Best Cookbooks 2018 Gift Guide
Who loves to cook? Me! Me!
Who loves new cookbooks? Me! Me!
This has been a great year for new cookbooks, hasn’t it? I’ve purchased several and pored over even more in the bookstore cafe. I’m sharing my five favorite cookbooks published in 2018, perfect to give to your foodie friends or add to your own wish list. I have healthy cookbooks, warm memoir-like cookbooks, and one full of pro tips. Plus, I’ll be sharing favorite cooking tools small and large. Let’s do this!
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Gina Homolka’s newest masterpiece gives us more delicious, healthy recipes. This time the focus is on simplicity. These yummy recipes are formulated to be thrown in a pot, crockpot, Instantpot, or sheet pan and viola! Dinner in a snap. One thing I love about this cookbook (aside from the delicious food!) is the versatility. Don’t have a crockpot? It’s okay; every recipe offers information on how to cook using alternative methods. Well done!
Also recommended:
The Skinnytaste Cookbook
Skinnytaste Fast & Slow
Lisa Leake is an advocate for limiting processed food and focusing on old-fashioned, cook-it-from-scratch dinners. Her recipes are simple and tasty, and sure to please the family palate. After hearing a common refrain that people “can’t afford real food”, she answers this need by giving her best tips for real food on a budget. In addition to recipes, this cookbook contains information on budgeting, ingredient swaps, stocking a pantry, and meal planning. Also included are meal plan and shopping list templates. I highly recommend this cookbook.
Also recommended:
100 Days of Real Food
100 Days of Real Food Fast & Fabulous
If you enjoy Ina Garten’s soothing, conversational voice, I think you’ll love this cookbook. What makes this cookbook distinct is its focus on cooking tips. In addition to recipes, the book is chock-full of cooking tips. How to tell if meat is done. Tips on proper procedure for common kitchen tasks such as grating, slicing, and chopping. I really enjoyed this teaching, especially the ideas on plating and serving. So many ideas to take your cooking to the next notch!
Also recommended:
Cooking for Jeffrey
Barefoot Contessa Family Style
Barefoot in Paris
Chatty, story-based cookbooks are my favorite! Because really, food is culture and memories and community-building. This cookbook is full of sweet family stories, of melded cultures, of deep respect for the family members who shared the recipes and their stories. Truly lovely.
Also recommended:
Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave
The Magnolia Story
Is it a cookbook? Yes, I think so. It’s also a memoir, and a salute to strong, loving women, and a treatise on growing up Southern. Any book that discourses on makeup, fashion advice, etiquette, and the proper way to catch a frog is a winner in my book! I’m not even a fangirl, but this is just the sort of book I adore: charming, funny, entertaining, and heart-warming.
More Kitchen Gifts
I like my Instantpot, and plan to experiment with it a lot more in the coming year. Here’s a link about my experience in cooking the best roast I’ve ever made.
My Crockpot must have a lid that fastens down. Non-negotiable. Looking for crockpot recipes?
Pork Chops in Mushroom Gravy
Crockpot Applesauce.
The Ninja blender is the best I’ve ever had, and makes quick work of my morning smoothies!
Kitchen Stocking Stuffers
Rectangular measuring spoons are THE BEST! I love how they fit into the spice bottles. I have one set and am looking for another, because sometimes I measure wet and dry in the same recipe.
After trying multiple tools for zesting, this hand-held zester is my absolute favorite. Easy to grasp, no mess…what’s not to love?
Cookie scoops in three sizes! You’re prepared for all cookie contingencies!
Kitchen tongs, the workhorse of the kitchen, and look! Pink and purple!
I’d love to hear your suggestions for cookbooks, appliances, and kitchen stocking stuffers! What’s your favorite gadget?
Holiday Gift Guides
We went to the mall and bought more Magical Unicorn Tea and the kid was very impressed in his understaed 11 year old way that the tea actually changes colors! They have this tea, and a bunch of other options at the tea kiosk Quail Spring Mall but I’d bet you could find Magical Unicorn Tea online somewhere too!
I found some at the mall again this year for the kids! Noble can’t wait to try it again tomorrow!! I also got them Magical Mermaid Tea. We’ll see what that’s about, too.