Food unites all of us during the holidays, doesn't it? Here are some of the best cookbooks of the season, perfect for gifts (or even if you're planning to treat yourself to something yummy). And of course, give somebody one of these books and remind them that, if they want to test out some of the recipes, you're available!
-
.
American Cuisine
By Paul Freedman
Paul Freedman’s Ten Restaurants That Changed America was a past Holiday must-buy, and now he’s back with another great book, American Cuisine. It’s the best kind of food writing: prose that probes the unique relationship between the culinary and the cultural, the way that we so often forge our sense of identity through what we eat. Is there an American cuisine? Yes, Freedman says, and this is a convincing, sweeping argument to enthuse any fans of food writing.
-
.
Essential Ottolenghi
By Yotam Ottolenghi
Yotam Ottolenghi’s name is synonymous with delicious, highly flavorful Middle Eastern vegetarian cooking. His cooking has brought him phenomenal, global success and two James Beard awards from his London restaurants and best-selling cookbooks. Now Plenty More and Ottolenghi Simple, two of his best, are boxed together, in paperback for the first time! A great gift—and beautifully packaged—for the culinary enthusiast (not only vegetarians) on your holiday list.
.
-
.
Felidia
By Lidia Matticchio Bastianich
For the very first time, renowned chef and best selling author Lidia Bastianich shares the culinary secrets and timeless recipes that have made her flagship restaurant, Felidia, an NYC legend for almost four decades! A great gift for new graduates, couples or anyone who loves good Italian food. Try out the recipes at home, then make reservations at Felidia to see how you did!
-
.
The Jewish Cookbook
By Leah Koenig
Covers the classics—chicken soup for the win! borscht hell yeah!—and will also add new recipes to your repertoire. Filled with beautifully written historical anecdotes and stunning photographs, this cookbook represents every possible Jewish tradition. For beginning cooks and seasoned (pun intended) cooks alike. The cook in your life will be thrilled to have this collection of warm and exciting recipes to delve into as winter sets in.
.
-
.
Joy of Cooking
By Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, Ethan Becker
This classic encyclopedia is like the French’s Larousse Gastronomique, but for the humble American home cook. Filled with recipes, techniques, definitions and lingo, The Joy of Cooking is one of those reference texts that will never be outdated, and one that will remain deserving of the amount of space it takes up on the shelf. A great gift for your favorite talented home cook (or the aspirational one).
-
.
Jubilee
By Toni Tipton-Martin
An incredible archival compilation, Toni Tipton-Martin has not only collected two centuries worth of African American recipes in this book, but has steeped each one in its historical context. If the use of culinary art as an anthropological tool isn’t enough to make your mouth water, these recipes are sure to get you there: try the Roast Turkey and Sweet Potato Pie with Praline Topping this holiday season!
.
-
.
Mixtape Potluck Cookbook
By Questlove
The Roots’ Questlove has anthologized recipes from a cast of chefs, musicians, actors, comedians and the like, and produced a mixtape, inspired by the dinner parties he’s been throwing for years and the creativity of the people who attend them, whose names also appear on this cookbook’s pages. The recipes don’t follow a theme, but instead harmoniously combine an array of culinary styles to match your own diverse dinner affairs.
-
.
Tartine
By Elisabeth M. Prueitt, Chad Robertson, Alice Waters
Now you don’t have to go to San Francisco to sample the sweet delectations of Tartine, one of the most beloved bakeries in America. This gorgeously illustrated, updated edition provides the secrets behind the ever-popular pastries, from classic croissant to modern gluten-free options. If you aren’t convinced by the scrumptious examples of the cover, you clearly have no sweet tooth!
.
