SHOPPING FOR COOKS? WE HAVE BOOKS
How did the holidays get here so fast? If you’re getting ready to jet out to the mall, just pivot. Shop online after perusing our list of best new cookbooks to give as gifts. A bumper crop of wonderful collections loaded with beautiful photos and kitchen-tested recipes landed this year. Here are our recommendations for some to tuck into a stocking or tote along as a gift for the deserving host or hostess of a lavish holiday party.
“BEAT BOBBY FLAY” » This superstar chef just left the Food Network, so his book is now a nostalgic look back at highlights from the show. Many of the recipes are Flay’s because our hero wins 70% of the time: vegetable chili, burgers, Thai style chicken and more show off his skills in cooking what Americans crave most. On the printed page, chef Bobby is just as he appears on TV: funny, with cool anecdotes about how other Food Network stars beat him. Publisher: Clarkson
Potter. Price: $32.50.
“EVERYDAY ENTERTAINING” » This one’s for the host because the recipes come together quickly so you can enjoy your own party. Instagram star Elizabeth Van Lierde tells you how to whip up luxe dishes like lobster mac and cheese, lasagna with bechamel sauce and a strawberry-fig galette. She’s also got a superstylish way with easy, shareable items like a Mexican beer snack board and a scrumptious peanut butter-chocolate chip skillet cookie. Publisher: Weldon Owen International. Price: $32.50. “COOK THIS BOOK” » Molly Baz, former Bon Appétit It Girl, has a high-tech take on teaching home cooks to think like chefs. QR codes lead to instructional videos; recipes are so well seasoned they taste like they just popped out of a restaurant kitchen. Get ready for grapefruit olive oil cake, marinated lentils with spiced walnuts, shrimp cocktail and more, all written with her signature sass. Publisher: Clarkson Potter. Price: $32.50.
“THE UNOFFICIAL SIMPSONS
COOKBOOK” » Initially a food journalist and expert on Instant Pot cookbooks, Laurel Randolph started a blog that led to this book. She’s gathered 70 recipes, from Marge’s Patented Happy Cracker Snack Platter to Forbidden Doughnuts and Moe’s Hobo Chicken Chili, and written whimsical, sometimes laugh-out-loud intros. It’s designed with dishes for novices and kitchen veterans so the family can cook together and enjoy noshing while watching the show. Publisher: Adams Media. Price: $21.99.
“THE UNOFFICIAL BRIDGERTON
COOKBOOK” » Pinkies up! This book gathers 100 recipes inspired by the sexy series. Many have cheeky titles like Seductively Red Beet Salad, Future-securing Lobster Bisque and Rumor-stirring Blueberry Lavender Fizz. Lex Taylor, author of “Grill Fire,” isn’t just some fan boy. He’s the winner of Esquire Network’s “The Next Great Burger” and has appeared on “Chopped” and “Beat Bobby Flay.” Publisher: Adams Media. Price: $21.99. Out Tuesday.
“NADIYA BAKES” » One of the most popular winners of “The Great British Bake Off” competition show, Nadiya Hussain has released the American version of her latest cookbook with more than 100 “Must-try Recipes.” Her global take on baking is breathtaking. Great ideas here, like sprinkling turmeric into cake batter and using American sandwich cookies and ice cream in todie-for cupcakes. Killer savory dishes too, such as quiche and chili-cheese churros. Publisher: Clarkson Potter. Price: $29.99.
“THE VEGAN MEAT COOKBOOK” »
Miyoko Schinner, founder of Miyoko’s Creamery, presents recipes using made-fromscratch and purchased vegan “meats.” It’s not just for vegans — it’s for anyone who simply wants to blend some tasty plant-based dishes into their repertoire. There are easy weeknight recipes such as roasted cauliflower with soyrizo and others worthy of date night at home, like the calzones made with Beyond Meat Italian sausages and preserved lemon. Publisher: Ten Speed Press. Price: $28.
“A NEW TAKE ON CAKE”
» The Cake Mix Doctor is back! Anne Byrn’s latest combines the elegance and eye-popping format of her definitive book, “American Cake,” with the convenience of using mixes to make 175 desserts that taste like they’re from scratch. She’s loaded on her signature tips and stuffed in foundational recipes. You’ll whip up bundts, slabs, cookies, crowd-pleasing holiday treats and dreamy layer cakes like Red Velvet Baby. Publisher: Clarkson Potter. Price: $26.99.
“MALIBU FARM SUNRISE TO SUNSET” »
Fans of the restaurants can try making some of their favorite dishes at home. The book is filled with colorful photographs captured in Helene Henderson’s signature casual Cali cuisine style. Her fresh take on chicken Parm and her yellow beet salad dressing are healthful and satisfying. But she includes decadent desserts like caffe latte ice cream. Publisher: Clarkson Potter. Price: $40.