08/23/2026
Many, many people follow Alex MacLaren Alex MacLaren for super accessible recipes and food tips for family life—she makes moms and parents feel seen with a no-nonsense approach to cooking. I actually went to high school with Alex, and when she approached me to both photograph and style her cookbook I was so happy, she had full faith in me, even if it would be my first time shooting and styling a full cookbook (well, it was a team effort, and Katie who was my styling/kitchen/photography assistant was invaluable.) Alex, Katie and I worked for almost 3 weeks doing manageable shoot days so we would not burn out, and so that Alex could continue to be a parent to 3 when we wrapped in the afternoons. We shot it all in her kitchen and dining room. The goal was keep it her style; not pretentious, accessible, kid friendly, not to proper, and maybe a bit messy. This week the cookbook his shelves across North America, and I am so happy for her, as it is a huge accomplishment and undertaking. These are photos from the book. I hope you go buy it, whether in store or online, ideally at a small local store, or maybe even just follow Alex. It's called We Use What We Have, it's her signature saying. Thanks Alex, and Countryman Press for this opportunity. I am so lucky.
