The photographs of the food make me want to bite the pages for a taste of this lovely book! Peter Son got his love for making and eating great food from his mom and grandmother. Lots of love went into the preparation of the family's food. He presents his Chinese heritage with live.
We begin with items belonging to the beginning of the meal. The food awakens the appetite and prepares the stomach for a feast. We find potstickers, eggs, toast and quick scallion pancakes, cheese and soups. Cultures mix in starters like matzo ball eggdrop soup or Hong Kong French Toast, and even Grilled Cheese. Clearly, tasty plus delicious equals something very special and satisfying.
Vegetables are up next. Again, the fusion of cultures in the recipes creates something new and exciting. Garlicky Caprese with Hoisin Butternut Ranch is a prime example of why fusion dishes are so exciting and can cement a chef's reputation for flavor and creativity. Another, Beets and Blackberries with Orange Blossom Labneh and Calamansi vinaigrette surely peaked my interest.
Rice bowls bring comfort foods which have been updated for maximum interest and excitement. One of the first things I will prepare is the One-pot Sticky Rice and Chicken. The one-pot creamy Kimchi Risotto is so fresh as it blends the Far East and Italy. Super creative. Yum
Use your Noodle features marvelous noodle creations such a Pasta alla Lap Cheong.. It is a comfort creation combined with an Asian backdrop and the umami flavors are singing to me .
The Main Dishes are my favorite part of any meal. Shrimp and Lychee Ceviche sounds so creative and desirable. Next up for me is the Hoisin Honey Roasr Chicken ,and Stir-fried beef with onions and 'shrooms. I can practically smell the food at this point.
Finally, I am considering the Apple Cake with salted maple caramel and the Chocolate Hoisin Cake with Fluffy Frosting.
There is a lot to choose from and I can see myself reaching for this cookbook often. I will be cooking up a storm this weekend. The best part for me is that so many selections are calling my name, and that is precisely what I look for in my best-loved cookbooks. I must also recognize Peter's warmth, and enjoyed his stories.
This is a winner.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of this lovely book in exchange for an honesr review. All opinions are my own.

Family Style is inspired by Peter Som's Heritage. The Sections are Introduction, What's in My Pantry, This and That, Have you Eaten your Vegetables?, Rice Bowl, Use Yer Noodle, The Mains, (Not too Sweet) Sweets

Each recipe has servings, a recipe blurb, ingredients, and directions. Most of the dishes have photos to accompany.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Asian food is a favorite of many, and while most of us order traditional Asian dishes in Asian restaurants, we don’t think of what Asians actually serve at their own family dinners. Family Style: Elegant Everyday Recipes Inspired by Home and Heritage―A Cookbook with a Modern Twist, Impress Your Guests , is an excellent cookbook by Peter Som, recipe developer and entertaining and lifestyle authority . which will answer that question. This cookbook includes unusual and unique dishes that aren’t on traditional Asian restaurant menus. However, they are very appealing and mouthwatering.

The recipes are written in the traditional manner with the ingredients listed first, followed by step-by-step instructions to make it easy for both beginning and advanced cooks. Some of the recipes have long lists of ingredients, and so they are a bit time consuming; others are quick and easy, making it so that cooks in a hurry can also cook from this book. The ingredients are mostly available at mainstream grocery stores, so there’s no need for a trip to a specialty market.

Another good thing about this cookbook is that almost every is accompanied by a beautiful, professional photograph. It’s always nice to know what your finished dish should look like.

All told, this is an excellent cookbook with appealing recipes that are doable at home and appealing to both children and adults.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

This is a great cookbook! I loved reading all the stories from the author. The recipes I'm most excited to try are French Toast Grilled Cheese,Really Green Chopped Salad, Rice Cake Pizzagna Bake, Lemony One-Pot Mac and Cheese, Hoisin Honey Roast Chicken and Apple Cake With Salted Maple Caramel. The photos throughout are beautiful. I would recommend this. Special Thank You to Peter Som, William Morrow, Harvest Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This cookbook had very easy recipes. I highly recommend this book. It's worth buying. I loved how easy the recipes were.

First of all, the first chapter is WHERE THIS BOOK IS AT! Things I never thought I'd make: Crispy Deviled Tea Eggs, Chinese Steamed Eggs with Parm, Bacon, and Sourdough, and Burnt Miso Cinnamon Toast- YES! Get this book and make them immediately. The rest of the recipes are just as good. The whole book is really just a list of things I want to make.

