The Capital Cooking Cookbook

The Capital Cooking Cookbook is the first cookbook from Lauren DeSantis, the host of the nationally televised show Capital Cooking. With over 90 recipes, beginners and advanced chefs are sure to enjoy creating the best recipes from the nation’s capital. A comprehensive representation of the culinary treats Washington, D.C. has to offer as well as Lauren’s favorites from across the country and around the world. The Capital Cooking Cookbook unites readers through an overwhelming appreciation for cooking. The book features over 70 photos and tips from Lauren to help readers create flawless dishes that are sure to become family favorites. Chapters from the book include:

Starters: Every meal should begin with the right starter. Lauren walks readers through elegant and filling appetizers that will provide a delightful preview for the meal they are about to enjoy. Baked Brie, Spinach Balls, and Creamy Butternut Squash Soup—these are just a few of the delicious recipes you will find in this chapter.

Main Dishes: From formal dinner parties to relaxed gatherings with friends, there is a recipe for every event. This chapter focuses on the heart of the meal and bringing guests together. Whether it is Fried Chicken or Oven-Smoked Pulled Pork, any guest is sure to be satisfied.

Cocktails: An integral part of any meal, cocktails, establish the mood of a party. With a cocktail for every occasion and season, there is no reason your social calendar needs to end. In this chapter, you will find cocktails for each of the twelve days of Christmas, as well as drinks that pay homage to DC, like the Cherry Blossom.

Side Dishes: Lauren’s sides are perfectly created to balance any main dish. Learn the best way to eat vegetables by creating Cheesy Vegetables or discover a new favorite mashed potatoes recipe with Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes and Sausage Gravy

Sweet Endings: Whether you are planning an end to your meal or just satisfying your sweet tooth, you cannot go wrong with dessert. Make your own Peppermint Bark for the holidays or a Gooey Butter Cake for anytime of the year.

Menu Planning: Interested in throwing a BBQ or a cocktail party? Lauren provides enticing sample menus to help plan the perfect gathering.

Local chefs have shared their culinary expertise with Lauren and viewers and have created enticing dishes for all to enjoy. Chefs featured in the cookbook are:
Chef Dan Giusti, 1789
Chef Enzo Febbraro, Forno
Chef Paul Stearman of Marcel’s
Chef Travis Timberlake, Art and Soul
Chef Shannon Overmiller, The Majestic
Chef John Manolatos, Cashion’s Eat Place
Christiana Chiang, Ping by Charlie Chiang
Chef Jonathan McArthur, Matchbox
Chef Oliver Friendly, Eat and Smile Foods
Heath Hall and Brett Thompson, Pork Barrel BBQ
Jules Shepard, Nearly Normal Kitchen
Virginia DeSantis and Linda Roth
Mary and David Supley Foxworth, MallowDrama
Chef Domenico Cornacchia of Assaggi
Chef Ana Victoria Mas, Embassy of Panama
Chef Vikram Sunderam, Rasika