Our annual cookbook gift guide is back and this year we’ve kept it a bit shorter and included just the essentials from 2022. To help you hone in on the right book for those on your list (and to help with decision fatigue) we’ve organized the books by cooking interest.

Shopping for someone who talks about their smoker all the time? We’ve got a book for that. Know a committed weeknight cook who’s always looking for quick dinner ideas? We’ve got something for them too.

Be sure to check out our cookbook gift guides from holidays past—they are GOLD when you can’t think of what to get someone.

chiles and smoke cookbook cover on white background

1

For the Meat Guy/Gal: Chiles and Smoke
Chiles and Smoke: BBQ, Grilling, and Other Fire-Friendly Recipes with Spice and Flavor
By Brad Prose
A good friend of ZK’s, Brad Prose is the expert on all things Chiles and Smoke! We love his bold flavors and foolproof methods. Pre-order this book for the person who has a cult-like attitude about their smoker.
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plant you cookbook cover on white background

2

For the Vegan: PlantYou
PlantYou: 140+ Ridiculously Easy, Amazingly Delicious Plant-Based Oil-Free Recipes
By Carleigh Bodrug
Our in-house vegan expert, Danica, says this is THE vegan book of the year. Written by Carleigh Bodrug, founder of the popular social media community PlantYou. This book will guide your vegan friend or family member through everything from meal planning and grocery shopping to cooking and reducing kitchen waste.
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grist cookbook cover on white background

3

For the Healthy-ish Friend: Grist
Grist: A Practical Guide to Cooking Grains, Beans, Seeds, and Legumes
By: Abra Berens
Grist is a follow up to one of our favorite cookbooks, Ruffage. Grist includes more than 125 recipes made with 29 different types of grains, legumes, and seeds. And these aren’t just side dishes or vegetarian meals. The grains, legumes and seeds are combined with vegetables and proteins to create unique and healthful meals for everyday life.
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mi cocina cookbook cover on white background

4

The Wanderlust Foodie: Mi Cocina
Mi Cocina: Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico
By Rick Martinez
Our favorite book on this list by a long shot comes to us from Rick Martinez. Rick’s unique style and authority in all things Mexican cuisine is what draws us back to the pages of this gorgeous book time and time again. You can expect more than recipes from this book. You’re also getting a first-hand tour through the stunning and delicious regions of Mexico along with insight and history that makes each recipe taste even better.
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masa cookbook cover on white background

5

For the Specialist: Masa
Masa: Techniques, Recipes, and Reflections on a Timeless Staple
By Jorge Gaviria
We’ve had our eye on this book that explores all things masa. This stunning book takes a deep dive into the world of masa—with input from good scientists, corn breeders, artisans and tortilleria owners to uncover the incredible history and science behind this staple ingredients. Get recipes for incredible tortillas, arepas, pupusas, tamales, and more.
Get the Book
the modern proper cookbook cover on white background

6

For the Weeknight Cook: The Modern Proper
The Modern Proper: Simple Dinners for Every Day
By Holly Erickson and Natalie Mortimer
The debut book from Holly Erickson and Natalie Mortimer of the incredibly popular food blog, The Modern Proper. This book is for the cook committed to making dinner from scratch most nights, but also has a life to lead and kids to feed. It’s filled with tasty recipes that are any BUT fussy and will make everyone happy.
Get the Recipe
america the great cookbook cover on white background

7

For the Cook Who Travels Through Food: America The Great Cookbook
America The Great Cookbook: The Food We Make For The People We Love
Edited By: Joe Yonan
Travel the United States in this stunning book that celebrates some of the most influential and lauded culinary figures in the country. Get an inside look into how Carla Hall, Dan Barber, David Chang, Erin French, and many more, cook for their loved ones. Each recipe not only tells you a bit about the person, but also about their region of the US through unique ingredients, flavors and techniques.
Get the Book

8

For the Baker: Maman
Maman: The Cookbook: All-Day Recipes to Warm Your Heart
By Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte
I recently dropped into a cute coffee shop while walking the streets of NYC and little did I know I had walked into one of the best cafes in the city. Maman is a rustic and cozy cafe that smells of comforting food and feels like home. Enjoy the flavors of Maman no matter where you are with this gorgeous book of more than 100 baked goods recipes ranging from banana lavender cornmeal pancakes and olive oil blood orange loaf to a few savory recipes and even some salads.
Get the Book

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About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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Comments

  1. Hi Lauren
    I’m going g to order The modern proper.
    I just bought Extra Good Things from Ottolenghi test kitchen.
    I want to make your beef bites. They look great. I will download the recipe.
    Merry Christmas!
    Laura

    Reply