Cookbooks & Food Writing

Terry shares recipes, both traditional and “remixed,” that creatively highlight Southern and African diaspora foods and culture. Some, are simple and hearty, others are vegan comfort food, while others still are new takes on tasty greens. I loved everything I tried. Bonus: fantastic music suggestions for each recipe! - Natalie

This is gardening guide and cookbook is a joy to read. I enjoyed learning about how the author’s parents instilled in her a love of gardening and cooking with Chinese vegetables. The book is beautifully and simply laid out, providing all the information you need to start growing your own Chinese vegetables and make wonders with them in your kitchen. - Natalie

Count me among Deb Perelman’s most loyal fans. (I couldn’t even tell you the number of her recipes that have become family favorites if I tried.) With incredible charm and a passion for cooking, Perelman shares recipes (on her blog and previous cookbook) for food that you really want to eat. Her new collection, Smitten Kitchen Every Day, is filled with over a hundred recipes for everything from breakfast to dinner to dessert. I’ve just started cooking from it and have already found so many new family favorites! - S.B.

David Tanis, former head chef at Chez Panisse (for 25 years!), never fails to write cookbooks that speak to me. I flip through the pages of his books and want to cook everything I see. His recipes have a simplicity and straightforwardness that I adore, but the flavors and finished dishes defy that ease. Tanis’s recipes have always focused on great ingredients, and his new cookbook, Market Cooking, is a showcase. Tanis shares his knowledge of and passion for produce—from butter beans to parsnips to shitake mushrooms—in this gorgeous and essential book. - S.B.

I would say that I devoured this book about one person’s quest for spirits to stock his San Francisco bar Bar Agricole but I think perhaps it devoured me. Vogler insists on a farm-to-table approach for acquiring his liquors as well as his food, and travels all over the world to find that which feels worth bringing home. It reminds me of bookselling in that way, where you search for the perfect book that is worthy of your customer. I would give this one to someone who consciously labors out of love, who values enthusiasm over perfection, and who, of course, enjoys a good drink. - Jax

Jim Lahey, owner of the acclaimed Sullivan Street Bakery in New York, has been on a mission to empower home cooks to bake their own bread. Ten years ago he introduced the “no knead” method to bread making, which practically made him a household name. In his new book, he turns his attention to sourdough and Italian breads, as well as pizza dough, brioche, croissants, and sandwiches. His no-fuss recipes will win over any baker who, like me, is intimidated by yeast. - S.B.

There are not enough superlatives to describe this book! Suffice it to say that Sweet lives up to the standards—gorgeous photography, complex flavors, and enticing recipes—that Yotam Ottolenghi (Plenty, Jerusalem) set with his previous books. Sweet features sophisticated but accessible baked goods and desserts, from cookies and cakes to custard and ice cream. Some recipes are quite simple and familiar but somehow turn out phenomenally good (Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies), while others stretched me to try new ingredients and techniques (cookies with an orange, cinnamon, and red pepper infusion) but are very worth the effort. This book is a knockout. - S.B.

In the wake of the election, Julia Turshen (author of the excellent Small Victories cookbook) felt an urgent call to activism. Transforming from a sometimes-activist to a fully committed member of the resistance, she found her role in the form of feeding people. Feed the Resistance is a fantastic collection of inspirational essays and nurturing recipes by Turshen and a broad range of activists. From “Easy Meals for Folks Who Are Too Busy Resisting to Cook” to “Feeding the Masses” to “Baked Goods + Portable Snacks,” this outstanding book is perfect for those who value community, solidarity, and the power of food. All proceeds go to the ACLU. - S.B.

Can’t get a reservation at the Michelin-starred San Francisco restaurant State Bird Provisions? Here’s the next best thing. In their brand new cookbook, Brioza and Krasinsky share recipes for the innovative small dishes they serve (on dim sum–style carts) at their restaurant, including their signature fried quail and stellar savory pancakes. Even if you never attempt the recipes, just reading about their exciting food will likely inspire you in the kitchen. - S.B.

Everything I’ve tried from this new Moosewood cookbook has been excellent, from So Simple Banana Pancakes to Mushroom and Barley Salad. I love the diversity of recipes throughout (Nori Kale Rolls on one page, Russian Blinis on the next) and that the ingredients are inexpensive. I highly recommend this new book from the always excellent Moosewood Collective. - Ashley