Peter Som’s Family Style is a vibrant and inviting cookbook that blends flavors from different cuisines, with a particular emphasis on Asian-inspired twists on classic dishes. The recipes are approachable, using whole foods and bold flavors, making them perfect for home cooks looking to experiment. While not every recipe includes a photo, the ones that do are beautifully styled and enticing. The storytelling before each recipe adds a personal touch.

Hi there,
I recently received a galley copy of “Family Style” by Peter Som and asked to write a review.
I have been a long-time follower of Peter Som and was pleased to have this opportunity. This quote from Peter explains it all: “I believe in the magic of the everyday.” Peter’s sophisticated simplicity and love of family shine through everything he creates.
In his cookbook, “Family Style,” Peter Som beautifully intertwines the nostalgic warmth of family traditions with contemporary cooking. This cookbook is not merely a collection of recipes; it is a heartfelt tribute to Som’s rich heritage and his cherished bond with his beloved grandmother. Through his pages, readers are invited to experience the flavors and stories that shaped his culinary journey, making it a delightful read.
Peter can breathe new life into family recipes passed down through generations. He honors the time-tested dishes that likely graced his grandmother’s table yet skillfully reimagines them for the modern sensibility.
Som’s narrative is rich with personal stories that illustrate his grandmother’s influence on his life and cooking. Readers can sense his love and respect for her as he recounts lessons learned in the kitchen, along with heartfelt memories that add an emotional depth to the cookbook. His affection for family shines through every recipe, reminding us that food is not only about nourishment but also about connection, love, and shared experiences.
“Family Style” by Peter Som is more than just a cookbook; it celebrates family, heritage, and the joy of cooking. It is filled with beautiful photographs and very easy-to-recreate recipes. What follows is an example of one of Peter’s recipes (not included in the book). This recipe illustrates how he blends sophisticated presentation with easy-to-find and prepare ingredients.
Retro Shrimp Pâté


Peter Som transformed the pink, jiggly ’70s mainstay into an elegant spread fit for easy entertaining.
“Welcome to Grandma’s Notebook, a series unearthing the hand-written recipes of Mary Woo, the late grandmother of fashion designer Peter Som. Follow along as we dive into 20 years of recipes that trace her Chinese American immigrant experience. Along the way, we’ll discover hidden family secrets, new and enticing flavors, and priceless hand-me-down dishes that deserve a second life in your kitchen.”
“This easy shrimp pâté recipe comes from the crinkled kitchen notebook of Peter Som’s grandmother, who made a ‘70s rendition of the dish regularly. Here, Som brings us a fresher, zestier, and less wobbly take on the original that calls for extra citrus and pan-roasted cherry tomatoes (begone, Campbell’s soup!). “


Ingredients
1 lb. peeled cooked medium shrimp
2 cups cherry tomatoes nm m
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 tsp. olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped (¼ cup)
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1½ tsp. lemon zest
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup finely chopped parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
¼ cup thinly sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
1 tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp. dry mustard powder
Baguette slices or crackers, for serving
Instructions
STEP 1
To a medium skillet set over medium heat, add the olive oil and tomatoes. Cover and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until they burst and begin to brown, 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl, wipe out the skillet, and return it to the stove.
STEP 2
In the empty pan set over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the shallots, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 6 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it sizzles, about 1 minute more. Transfer to the bowl with the tomatoes.
STEP 3
In a food processor, pulse the shrimp to a coarse paste, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, mayonnaise, parsley, scallions, salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and reserved tomatoes and shallots. Using a silicone spatula, mix gently to combine.
STEP 4
Scrape into two 1-pint Mason jars, or transfer to a large ramekin, flattening the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing on the spread to remove any air bubbles, and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours. Garnish with additional parsley and scallions and serve chilled with baguette slices for spreading. (Refrigerated, the pâté will keep for up to 5 days.)
By PETER SOM
Published on January 24, 2023
As featured in “Peter Som’s Retro Shrimp Pâté Is Primo Finger Food.”
I am so pleased to introduce “Family Style” to you. I think anyone who wants to bring magic to the everyday will enjoy owning it.

