Constantly Cooking’s 2023 cookbook gift guide

Five new publications sure to spark creativity in the kitchen!

It is always a very pleasurable task to check out new cookbooks for possible inclusion in this annual guide. The ones that made the grade this year share several things in common, particularly the fact that they are practical and truly useful. The recipes in each are not overly fussy nor do they rely heavily on hard-to-find ingredients, which I always appreciate. You’ll find terrific hints and tips, lessons on the most effective techniques and gorgeous photos to inspire your as you plan your future cooking adventures. Look for them at your favourite local bookstore and if you’re interested in past gift suggestions (including my 2022 cookbook gift guide), be sure to check the archives on this site.

Fraiche Food, Fuller Hearts by Jillian Harris and Tori Wesszer

Created by celebrity influencers and bestselling authors Jillian Harris and Tori Wesszer – cousins who are more like sisters – this book is packed with over 135 recipes to help you whip up feel-good meals. Subtitled ‘wholesome everyday recipes made with love’, the book’s emphasis is on family-friendly fare plus beloved classics with modern, often plant-forward twists. All the recipes are family-friendly and perfect for weekday or casual weekend meals. The authors have helpfully included tips to adapt recipes to fit dietary needs as well as how to make some dishes more kid-friendly. With beautiful photos, including some step-by-step images, the book is one that will appeal to novice and experienced cooks alike. Published by Appetite by Random House; available in print and ebook formats.

Seafood Simple by Eric Ripert

Cooking seafood can be intimidating, particularly for those not familiar with the correct method. This book could be the definitive seafood guide, penned by the three-Michelin-starred chef of Le Bernardin restaurant in New York City (often cited as one of the finest seafood restaurants in the world). The book features 85 recipes plus gorgeous photography and step-by-step techniques. In the words of Chef Ripert, “I hope that this book is a source of inspiration and education, encouraging you to cook with confidence and approach seafood with joy, and even love.” Ripert demystifies making delectable fish dishes achievable for home cooks of all skill levels. Stunning, delectable, and above all, actually doable, Seafood Simple is a master class from one of the world’s greatest chefs, created especially for home cooks. Published by Appetite by Random House; available in print and ebook formats.

Sweet Greek by Kathy Tsaples

If you’re like me and enjoy exploring world cuisines with an expert teacher, this is the book for you. Organized around feasts from the Greek Orthodox calendar as well as national holidays, this book also has a chapter dedicated to winter meals and another all about sweets. With over ninety wholesome, highly flavourful recipes adapted for the North American kitchen, accompanied by rustic photography and engaging anecdotes, Sweet Greek will help you master familiar Greek favourites like moussaka, tzatziki, spanakopita, dolmades, baklava and more. It’s like a culinary passport to help add dozens of delicious new treats to your repertoire. Published by Touchwood Press; available in print and ebook formats.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks – Dinner’s Ready by Ree Drummond

New York Times bestselling author and Food Network favorite The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond returns with her eighth cookbook and it’s filled with no-fuss recipes for dinners, desserts, and more. The book is a collection of flavourful and fast recipes, with step-by-step photos accompanying each dish. The emphasis is on classic comfort food and innovative vegetable ideas plus there’s a whole chapter of what she calls easy-to-make “fridge grabs” (including such items as refrigerator pickles and garlic confit) that are great to have on hand for adding even more flavor and zip to the recipes. As befits Ree’s engaging brand, the book’s self-described mission is to help you be able to holler “Dinner’s ready!” faster than ever. Published by Harper Collins; available in print and ebook formats.

Home Kitchen by Donal Skehan

The author of ten cookbooks including several award-winning publications, Donal Skehan is well known for his frequent (and witty) television appearances. The Irishman’s newest book brings us into the heart of his kitchen, showing us how he cooks for his family and what inspires him – from his granny’s handwritten recipes to his Irish heritage to his time living in Los Angeles where he was inspired by street food. The recipes draw from his travels, as well as his decades as a home cook, in chapters such as make-ahead Sundays, everyday dinners, weekday rush, slow-cooking weekend wins, and scrumptious desserts. Packed with tips and tricks, this book will help you get the most out of your time in your own home kitchen. Published by Mobius Books; available in print and ebook formats.