Six superb new selections!
It is always a very pleasurable task to check out new cookbooks for possible inclusion in this annual guide. This year’s selections are varied but, as usual, fit the desired standard of being useful, practical and accessible. I’m a big fan of books that feature clear instructions and appealing photography as well. The inclusion of a celebrated food personality’s memoir is a first but given her popularity, I think it’s a worthy choice. Look for these at your favourite local bookstore and if you’re interested in past gift suggestions (including my 2023 cookbook gift guide), be sure to check the archives on this site.
Better baking
The Elements of Baking by Katarina Cermelj is the definitive guide to making any recipe gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan or even gluten-free vegan. With a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, this award-winning author brings her scientific rigor and passion for baking to the subject, creating a unique book that can be enjoyed on different levels, Whether you’re just looking for spectacularly delicious recipes, or you want to accommodate dietary restrictions and update your favorite chocolate cake recipe to be dairy, egg and gluten free, this book will show you how. It’s an essential tool to make the science of contemporary baking fun and accessible. Published by Mobius; available in hardcover and e-book formats.
Modern classics
Yotam Ottolenghi—the beloved chef who has captured the hearts of home cooks looking for inspiration and great-tasting cooking—is back. In Ottolenghi Comfort, his eleventh book, he brings his inspiring, flavor-forward cooking to comfort dishes, with a collection of appealing, globally-influenced recipes. Ottolenghi Comfort weaves memories of childhood and travel with over 100 irresistible recipes, making the book a celebration of food and home. It’s a delicious and practical reminder of the connections we make as we cook, and pass on from generation to generation. Published by Appetite by Random House; available in hardcover and e-book formats.
Quick deliciousness
Busy people who want reliable help with meal planning often turn to the New York Times Cooking app, home to thousands of reliable, delicious recipes. In Easy Weeknight Dinners, editor in chief Emily Weinstein has curated some of the app’s greatest hits. The book includes 100 favorite dishes that can be made in as little as 10 minutes, accompanied by mouth-watering photos and notes from the NYT Cooking community. The book is helpfully organized by main ingredient, length of cooking time, and wow factor; it’s full of ideas that deliver maximum flavour with minimal effort. Published by Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed; available in e-book and hardcover formats.
Much-anticipated memoir
Known to millions as the beloved Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten has been a culinary inspiration for decades. In her new book, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, she presents an intimate, entertaining, and inspiring account of her remarkable journey. In her unmistakable voice, she chronicles decades of personal challenges, adventures (and misadventures) and unexpected career twists, all delivered with her signature combination of playfulness and purpose. She’s a superb storyteller (with a great story to tell) and one of her key messages is to do what you love because you’ll be really good at it, swing for the fences, nd always be ready when the luck happens. Available in hardcover, large print, audiobook and e-book formats; published by Crown/Penguin Random House.
Sumptuous fun
If you’ve ever wanted to prepare an elegant feast inspired by a globally-popular TV series, The Official Bridgerton Cookbook will be the ideal guide. Award-winning food writer Regula Ysewijn brings her flair to over 70 recipes ideal for a sumptuous lawn party, high tea, or a decadent late-night salon. With recipes for finger food, main courses, and delectable desserts, Regency-era fans can recreate the high society of Bridgerton in their own home. Enjoy preparing a feast worthy of Queen Charlotte herself as you savour the book’s quotes from favorite characters, show images, and fabulously photographed recipes. Available in e-book and hardcover formats; published by Random House Worlds.
Healthy deliciousness
Described as a love letter to food, Emily English’s new book So Good offers an inspiring collection of nourishing, tasty recipes that are also nutritionally balanced, aimed to kickstart healthy eating as an enjoyable lifelong habit. Subtitled “Food you want to eat, designed by a nutritionist”, the book includes over eighty vibrant, tasty and easy recipes all steeped in nutritional science, with Emily explaining the principles of healthy eating in a fun and relatable way. So Good reinforces the messages that food should be a celebration and healthy eating is not about counting calories; it’s about making every meal count. Published by Mobius; available in hardcover and e-book formats.
Constantly Cooking with Paula Roy 
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