Seven Great Cookbooks for 2024 Holiday Gifts

Cookbooks, in my opinion, are the perfect gift.

Of course, everyone must eat to survive, but for those of us who live to eat – and there are many of us – a good meal is much more than just food. Food unites us across culture, race, age and gender. Cooking and eating with friends and family creates a bond that’s hard to break. Bonus: it’s fun to read!

I would happily receive one of the following cookbooks published in 2024, as would someone on your list. As always, I encourage you to shop local first, so check out deals from Bookends & Beginnings, Booked, or Squeezebox Books & Music before heading to the mega-retailers.

Cover of Bodega Bakes by Paola Velez

Cover of Hot Sheet by Olga Massov & Sanaë Lemoine

Cover of Jang by Mingoo Kang

Cover of Ottotlenghi Comfort by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh

Cover of Second Generation by Jeremy Salamon

What Goes With What by Julia Turshen

Bodega Bakes: Sweets and Treats Recipes Inspired by My Corner Store by Paola Vélez

This book seems to be on everyone’s best list, and for good reason. After years of working at Milk Bar with famed pastry princess Christina Tosi (who wrote the book’s foreword), Velez brings joy — and an Afro-Latina twist — to every recipe. You’ll love cultural mashups like Dulce de Leche Babka, Mango & Brown Butter Blondies, Avocado Crème Brûlée and Tamarind Pecan Pie, all photographed in vibrant colors by Lauren Allen. A guard.

Jang: the soul of Korean cuisine by Mingoo Kang

I just returned from a two-week food trip to South Korea, so I may be a little biased, but Korean flavors blow me away. Jang is Korea’s mother sauce on which most of the cuisine is based. Filled with umami, the big three — doenjang, gochujangAnd ganjang – are fermented soy-based pastes that add great dimension to every dish. I didn’t go to Kang’s restaurant, Mingles, while I was in Seoul, so this book is the next best thing. The Pantry Guide is an invaluable introduction to Korean cooking, and I can’t wait to make it. Haemul Pajeon (Scallion and Seafood Pancakes), Galbijjim (Braised Short Ribs, perfect for winter cooking), and Kongguksurefrigerated soy noodle soup which is my new obsession.

Hot sheet: sweet and savory sheet pan recipes for every day and celebrations by Olga Massov and Sanaé Lemoine

You think, “I bet she just likes the pun.” » To which I respond: “How dare you!” And also, yes. The baking sheet is your friend in the kitchen, perfect for baking cookies or toasting pecans, but also for cooking a full meal, preparing fried eggs or pancakes for a crowd, and roasting vegetables. Fried rice on a plate? Yes. Crispy Mac & Cheese? Without fail. Strawberry cake? You bet. Amaze your family with chorizo and pea sheet pan paella, a quick and easy dinner for 4 people. All you will need is to prepare a salad.

Ottolenghi Comfort: a recipe book by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh

In Ottolenghi’s 11^th cookbook, the Israeli-born London chef tackles comfort food filled with lots of cozy, warm, grilled and/or melty things. It’s time to relax and pamper yourself by cooking through this book, starting with the savory Dutch Baby with oven-roasted tomatoes and lots of bacon and cheddar cheese. For dinner, I’m thinking lamb shawarma meatloaf with caramelized onions or linguine with miso butter, shiitake and spinach. As always with Ottolenghi, flavor abounds.

Second generation: Hungarian and Jewish classics reinvented for the modern table by Jérémy Salamon

Chef Salamon, owner of the wildly popular Agi’s Counter in Brooklyn, is reinventing Hungarian and Jewish recipes for a new generation. Simple “bites” like fried almonds and paprika salt, or Körözött (Hungarian chili cheese) will get your party started. The classic Nokedli ravioli is inspired by the very modern Cacio e Pepe. The Mandel bread is sprinkled with orange seeds, chocolate and fennel, and the shrimp gets a paprikash treatment. It’s a new way to look at a beloved cuisine that speaks of the old country.

What goes with what by Julia Turshen

I’m a fan of Julia Turshen and have all of her previous cookbooks – and cook from them repeatedly. So buying this one was a no-brainer. The woman loves paintings, and in her latest book, she really goes to town to help you conceptualize your meal. As a cooking instructor, she knows how to solve problems with easy substitutions and explain recipes in easy-to-understand language. She will give you tips to make cooking easier. Plus, her recipes are completely rocking. Try the Vegan Kale Caesar with Crispy Chickpeas and Caper Caesar Dressing, or the Acorn Zucchini with Whipped Feta to start.

Cover of Zoë Bakes Cookies by Zoë François

Zoë bakes cookies by Zoé François

Since her first book, Zoë Bakes Cakes, is my go-to for all things cake, I couldn’t resist this book touted by none other than the great Dorie Greenspan. Additionally, she dedicates the book to her two standard poodles and opens with a recipe for dog biscuits made with peanut butter and oats flavored with turmeric and cinnamon. The book is divided into six sections: Healthy Cookies and Treats, Jewish Favorites, Holiday Cookies, World Cookies, Midwestern Cookies and Bars, and Chocolate Chip Obsession. Excuse me while I run out and make Basque Berry Cheesecake Bars and Carrot Cake Whoopie Pie Cookies just because.