Episode 319: Being Cookbook Co-Authors: That Takes the Cookie with Ryan Alvarez and Adam Merrin

Cookbook Love Podcast

In today’s episode, I’m excited to interview Ryan Alvarez and Adam Merrin, the duo behind the popular blog Husbands That Cook. Since 2015, Ryan and Adam have been cooking together in their cozy kitchen in Eagle Rock, California, and their blog has earned numerous accolades, including being a finalist for Saveur magazine’s Best How-To Cooking Blog Award and a nominee for Taste Talks’ Best Food Blog Award.

Their debut cookbook Husbands That Cook was published in 2019, and now they’re back with their latest release, That Takes The Cookie, which hit shelves on November 12, 2024. This beautifully designed book offers 85 brand-new cookie recipes for every craving and occasion—from classic favorites to inventive new twists. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, salty, chocolatey, or fruity treats, this book has something for everyone!

In this episode, we discuss:

The Journey Behind That Takes The Cookie

• How Husbands That Cook evolved from a blog to a cookbook

• Inspiration behind their second book, That Takes The Cookie

• What sets this cookie book apart from others on the market

What’s Inside the Book

• 85 brand-new cookie recipes, covering:

• Sweet and salty combinations

• Crispy, chewy, and chocolatey options

• Fruity and nutty variations

• Creative spins on timeless classics

• A chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the book, highlighting their favorite recipes

The Creative Process

• How Ryan and Adam test, write, and photograph each recipe

• The challenges of ensuring consistency in cookie recipes

• Their approach to making the book both visually appealing and easy to use

Tips for Cookie Bakers

• Baking tips for fall-inspired cookies, perfect for the current season

• Ideas for customizing and experimenting with your cookie creations

• Their clever method for making endless vanilla extract at home

Things We Mention In This Episode

That Takes the Cookie

Husbands that Cook

Oven Thermometer

Digital Kitchen Scale

Joy of Cooking

The Cookie Book by Rebecca Firth