I love a good cookbook! Most of the time there are a handful or recipes I cannot wait to try. Well, this is a GREAT cookbook! Every page I turned was another delicious looking recipe! I immediately went to my pantry to see what I already had on hand to start cooking! The layout of the book is filled with beautiful pictures and charming stories. The recipes are very easy to follow and I really only need to purchase a few items (all easily found at my local market). In the last week I have attempted at least a dozen recipes and all were well liked by family (3 young kids included) and friends they were shared with. Favorites were the Crispy Deviled Tea Eggs, Fancy Mushrooms and Creamy Beans with Citrus Brown Butter and the Brown Butter Miso Mochi Blondies. The Lemon Miso Shrimp were so good they will be making an appearance in our regular menu rotation! Overall, this is a beautiful book with recipes that blend simple ingredients in unique ways that would be at home on the weeknight dinner table or served at a nice dinner party.

Peter Som’s *Family Style* is a joyful celebration of food and connection. The recipes feel both approachable and creative, blending comfort with sophistication in a way that makes every dish exciting to try. Peter’s unique flavor combinations and heartfelt approach make this book a beautiful invitation to gather, share, and savor life around the table.

Peter Som’s Family Style resonates with me as food played and continues to play an important part of family celebrations. It’s a way to show love. The recipes in Family Style are a modern approach to Asian cuisine, both creative and inviting. I will be shopping for Brussels sprouts and carrots to make the roasted Brussels Sprouts with grapefruit and the charred carrots with Gochujang honey butter. Both would be fantastic accompaniments to Peter’s hoisin honey roast chicken. I am looking forward to cooking from Family Style. Thank you Netgalley and publisher William Morrow for an ARC!

Absolutely loving this cookbook. The best part was the varieties of different cuisines throughout the book. With a lot of Asian flavors sprinkling among other cuisines, this was so fun to explore. I bookmarked plenty of dishes and very much wanting to make almost every single thing here. The pictures were eye catching and I know this might seem weird, but the font choice was a smart move. Everything in this was brilliantly planned out.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this great cookbook. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed “Family Style” by Peter Som and highly recommend it! This cookbook beautifully blends bold, exciting flavors with comforting dishes, all inspired by Peter’s heritage. With over 100 recipes that are both easy to prepare and elegant, it’s perfect for everything from quick weeknight meals to impressive dishes for special occasions. The pantry list is especially helpful, making it easy to stock up on essentials and feel confident in the kitchen.

The recipes draw from a range of culinary traditions, from his grandmother’s Cantonese flavors to his mom’s French-inspired dishes. They’re creative, personal, and straightforward, making it easy for cooks of all skill levels to try something new and delicious. This book is a must-have for any kitchen, packed with vibrant flavors and unique twists that will inspire you to cook and impress your guests!

A big thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to experience this ARC!

This is a fun cookbook with lots of recipes that look delicious. There are photos for about half of the recipes, maybe a little less. There are lots of creative fusion type recipes that take on Italian classics with an Asian spin, for instance. There is no nutritional information for the recipes. I enjoyed the story and information that preceded each recipe. The recipes are relatively simple but use whole foods and interesting flavors.

I read a temporary digital loan of this book for review.

Family Style has over 100 recipes inspired by Peter Som's identity and heritage. The cookbook begins with an introduction and pantry list, which is useful. Next are the recipes for this and that (eggs, bread, snacks, and soups), vegetables, rice bowls, noodles, mains, and sweets. Each recipe has an introduction, ingredient list, directions, and a photo. I appreciate that the recipes include a photo because you can see what the dish looks like and it can help you decide if you would like to make it. Some recipes I would like to try are the Hong Kong French Toast Grilled Cheese, One-Pot Creamy Kimchi Risotto, Mapo Eggplant, and the Apple Cake with Salted Maple Caramel. I do wish the recipes listed the prep/cook times at the beginning though so you do not have to read through the directions to see if it takes 20 minutes or over an hour to make. That said, the recipes look delicious, and the cookbook would be better for those more confident in the kitchen.

This book was part cookbook and part family nostalgia. It was really well done. It had a good intro section including what staples you should have in your pantry. Though the recipes were a bit challenging, I love how unique they are. This is not just a book of recipes you could find anywhere. These recipes are thoughtful well executed recipes. I liked that many of the recipes blended different culture’s recipes in a thoughtful way. The photographs were beautiful and did a great job highlighting the recipes. I really appreciated all of the tips throughout. I think this book would appeal to a lot of people and I highly recommend it.