes on optimizing day-to-day kitchen habits and on buying quality ingredients.
As a bonus, several recipes include wine pairings by my friend and wine expert Evan McCormack. This is just another way I want you to get the most out of Cooking with George.
Alongside the recipes, I’ve woven in several personal essays, sharing my love for food and the joy of bringing people together through hospitality. For me, cooking isn’t just about food — it’s about the experience, the memories, and the warmth shared around the table.
I hope this labor of love inspires you to cook, share, and savor the moments that matter most.
You’ll find—
Easy-to-follow directions
Illustrated how-to’s
Photos of methods and finished plates
Pizza dough recipe with tutorials and tips
Wine guide and pairing notes by Evan McCormack
12-page section on kitchen tips and cooking habits
Fun, interesting sidebars
Kitchen appliance guide
46 recipes, each with a mini-editorial
Hardcover, 208 pages, 7.8 in. wide x 10.7 in. tall
Download a FREE recipe below!
Table of Contents
Preview pages
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The most beautiful cookbook I’ve ever seen!
/ Michael C. /
inside cover description
Whether you’re making his rosemary-rubbed, garlic-glazed pork shoulder or the deliciously rich Mornay sauce for his very adult take on macaroni and cheese, you’ll see that accomplished home cook George Stilabower lives his cooking creed on every page of this book:
Elevate your joy. Love your time in the kitchen.
His straightforward directions and enticing photography will certainly invite you to embrace his creed. In an often humorous voice, he speaks simply and confidently to help you turn out dishes the way he wants you to make them — beautifully composed and full of restaurant-quality flavor.
George’s upbringing in the Midwest, surrounded by great home-cooking, kicked off a passion that he’s nurtured through his stays in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and New York, his current home. Throughout his time in these diverse food metropolises, every cooking and dining adventure helped build his palate into a lively ensemble of zesty rhythms and easy harmonies that contribute to his tantalizing, updated classics.
You’ll find generous how-tos and tips throughout, plus several historical notes meant to bring a smile. In all, this portfolio of well-crafted and thoroughly tested recipes will inspire you to fall in love with new favorites for special family meals, casual gatherings, and lively parties with friends.
