If you’re looking for a cookbook that blends comfort food, humor, and a laid-back approach to entertaining, Renee Paquette’s Messy in the Kitchen: My Guide to Eating Deliciously, Hosting Fabulously and Sipping Copiously is a delightful addition to your kitchen shelf. Best known for her work as a WWE broadcaster and TV personality, Paquette brings her signature charm and energy into this cookbook, making it feel more like a conversation with a good friend than a traditional recipe collection. https://www.instagram.com/reneepaquette/?hl=en
One of the unique aspects of Messy in the Kitchen is how effortlessly it merges fun with function. This isn’t a book that takes itself too seriously—Paquette makes it clear from the start that cooking should be about enjoyment rather than perfection. With sections dedicated to indulgent meals, easy hosting ideas, and plenty of cocktail pairings, the book encourages readers to embrace the chaos of cooking rather than stress over getting it right.
The book is packed with recipes that reflect Paquette’s love for bold flavors and comfort food, many of which take inspiration from her Canadian roots and travels. Whether you’re in the mood for a decadent brunch, a hearty dinner, or a creative cocktail, there’s something for every occasion.
While Messy in the Kitchen offers a wide variety of recipes, a few Canadian-inspired standouts deserve special mention:
Eggs in Snow – With Easter around the corner, this is the perfect breakfast dish to feed your overnight guests. Easy, quick and divine!
The Art of the Charcuterie – Great ideas using local cheeses and add-ons that will make entertaining a delight.
Bloody Caesar – Paquette’s cocktail recipes are just as enticing as her food, and this blend of Canadian-American (Bloody Mary) worlds will put a smile on your face.
My personal favourite is the French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese Sandwich found in our Recipe section. Take the best of both soup & sammy and blend them into one delicious bite! Perfect for feeding the masses over the Easter holiday.
Beyond the recipes, Messy in the Kitchen is infused with Paquette’s personality. Her storytelling throughout the book adds a personal touch, whether she’s reminiscing about meals from her childhood in Canada or sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes from her TV career. The book doesn’t just give you great food; it gives you the feeling that you’re cooking alongside a friend who wants you to have fun in the kitchen. Purchase a copy of the book at https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Messy-In-The-Kitchen/Renee-Paquette/9781682619384 or win this fun cookbook in our Giveaway section.
Renee Paquette’s Messy in the Kitchen is more than just a cookbook—it’s an invitation to let loose, embrace the mess, and enjoy the process of making and sharing food. Whether you’re an aspiring host, a comfort food lover, or someone who enjoys pairing delicious meals with creative cocktails, this book is a worthwhile addition to your collection. With a blend of humor, heart, and mouthwatering recipes, Messy in the Kitchen makes cooking feel like an adventure rather than a chore.
Courtesy of Renée Paquette, Messy in the Kitchen © 2021. Published by Permuted Press, reprinted with permission. Cover photography by Manny Rosario. Interior photography by Gaby Duong. Food styling by Jackie Sobon. https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Messy-In-The-Kitchen/Renee-Paquette/9781682619384
