Alright, we’re in the homestretch of the holidays. Soon we’ll stop shopping for others (or ourselves) and we’ll be heavily focused on new year’s resolutions. I always like to include cookbooks on my holiday gift guides because THERE ARE SO MANY GOOD ONES. Last year, one of my food resolutions was to actually use my cookbooks more. I sort of did it but will definitely continue trying in 2019. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for the cook in your life, look no further than these must have cookbooks.

What constitutes a good cookbook – or a must have cookbook? For me, it depends. I like niche cookbooks but I also like general ones that provide yummy recipes in addition to teaching me something new. I’m definitely really turned off by overly complicated cookbooks. Everyone’s level of cooking varies but if recipes in a cookbook has too many ingredients and too much preparation, I’m probably not going to be in to it.

Give me easy elegant any day and I’m happy. Yeah, easy elegant – that’s what I’m into I think.

Holiday gift guide: must have cookbooks

[clockwise]

What’s Gaby Cooking by Gaby Dalkin – I’ve been a fan of the What’s Gaby Cooking blog for a while (I made one of her vinaigrettes this year). There are over 100 recipes for you to go crazy with.

Cravings: Hungry For More by Chrissy Teigen – Obviously this makes the list. You all know how much I loved her first book and I’m slowly cooking my way through this one. So far, so good. The recipes are great but the additional Chrissy Teigen commentary is even better.

Joy of Cooking by Irma Rombauer – This is one of the most-published cookbooks in the United States. There’s over 500 recipes in it – this is an OG cookbook.

All About Cake by Christina Tosi – Christina is the brains behind Milk Bar and her new book, if you can’t tell, is all about cake! It’s really doable too even if you don’t consider yourself a baker.

Now & Again by Julia Turshen – Julia Turshen is a legend in the food/writing world. Her new cookbook is all about creative menu ideas paired with delicious and doable recipes.

Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat – This is a NYT best-selling book and there is a Netflix show based off of the book. You should get the book and watch the show – Samin makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Here’s a recipe from the show, miso cured eggs.

What are your must have cookbooks on your shelf?