100+ easy recipes and practical tips for a delicious and carefree getaway—whether it’s at a cottage, lake house, or cabin, or campsite (or even your own backyard).

Whether you vacation at a cottage, cabin, lake house, campsite, or trailer, the experience is universal. It’s about getting away from the daily grind and spending time surrounded by nature. But what’s on the menu when you arrive? The Essential Cottage Cookbook has got you covered.

Written by Andrea Buckett, who has vacationed at her family’s cottage countless times since she was a child, this cookbook is full of flexible, flavor-packed recipes. Everything is developed for minimal kitchen tools and equipment, so you can easily whip up a filling meal and still have time to relax. Chapters are divided by meals for every cottage experience under the sun (or rain, or snow!), including:

• Make It and Take It: Recipes prepped at home and then easily assembled when you arrive after the drive, like Little Bean Chili, Half-Time Ribs, or the Epic-Layered Breakfast Pie.

• In the Cottage Kitchen: For when you want to savor the joy of preparing a meal, indulge in the One-Pot Roasted Chicken with Mushroom Barley or Taco Tater Tot Cottage Pie.

• Happy Hour: Snacks and drinks for those precious in-between moments, such as Dill-icious Pickle Dip and No-Bake Kettle Chip “Nachos” or a Pitcher of Margaritas for the adults and Easy Shave Ice for the kids.

• Light the Barbecue: Nothing beats cooking outdoors! Bask in meals straight off the grill like Curried Chickpea Flatbread with Fresh Tomato Relish or Steak Fajitas with Chimichurri Avocados.

• For a Crowd: Hunger-crushing recipes perfect for a large group of friends or family such as Fully Loaded Corn on the Cob or Creamy Tortellini & Greens Salad.

• Around the Campfire: A must-do cottage activity when the stars illuminate the night sky! Recipes like Three-Ingredient Macaroni & Cheese or Raspberry Waffle S’mores make campfire cooking easy.

The Essential Cottage Cookbook also includes guides on how to stock a cottage kitchen (whether you rent or own), packing tips, and menu plans. And you’ll find hosting tips for cottage owners, trip-ready advice for renters, and advice on how to be a great cottage guest and be invited back year after year. Whether swimming, hiking, or even just relaxing outside, enjoy satisfying and relaxing cottage meals morning, noon, and night, thanks to this cookbook.

Andrea Buckett's profile page

ANDREA BUCKETT has over 20 years of experience working in the food industry as a corporate chef, recipe developer, culinary instructor, and caterer. In addition to her own platform, Andrea Buckett Cooks, she is a regular guest on The Good Stuff with Mary Berg, and has been featured on Breakfast Television, CTV Your Morning, and Today’s Shopping Choice among others. You’ll find her at her family's cottage in Haliburton, Ontario, each summer where she works from a pontoon boat and paddleboards in her free time.

"Andrea Buckett has brought the cozy joy of carefree summers by the lake to the table with what is truly THE essential cottage cookbook! With brilliant and breezy recipes (I mean, Raspberry Waffle S’mores?! Yes, please!), cottage kitchen hacks for that often bare-boned utensil drawer, and tips and tricks on being the best cottager—whether just for the weekend or longer—Andrea has thought of everything to help make sure you, your friends, and your family make the most of every moment. Summer is about to get extra delicious thanks to the cottage cooking queen!”—MARY BERG, HOST OF THE GOOD STUFF WITH MARY BERG AND BESTSELLING AUTHOR

“You don’t need to be at a cottage to appreciate Andrea’s smart tips and easy-going recipes. Modern practicality meets nostalgic flavors within Andrea’s creations, andher irresistibly inviting dishes will have you sighing with contentment, even if you’re not sitting on a dock with your toes in the lake."—ANNA OLSON

“To know Andrea is to adore Andrea, as so many of us have discovered via her wildly popular Instagram account. And her first book, The Essential Cottage Cookbook, is exactly what all of us fan girlies have been waiting for: classic Andrea-style recipes that are simple, seasonal, and sentimental, alongside gorgeous photos, chock-full of vacations vibes. From Skillet Lasagna and Dirty Martini Tomatoes to Wobbly Pop Milkshakes and Campfire Fondue, I want to make everything—whether in my cottage kitchen or not—and you will too.”—JESSIE SHEEHAN, AUTHOR OF SALTY,CHEESY, HERBY, CRISPY SNACKABLE BAKES

"Andrea Buckett has knocked it out of the park with her first book! The Essential Cottage Cookbook is the ultimate guide to a stress-free countryside getaway and a must-have for anyone who wants to eat more than just hot dogs and canned chili at the cottage. No matter what your kitchen setup is like, Andrea has thought of it all and will have you eating delicious dishes, expertly tending to a campfire, shaking up a stiff margarita,and even frog ‘hunting’ in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, The Essential Cottage Cookbook gives endless inspiration for creating simple meals with rustic charm that perfectly complement the tranquility of the great outdoors.”—DEAN ALLEN SHEREMET, CHEF