Hi, and welcome to the last CulinaryWoman Newsletter for 2022. I thought I’d send it early in case you need last minute gift ideas. We have more than doubled our readership this year, and you are all so appreciated!
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Thank you! And now, on to some of the cookbooks I enjoyed most this past year. See if you can figure out what the photos have in common.
My favorite cookbooks of 2022
From a Southern perspective
Nana’s Creole Italian: Table: Recipes and Stories From Sicilian New Orleans by Elizabeth M. Williams
I Am From Here: Stories and Recipes From A Southern Chef, by Vishwesh Bhatt
The Big Texas Cookbook, from Texas Monthly
Lovely Baking Books
Gateau: The Surprising Simplicity of French Cakes, by Aleksandra Crapanzano
Baking With Bruno: A French Baker’s North American Love Story, by Bruno Feldeisen
Bread Head, by Greg Wade
Dinner is Served
Grist: A Practical Guide to Cooking Grains, Beans, Seeds, and Legumes, by Abra Berens
Dinner In One, by Melissa Clark
Cook What You Have, by Christoper Kimball
The Wok: Recipes and Techniques, by Kenji Lopez-Alt
Things To Drink
Pour Me Another: 250 Ways To Find Your Favorite Drink, by J.M. Hirsch
And Two New York Ones
Zabar’s: A Family Story and Recipes, by Lori Zabar
NYC Storefronts, by Joel Holland (technically a book of illustrations, but they’ll make you want to eat something)
Wrapping Up 2022
It has been another turbulent year for the food world. Inflation, short staffing and the supply chain caused headaches for owners and diners alike. Some favorite places closed, on top of the restaurants lost in the depths of the pandemic.
But, amid the turmoil, there was tremendous hope. Entrepreneurs started food shops and restaurants. Others pursued the pop ups that have become a vital launch pad to brick and mortar. New chefs were hired to enliven menus. Places expanded.
I am constantly fascinated and impressed by people who pursue food careers. It’s a challenging but rewarding life. If you like to be of service to people, whether of food or fellowship, there is no better community than the restaurant world.
As I said at Thanksgiving, I am so grateful for the warm welcome I have gotten in New Orleans. I treasure my friendships back home in Ann Arbor, and in places like Chicago, Boston, New York, DC and London.
More excitement is coming in 2023 (I’ll save that update for the New Year).
Sending you my warmest wishes for the holidays and hoping you stay safe and healthy.
(PS: did you figure out the photos? They are all culinary women.)
This is the final newsletter of the year for free subscribers; I’ll be back Monday with Ref Beans and Advice for our paid audience.