My new cookbook!
I love big, exciting flavors!
And that’s what you’ll find in this collection of my favorite recipes, most of which are modern twists on American classics ranging from every-day snacks to special-occasion indulgences.
I wrote these recipes with two goals in mind. First, I want people coming back for more! Not only to my table, but also to yours. And, second, I also want to share some tips and insights that have made me a better cook.
This book pulls from the best of hundreds of notes and recipes I’ve written through the years. And I’m thrilled to share them with you now!
coming 2026
Great food, plus lots of extras!
Revising a recipe to peak satisfaction makes me happy. I love adjusting ingredients and techniques until a plate is just right. That’s been my guiding principle — to simply search for what works through testing, exploring, and doing.
Many step-by-step tutorials include photos to show you the how’s and why’s. How to chop dates? Done. Dice a mango? It’s here. I’ve also included notes on optimizing kitchen habits and on selecting quality ingredients.
As a bonus, several recipes include wine pairings by my friend and wine expert Evan McCormack. His notes are 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 with family and friends.
You’ll find—
Easy-to-follow, time-saving directions
Illustrated how-to’s for faster prep
Photos of methods and finished plates
Pizza section 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
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:
Love your time in the kitchen, and you’ll find joy.
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.
