15 Cookbooks That Make Us Better Cooks And Expand Our Culinary Perspectives

Hello!

After months of waiting for our permits, our home remodel finally kicked. The first phase of this project is the big one and obviously the one I'm incredibly excited about - the kitchen. I'll share a lot of what's happening behind the scenes on Instagram as it progresses. With the first part of the demo complete, the kitchen already feels larger and more spacious.

It's cookie season, and I've got a new recipe at Food52 for the classic rum balls that contain pistachios. Imagine eating a boozy baklava without the pastry. I advise you to make a large batch because one is not enough, and thankfully, they're ridiculously easy to make.

It's a difficult task to shortlist cookbooks, especially when I love so many of the ones that came out this year. These books made me want to cook more and taught me something new, be it a technique, ingredient, or food from a new country. Some of these books contain personal and powerful stories of human struggles that will move you as they did me.

There were many elegant books to choose from; here is my shortlist for cookbooks specifically focused on baking and desserts. The books are listed in no specific order, and I’ve sorted them by cookbooks and baking/dessert books.

Cookbooks

Ripe Figs by Yasmin Khan (Amazon, Bookshop) I found Yasmin’s book to be one of the most moving and influential books of the year. The book focuses on the story of displaced immigrants in the Mediterranean region, their struggles and strengths, told through food.

To Asia, With Love by Hetty McKinnon (Amazon, Bookshop) Hetty brilliantly shows us how the flavors and techniques from one part of the world can move across continents, change, adapt, and be cohesive. This special book deserves a spot on every cook’s shelf.

Grist by Abra Berens (Amazon, Bookshop) One of the definitive guides to cooking with seeds like grains, beans, and legumes, and it carries plenty of helpful information to let you apply that to your own cooking. Countless variations are offered with each recipe.

Cook, Eat, Repeat by Nigella Lawson (Amazon, Bookshop) It is no secret that I adore Nigella. This is not only a book that I recommend to cooks but also to anyone who wants to learn how to be a good food writer.

The Arabesque Table by Reem Kassis (Amazon, Bookshop) An essential guide for anyone who wants to learn more about Arab cuisine. I’ve made several dishes in this book and keep coming back for more.

Black Food by Bryant Terry (Amazon, Bookshop) This book is more than just a cookbook; it masterfully tells the story of the African diaspora through words and food.

The Korean Vegan by Joanne Lee Molinaro (Amazon, Bookshop) Deeply personal and engaging with a gorgeous collection of recipes. Thanks to this book, the book encouraged me to visit my local Korean market for ingredients, and I’ve enjoyed my trips.

Treasures of the Mexican World by Pati Jinich (Amazon, Bookshop) Most of the Mexican food I’ve learned to cook came from watching Pati on her show on PBS and her books. This cookbook is an essential read for anyone wanting to learn and even people who wish to advance their knowledge about Mexican cooking.

Herb by Mark Diacono (Amazon, Bookshop) I’ve longed for a good book on herbs, and this book does not disappoint. It’s taught me to use fig leaves to make a syrup that tastes like coconuts. I keep this in the reference cookbook section of my library. An avid gardener will also love this book.

Gastro Obscura - A Food Adventurer’s Guide by Cecily Wong, Dylan Thuras, and Atlas Obscura (Amazon, Bookshop) The only non-cookbook about food listed here (they do have a handful of recipes included), but I felt it deserved a special nod because of the wealth of information contained here. It's a casual and fun and yet intelligent treatment of what essentially is a food encyclopedia on the world and its cuisines.

Baking And Dessert Cookbooks

Cookies by Jesse Szewczyk(Amazon, Bookshop) is a thoroughly refreshing, inventive, and marvelous take on cookie classics and many new cookie recipes.

Mooncakes and Milk Bread by Kristina Cho (Amazon, Bookshop) I’ve always wanted a resource for learning how to bake the delicious treats that I come across at the bakeries in Chinatown, and now, I finally have it in this book.

One Tin Bakes Easy by Edd Kimber (Amazon, Bookshop)

This is the book you want to have on hand when you want to make fuss-free desserts that are creative and magnificent to impress your guests. Plenty of vegan and gluten-free recipes to choose from.

Baking with Dorie by Dorie Greenspan (Amazon, Bookshop)

From master baker Dorie Greenspan, her latest book will make you want to bake something every week. There’s a separate chapter on savory baking that I love.

Life Is What You Bake It By Vallery Lomas (Amazon, Bookshop)

This is a baker’s cookbook that will take you on a story-filled journey through American and French classics.

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