Cookbooks & Food Writing

As a lover of Indian food, I am so excited about this new cookbook written by Top Chef alum Preeti Mistry. It’s like getting the secret codes to the mind-blowing flavors and dishes she serves at her Oakland restaurant. Mistry’s “no rules” approach to southern Indian cuisine is an adventure in food that I’m ready to take on. First up will be the Manchurian Cauliflower with masala! - Jenny

Unforgettable tells the story of culinary legend and author of nine award-winning cookbooks, Paula Wolfert (Couscous and Other Good Food From Morocco), who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2013. This biographical cookbook, written by Emily Kaiser Thelin, shares more than 50 of Wolfert’s most iconic dishes and explores the relationship between food and memory. “The amount of love, through food, Paula has given so many over the years makes this biography-cum-cookbook a truly wonderful project.” —Yotam Ottolenghi

This cookbook met my criteria: vegetarian, worldly, and somewhere in between easy and experimental. All the recipes I’ve tried so far, including salads, entrees, and drinks, have been remarkably simple and delicious. - Natalie

I'm 25, frugal, and I generally can't distinguish much about a wine beyond whether it's red or white, but Bianca Bosker really drew me in to the wine world with her funny, straightforward approach. Follow her journey from civilian to sommelier as she tries to discern what makes a good wine, and why. - Jade

I’m super late to the party with this one, but this book is hilarious! I’m a huge fan of Bourdain’s TV shows and his voice comes out  into his writing. When he’s not busy being a smartass, Bourdain also has lots of interesting and useful tips for navigating the restaurant world. - Jade

I am totally obsessed with this cookbook. I don’t usually like to cook with recipes, but Clark’s instructions and ingredient lists  are both exciting and manageable. I’ve tried several dishes from various sections and I have yet to be disappointed. This book truly has something for everyone! - Jade

We are super excited about this vibrant new cookbook from the chef of the San Francisco restaurant Nopalito, known for its delicious Mexican food. “What a thoughtful, inviting book [filled with] page after page of beautiful, soul-satisfying dishes. These recipes were born from the real food of Mexico, then coaxed into a San Francisco existence at Nopalito under the guiding hand of Gonzalo Guzmán. As you read through the jam-packed salsas chapter, you’ll find your heart beating faster and faster: so many flavors and textures, so much joy to be had!” —Rick Bayless

Dinner time? In New York Times food columnist Melissa Clark’s new book, there’s a section for practically every protein imaginable (from seafood to chicken, beans to seitan) and a recipe for the very best version of all of your favorites. With beautiful photography and a comprehensive table of contents, it is full of options and ideas. Whatever you feel like cooking, Clark has you covered. - Megan

“There are no two names more lovingly synonymous with barbecue scripture than Mike Mills and Amy Mills, the dynamic father-daughter duo out of Murphysboro, Illinois, whose new barbecue bible Praise the Lard is sure to become gospel to aspiring pitmasters and home smokers alike. Mike understands instinctively that barbecue—with all its ritual and tradition—is the very essence of hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the pit, Mike and Amy patiently walk you through the process from whole hog to the very last fixin’, peppering in plenty of personality and helpful tips along the way.” —Danny Meyer

Vibrant India presents a refreshing take on vegetarian Indian cuisine, with chapters on breakfast, stir-frys, sweets, and drinks. Each recipe is accompanied by its translated name and a story or anecdote to give it personal or cultural context, making the book fun to flip through to learn about South Indian food culture. If, after browsing the many seasonal recipes, you aren’t sure where to start, look at the back of the book for a starter grocery list and tips on meal planning. - Megan