Every year, I’m amazed at the number of wonderful new cookbooks that are published. Along with that, I discover cookbooks that I missed.
It can be overwhelming to choose among them. I suggest you pick a cuisine, or a type of dining that interests you. Explore the books in that category to see which ones are most intriguing.
Then, head to your favorite indie bookstore to order the ones that seem most enticing. (If you don’t feel safe going to a store, try Bookshop.) Here is a last set of suggestions for your culinary library.
Asian Food
I’ve previously praised My Korea by Hooni Kim. It’s a stunning and fascinating book, that’s both his life story and his approach to award-winning cookbooks.
Another Korean title you can consider is Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking. Maangchi is a charming YouTube star, and her recipes cover everything you might want to attempt.
East by Meera Sohda covers 120 vegetarian and vegan recipes from India to China. While her other books have focused on India, she broadens her approach with East, and you’ll be able to compare and contrast cooking methods.
American Cuisines
American Tacos by Jose Ralat and Jubilee by Toni Tipton-Martin will give you a good feel for the heritage of two familiar styles of cooking that are found across the country. You may not realize it, but their influence is felt in many of the dishes you eat.
Jose’s book opened my eyes to all the varieties of tacos that you will see on menus everywhere. Toni’s book is an elegant look at two centuries of African-American cooking, including the history of the dishes she features.
Vegetables
Ruffage: A Practical Guide To Vegetables by Abra Berens is a cookbook close to our hearts in Michigan. Abra, who has cooked at Zingerman’s Roadhouse in Ann Arbor, as well as at restaurants in Chicago, lives on a farm on the west side of the state. Her passion is for making us love vegetables. If you find yourself craving, well, ruffage, here is the inspiration you need.
Simple Dishes
From The Oven To The Table by Diana Henry and Milk Street Tuesday Nights by Christopher Kimball are companions in the quest to make your life a little easier, while still ensuring flavorful dishes. Diana is one of my favorite food writers, while Chris has created an entire publishing and broadcast empire of cooking. Either book will break through the weeknight malaise of, “let’s just order pizza.”
The Mediterranean
Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi and The Italian Table by Elizabeth Minchilli will cover your table with sunshine — Mediterranean sunshine, that is. You’ll find yourself marking pages with the Middle Eastern and Italian dishes that you can’t wait to try next.
The collection of cookbooks I’ve highlighted is just a start. But, you’ve hopefully seen some new to you, and you’ll seek out ones you find intriguing.
Food Gifts For The Last Minute
Christmas is Friday (I know, I can’t believe it, either). You may be realizing you need some gifts for people, but your shops are closed, you don’t feel safe going shopping or you’re just too tired to face it.
How about a gift of food? It’s fun and satisfying to give someone something you made yourself. You may have all these ingredients on hand, or they may be just a grocery store trip away.
Spicy Pecans: I’ve been giving sweet and spicy nuts to my friends for years. They are nice nibbles with a drink, or chopped up to sprinkle on salad or veggies.
Simple syrups: You can do wonders with sugar, water and flavor.
Kathy Gunst’s Holiday Buttercrunch: Even if you aren’t a regular candy maker, this recipe will turn you into a star.
Flavored salt: I started making these years ago. Buy a big box of kosher salt, some herbs, and go wild.
Consider a gift subscription to the CulinaryWoman Newsletter, too. You’ll enlighten someone, and help support our journalism.
Keeping Up With CulinaryWoman
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Have a lovely holiday week! Stay healthy and wear a mask. See you next Sunday.