As promised, here are my choices for cookbook present ideas this Holiday Season. Again, I only recommend things I own and feel comfortable recommending. For Part I of my Holiday Gift Series check out my Christmas Gift Ideas For Foodies post.
- For the Healthy Friend: I love Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything Vegetarian, it certainly isn’t strictly health food but with it’s focus on vegetables it is one of my go-to books for good fresh dishes.
- For the Newbie Cook: You do not have to be a beginner to enjoy the Joy of Cooking, but it is such a great reference for every home cook. I use it all the time.
- For the Foodie: I have only made one recipe from Ad Hoc at Home so far, but I have read through most of the cookbook and it is a great read. This book is current and hot; it should show any Foodie that you are on top of the trends. Another great idea would be the Momofuku cookbook.
- For your Friend who likes the Classics: I love the Classic Italian Cookbook by Marcella Hazan. Of my favorite recipes, I think a majority actually come from here. This is also a book that hasn’t enjoyed the surge in popularity that Mastering the Art of French Cooking has, which is also a great choice.
- For your Friend who wants to Start Cooking: Besides the Joy of Cooking check out Jamie’s Food Revolution. The recipes are basic and accessible. Plus Jamie Oliver was the first chef who made me want to cook. I still love The Naked Chef.
There are also a few books which are on my christmas wish list this year: Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day, The Pioneer Woman Cooks and New American Table.
What are your recommendations?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
i might just have to make one of these a christmas present to me
thanks for sharing them!
This is a great list. I am dying for How To Cook Everything Vegetarian. Amazing book.
I have Healthy Bread in Five… and The Pioneer Woman Cooks. Both are excellent!
Nice list. I love your blog – the recipes are great.
I love anything by Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid – I'm reading/trying things from Beyond the Great Wall right now. Mmmmm.
Marathon Maiden – happy cooking.
Joanne – oohh excellent! I have to get Pioneer Woman out of loyalty, glad to hear it is good!
Patricia – thanks! I love Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid as well, I don't have their newest but I have hot, Sour, Salty, sweet and Beyond the Mango Leaves. Both great cookbooks.
Thanks for sharing! I love cookbooks!
Funny how we both posted book lists today.
Love reading other people's lists. I might have to get a hold of Bittman's book. I need more vegetables in my diet.
How about The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook by Jaden Hair? 101 Asian recipes simple enough for tonight's dinner. Everyone loves Asian and she's made it accessible, easy and fun. She took all the photos herself and got 200 blog-readers to help test her recipes and did an amazing job! steamykitchen dot com
Just bought the how to cook everything vegetarian for my little brother – thanks for the advice!
Eleanor – Great Idea, I follow Jaden on twitter but have never tried any of her recipes.
I just got Jamie Oliver's Cook with Jamie and I think its great for people who are just getting interested in cooking. He teachers you how to pick out different cuts of meat and fish, basic cooking tips, and the recipes are simple but awesome.
Amanda M – great suggestion, I have that book and like it too!