Growing up, I never had any interest in cooking. About three years ago I accidentally had the Food Network on TV and saw Giada De Laurentiis whipping up one of her Italian meals. I instantly fell in love with her recipes, confidence, and style. Giada is the reason I gave cooking a try and I’ve learned so much since then. She has opened up another creative outlet for me, so anytime a new cookbook is released, I’m sure to pick it up and support her. Giada’s latest book, Happy Cooking, came into my life at the perfect time as it’s core focus is to be good to yourself by eating things that bring you joy.

This book is full of beautiful photography and recipes that make your mouth water, but the overall layout doesn’t seem to be that impressive. I prefer the design of Weeknights with Giada much more. When it comes to the structure of this book, there are many different categories that I can appreciate, but wish it had been organized chronologically a bit better. Though, it’s nothing to get upset over since it’s the food inside each chapter that matters most.

The very first recipe, Pineapple-Ginger Smoothie, not only sounds delicious but seems easy to make and is packed full of health benefits. There is definitely more recipes within this book that I want to try than those that I don’t. I’ve already begun planning when I’ll make several side and pasta dishes in the coming month and can’t wait for Spring to arrive so I can bake the Lavender Honey Cake. One recipe seemed like it didn’t belong in this cookbook though, and that was the Peanut Butter Dog Bone Treats at the end of the dessert section.

Along with the 200+ recipes, Giada has included little blurbs throughout each chapter that have helpful tips and personal snippets. I enjoyed reading a bit about her mini cleanses and plan to attempt her method after the holidays. She has fully persuaded me to allow more vegetables into my diet and give clean eating another try.

“Make every meal count, without stressing out” perfectly sums up Happy Cooking. Giada has hit upon the fact that life is short and the best thing you can do for yourself is to recognize what your body needs. I thoroughly enjoyed the overall theme that Giada successfully got across and find the recipes to support her idea, which is why I’m giving this cookbook 4 out of 5 stars. Remember to nourish yourself, enjoy every bite, and if you do indulge make sure it’s worth it!

Since Giada has made such a positive change in my life, I’m hoping her recipes will do the same for you! I am giving away a copy of Happy Cooking to one lucky reader; consider it my late holiday gift to you! Enter to win with the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway ends on December 23, 2015 and one winner will be randomly selected. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please note, I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.