Constantly Cooking’s 2025 cookbook gift guide

Six inspiring new Canadian offerings!

Taking time to leaf through (and cook from) a big batch of new cookbooks is one of my favourite activities every autumn. It can be really hard to choose the select few that make it into this annual gift guide, and this year was no exception. My initial goal was to shine a spotlight on works by Canadian chefs/authors and from there I wanted to once again focus on books that offer good value in terms of being useful, practical and accessible (a perennial goal). I’m always on the hunt for great food photography and clear, expressive writing – each of these selections deliver in both those areas. Look for these at your favourite local bookstore and if you’re interested in past gift suggestions (including our 2024 cookbook gift guide), be sure to check the archives on this site.

Perch – Soil / Land / Sea by Justin Champagne-Lagarde

This is the kind of inspiring book one might showcase on a coffee table rather than a cookbook shelf. One of the most richly photographed and well-written books in this genre, it is the Ottawa-based chef’s love letter to his culinary foundations, which include terroir, sustainability, and authentic seasonal cooking. Those who’ve dined at Perch will recognize Champagne-Lagarde’s passion for innovation, fermentation and integrity in his kitchen. The 50 professional recipes are accompanied by chef-turned-photographer Sarah Farmer’s elegant, earthy images as well as lots of stories about favourite food producers and experiences. The hardcover book is published by Figure.1; it’s available at the restaurant, in bookstores and online via the publisher.

My Best Friend is Gluten-Free by Jannell Lo

Subtitled Asian-inspired, gluten-free recipes for sharing, this is Lo’s first cookbook but hopefully not her last. Inspired by her celiac husband, the book is a gorgeous extension of her popular blog, My BF is GF. The book features over 100 Asian-inspired recipes that take the guesswork out of how to avoid gluten while making and eating such popular dishes as curries, soups, salads, stir fries and much more. The foolproof recipes – each with a delightful introductory anecdote – are very approachable , with reasonable ingredient lists. Along with mouth-watering images and fun illustrations, the book also provides great references including information about essential kitchen tools, a guide to stocking a gluten-free Asian pantry and a song recommendation to go with each dish. Published by Penguin Random House, find it in hardcover and e-book formats.

Heydays at the June Motel: Beach Town Classics by Freddy Laliberté and Evan Baulch with Katie Laliberté and Emma Baulch

Winner of the Gold Medal at the 2025 Taste Canada awards, this cookbook will help you channel summery vibes any time of year. Heydays restaurant at the June Motel, on the shores of Lake Huron in Sauble Beach, Ontario, is a retro-inspired spot that serves reinvented coastal classics, elevated comfort food and old-school drinks. The cookbook features some of their most popular dishes, including their signature buttered lobster rolls, charred broccoli Caesar salad; I’m eager to try some of ht their snack and cocktail recipes. Its lighthearted tone and exquisite photos make this a book to delight many senses. Published by House of Anansi Press; available in hardcover and e-book formats.  

Kitten and the Bear Cookbook: Recipes for Small Batch Preserves, Scones, and Sweets from the Beloved Shop by Sophie Kaftal and Bobby Zielinski

Also a Gold Medallist at the Taste Canada 2025 Awards, this book allows home cooks to recreate some of the most popular fare at Kitten and the Bear, a successful café and store which offers a wide selection of artisanal preserves, unique baked goods, giftware and more. Detailed step by step instructions make following their recipes a breeze. While the recipes are inspiring, the book’s design and images are equally appealing. It’s easy to imagine employing this cookbook for a ‘new recipe every day’ challenge, and one that’s sure to be a great success. Available in hardcover and e-book formats, it’s published by Penguin Canada.

The Book of Sandwiches by Jason Skrobar

Subtitled Delicious to the Last Bite: Recipes for Every Sandwich Lover, this book truly offers something for every sandwich lover, as well as recipes that could turn the “sandwich indifferent” into hug fans.Souped-up versions of classics like grilled cheese share the stage with deliciously over-the-top creations (found in a chapter called Hot Hot Mess) , all accompanied by crave-inducing images. The chapter on sauces offers possibilities that extend far beyond the world of sandwiches. This book would also be a great pick for reluctant cook of any age who wants to get a little more adventuresome in the kitchen. Appetite by Random House is the publisher and you can find it e-book and hardcover.

Two Chefs in the Garden by Lynn Crawford and Lora Kirk

This is the second book by this celebrated duo. They live and work on a 100-acre (40 hectare) farm near Peterborough, Ontario, where their expansive gardens are a focal point for family life both in and out of the kitchen. The colourful, easy-to-follow book contains over one hundred and fifty vegetarian dishes which are beautifully photographed, many in a moody style that reminds me of early mornings and evenings in the garden, savouring the task of picking produce while simultaneously planning the day’s meals. As a celebration of a healthy, sustainable approach to food, it features both sophisticated fare as well as lots of family-friendly options. Published by Penguin Canada, in hardcover and e-book formats.