About

The Aspen Cookbook project was started by YPN Aspen (Young Professionals Network), a committee formed under the Aspen Board of Realtors that is dedicated to education and community. Part of a national network founded by the National Association of Realtors to engage newer members of the real estate community, our YPN Aspen chapter has hosted seven engaging events since its inception in 2018—all free and open to the public. 

Then came the global pandemic of 2020, and we were forced, like so many others around the world, to cancel our plans for a fun, engaging, philanthropic event in April. Instead, our team—Maria Cook, Alexandra George, Kiki Peisach, and Raleigh Vos—pivoted from an event to an endeavor that would strengthen and unite our community. Through stay-at-home orders, social distancing protocol, and many Zoom meetings, The Aspen Cookbook was born.

A hardbound collection of 100+ recipes from Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley chefs, The Aspen Cookbook supports the local restaurant industry by sharing beloved recipes and the stories behind them. Cookbook sales (and charitable donations) will fund a restaurant-relief grant program that will award money to local businesses in need.

Edited by longtime Aspen Times Weekly food columnist Amanda Rae Busch and featuring full-color photos and whimsical illustrations by designer Julia Bridgforth, The Aspen Cookbook features a smorgasbord of dishes adored by Aspenites, visitors, and the chefs themselves: 

· Celebrity-treasured lemon soufflé pancakes from The Little Nell

· Chef Nobu’s legendary miso cod at Matsuhisa Aspen

· Cult-classic Colorado rack of lamb prepared at Cache Cache

· Often-imitated LuLu Kale Salad at Steakhouse No. 316

·       Jimmy’s famous crab cakes since 1997…and many more!

Dig into these masterpieces at home, share favorites with friends, and celebrate Aspen in a delicious new way, wherever you live.

For more information or to apply to YPN Aspen’s Restaurant Grant Fund, please email ypnaspen@gmail.com.