Nara Smith’s ‘Homemade’ cookbook: duck fat potatoes, ketchup

Nara Smith, the model and social media creator known for viral cooking videos, has released her debut cookbook, “Homemade.” The 276-page volume collects dishes developed for her online audience, translating kitchen experiments that trended on TikTok into instructions intended for home kitchens. This Nara Smith cookbook marks a step into traditional publishing for a creator whose identity is built on digital content and exaggerated presentation. The Homemade cookbook offers a documented version of the procedures that drew viewers to short-form video.

Among the standout entries are the diner-style ketchup and duck fat potatoes. Smith’s version of the condiment starts with a 6-ounce can of tomato paste rather than fresh tomatoes, mixed with distilled white vinegar, light brown sugar, and a blend of spices including mustard powder, sweet paprika, and cayenne. The mixture simmers for 15 to 20 minutes until thick and glossy, then cools in a lidded jar. Using a tomato paste base condenses flavor and shortens cooking time compared with recipes that begin with raw produce.

The duck fat potatoes involve a technique designed to maximize crispiness. Cooks begin by parboiling 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes in salted water that includes baking soda. The alkaline environment softens the potato surface during the boil, a chemical step that accelerates browning during roasting. After draining, the potatoes are placed in a covered pot and shaken vigorously to create a rough exterior texture. They then roast in a cast-iron skillet containing 1/3 cup of rendered duck fat at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Rosemary, thyme, and smashed garlic cloves finish the dish near the end of cooking.

For a lighter option, the cookbook includes ribboned eggs. The method calls for whisking eggs with salt and pepper, then cooking them in butter or olive oil until the bottom sets, roughly 15 seconds. A rubber spatula is used to push the coagulating egg toward the edge of an 8-inch nonstick skillet while tilting the pan so liquid egg fills the gap. The process repeats for about two minutes, creating ribbon-like shapes. Optional toppings include grated cheese or sauteed vegetables.

Beyond the savory entries, the book features a homemade version of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, reflecting Smith’s tendency to recreate popular snacks. The collection spans recipes ranging from condiments to breakfast mains, illustrating a breadth that goes beyond single-topic influencer titles. Nara Smith recipes often reflect this pattern of recreating familiar dishes with extra effort.

Cookbooks authored by social media personalities have proliferated in recent years, with readers often seeking the specific techniques that made a creator’s posts popular.

The book is available for purchase. Prices and availability may change.