I feel like there is something really special about giving someone a cookbook as a gift. Cookbooks are the gifts that keep on giving, and 2012 was certainly the year of the cookbook. Almost every month, a new fantastic cookbook was released, which makes the list below even more difficult to compile.
Before selecting a cookbook as a gift, it’s best to keep in mind who you are buying for. Are they a beginner in the kitchen or a skilled chef? Do they have any dietary restrictions such as a gluten, allergy, or vegetarianism? A cookbook can be an extremely personal and intimate gift so it’s best to select a book based on the criteria above.
Below I have compiled a list of cookbooks for gifts sure to please a wide variety of cooks and culinary enthusiasts. And here’s a tip: If I am gifting a cookbook that I have used I like to add a note card recommending my favorite recipes.
I received this cookbook as a gift and it became an instant staple in my kitchen. The recipes are broken down by season, which allows for the use of fresh seasonal ingredients in every meal. This cookbook also has an excellent instructional section that provides step-by-step directions on the most basic cooking principles.
Nigella Lawson is widely known for being the first domestic goddess and she certainly has come a long way from her first published cookbook How To Eat. In Nigella’s latest offering she is exploring the wonderful world of Italian food. From pastas to pizza, Nigellissima offers something for everyone. With over 100 recipes and a new accompanying television series, Nigellissima is on the top of my Christmas wish list.
Everyone has them. You know, those people who are impossible to shop for. They already have the latest and greatest gadgets, and a basket full of specialty soaps will not suffice. Well, look no further. Jerusalem is a new cookbook that is taking the culinary publishing world by storm. More often than not, cookbooks tend to be monotonous with the same roasted chicken recipes. Jerusalem is a breath of fresh air, with a dazzling array of unique combinations of fresh ingredients and spices. The recipes are not overcomplicated and allow for the home cook to access recipes and flavors only prepared by locals within the Middle East region. This cookbook is a true gem.
Main image via timsackton's Flickr