Cookbooks are as essential to family chef as a sharp knife. They provide an endless source of practical knowledge and inspiration. The best cookbooks transport us to places and tastes we want to experience.
We’ve assembled a selection of cookbooks here that not only whet the appetite, but stand-up to the notion that a good meal is both transcendent and a heartfelt expression of care to anyone gathered around our table.
Alice Waters' The Art of Simple Food is a culinary treasure trove that champions the philosophy of cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients. From her outpost in Berkeley (CA), Waters, a pioneering force in the farm-to-table movement, brings her extensive experience to this beautifully illustrated book. She gives readers a guide to creating delicious, wholesome meals with minimal fuss.
Waters emphasizes the importance of quality farm-fresh ingredients and straightforward prep, making it accessible for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Her writing is inspiring and practical, filled with insights into how to enhance flavor through simplicity. The recipes, ranging from simple salads to hearty entrees, are designed to showcase the natural flavors of ingredients. With its focus on sustainability and mindfulness in cooking, The Art of Simple Food is an elevated cookbook that inspires the reader to take a more thoughtful approach to everyday eating.
Barbara Scott-Goodman’s The Ski Country Cookbook wants the reader to consider how at the end of a day on the slopes, it’s important to refuel deliciously with family and friends. She celebrates après-ski culture and mountain cuisine, motivated by experiences in ski resorts across the country. Scott-Goodman wants us to spend as much time on the mountain as possible, so there’s plenty of slow-cooker and prepare-ahead recipes perfect for warming up after a day outside. The book is divided into seasons, offering dishes that cater to both winter’s chill and lighter fare for spring skiing. Each recipe is accompanied by vivid anecdotes and practical tips, making the book as much travelogue as cookbook. The recipes themselves are diverse, ranging from rich stews and savory pies to lighter fare (salads and soups) all designed to satisfy hungry skiers.
With its beautiful photography and engaging narrative, The Ski Country Cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s an invitation to experience the warmth and camaraderie of mountain life. Scott-Goodman’s ability to blend culinary excellence with the spirit of adventure makes this book a charming addition to any kitchen or coffee table.
You won’t believe what the next author does. Adam Perry Lang’s Charred & Scruffed is for the barbecue enthusiast seeking to wow a crowd in a backyard or at a tailgate. Lang combines innovative techniques with classic BBQ flavors, offering a fresh perspective on outdoor cooking. His approach to "scruffing"—a technique that enhances flavor and texture—is both revolutionary and practical, making it accessible for adventuresome cooks. The book is filled with detailed instructions, eye-popping photography, and a range of recipes from juicy steaks to flavorful sides. Lang’s passion for grilling shines through, making Charred & Scruffed a fun addition to any grillmaster’s cookbook collection.
Carolyn Ketchum is the self-described “writer, photographer, and evil mastermind” behind All Day I Dream About Food, one of the most popular low-carb and gluten-free cooking sites on the internet, and author of a book series including Easy Keto Breakfasts and Easy Keto Dinners. Don’t let the word “Keto” deflect you — it’s not a religion; for Ketchum it embraces her response to a post-pregnancy gestational diabetes diagnosis that decided to stick around. She refused to give up her lifetime passion for cooking; her devoted followers, including dieters, diabetics, and those just seeking a healthier lifestyle embrace her conviction that special diets need not be boring or restrictive. She’s a miracle-worker at transforming popular dishes into low-carb treats without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, from Spicy Chorizo Shakshuka to Breakfast Cheesecake Parfaits to California Roll In-A-Bowl to Cheesy Drop Biscuits and Cheddar-Ranch Roasted Cauliflower, as shared in her books and at AllDayIDreamAboutFood.com.
To wrap up our trip down Gastronomy Lane, we turn to a classic that for decades set the high mark for experiencing better cuisine; its forward is by food culture icon Ruth Reichl: Gourmet’s former Editor-in-Chief and noted food critic with the LA Times and NY Times, novelist, host of PBS’s Gourmet’s Adventures With Ruth, and winner of six James Beard Foundation awards.
Gourmet Every Day is a culmination of the Gourmet magazine’s 68 years of sharing aspirational recipes, but specifically tuned to meet the needs of busy people; it features a colorful collection of 20 one-dish dinners designed for “cooking on the run,” accompanied by 180 additional side recipes to create your own combinations that can be prepared in just minutes. The book's format is as simple as the cooking: a mouthwatering full-page photo, followed by its one-page quick recipe, including wine pairing suggestions. None require more than 45 minutes to make; many only require 20. Some, like the Greek salad with tuna or the gazpacho with parsley pesto, require no cooking at all. For those focused on healthiest options, more than 50 leaner/lighter dishes are included. This cookbook is a fittingly evolved tribute to the Gourmet legacy tailored to today's busy lifestyles.
"Trend-setting chef Alice Waters emphasizes the importance of quality farm-fresh ingredients and straightforward prep, making it accessible for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs."
"Each recipe by Barbara Scott-Goodman is accompanied by vivid anecdotes and practical tips, making the book as much a travelogue as a cookbook. She celebrates blue-bird days and families & friends celebrating mountain culture cozied up around big tables enjoying a hearty meal."