Cook These Books!
The newest batch of cookbooks for 2022 will inspire you to get into the kitchen to explore and create with bold, global flavors, vibrant photography and inspirational personal stories. I’m excited for these new tomes because some are personal and others are practical, but for both the results are delicious mouth-watering recipes for the home cook. Some promise to give us a peek into food as culture and identity, resulting in recipes that are deeply introspective and soulful, while the others will give us clever takes on flavor and ingredients to help us get something delicious on the table every day of the week. So, for whatever whets your palate, here are some of the cookbooks I’m looking forward to for the new year!
The Cook You Want to Be by Andy Baraghani
The ex-Chez Panisse chef behind many of Bon Appétit's most popular recipes— Andy creates high-impact flavors, delivers beautiful and simply delicious meals with minimal fuss and spins classics in utterly mouth-watering ways. Think Cauliflower Bolognese, Tahini Ranch Dressing, and Ramen Noodles with Miso Pesto and more this debut cookbook.
The Wok: Recipes and Techniques by J. Kenji López-Alt
Lopez-Alt rocks the wok. Whether stir-frying, deep frying, steaming, simmering, or braising, he’ll show you how the wok is the most versatile pan in the kitchen. Once you master the techniques of a stir-fry, and how to get smoky ‘wok hei’ at home— you're ready to cook umami-packed dishes from across Asia and the United States, including Kung Pao Chicken, Pad Thai, and San Francisco-Style Garlic Noodles.
Easy Fancy Food by Colu Henry
From her time at Bon Appetit to her ever-popular New York Times recipes, Colu knows what works— and it’s always going to be unfussy, flavorful and perfect for any day of the week. Her second cookbook— a nod to home cooks who are happy to do everything but pastry— Henry helps readers stock the new-American pantry so that they can create classic everyday meals with a twist. Henry offers ideas, options and solutions to get you exploring new ingredients and techniques, and have an effortlessly chic dish on the table in around 45 minutes.
Mi Cocina: Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico by Rick Martinez
In his debut cookbook, the New York Times contributor, Food52 columnist, and former Bon Appétit food editor introduces us to the diverse culinary treasures of Mexico. Martinez travels to each of the seven regions in Mexico to explore 100 special and distinct dishes, accompanied by gorgeous color-filled photos shot on site.
Korean American: Food that Tastes Like Home by Eric Kim
The son of two Korean immigrants, food has always been central to New York Times editor Kim. From Friday-night Korean barbecue with his family to American-Korean fusion meals for one— like Gochujang-Buttered Radish Toast and Caramelized-Kimchi Baked Potatoes— that he cooks in his tiny New York City apartment, Kim combines— with poignancy and humor— deliciously bold recipes, vivid storytelling and arresting photos by Jenny Huang. His debut cookbook is a love letter to his heritage, his personal and culinary journey and to power of food and family.
My America: Recipes From a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi with Joshua David Stein
Onwuachi explores the food and recipes of the African Diaspora through the lens of his own family history. These are global recipes for the home cook that span Nigeria to the Caribbean, to the South, the Bronx and more. It’s a personal salute to food and culture, with recipes such as Nigerian Jollof, Puerto Rican Red Bean Sofrito, and Trinidadian Channa (Chickpea) Curry to Jambalaya, Baby Back Ribs, and Red Velvet Cake.
I Dream of Dinner by Ali Slagle
Slagle has you covered each night of the week— like her ever-popular recipes in the New York Times, she offers up 150 simple delicious and flavorful recipes that come together with the promise of fewer than 8 ingredients and less than 45 minutes. Ali keeps it fast and fabulous with recipes like Fish & Chips Tacos, Olive Oil-Braised Chickpeas, and Farro Carbonara.
Salad Freak by Jess Damuck
In her debut cookbook, recipe developer Damuck offers up more than 100 original recipes that combine color, texture and flavor for truly mouth-watering results. Citrus Breakfast Salad, Tea-Smoked Chicken and Bitter Greens Salad, Caesar Salad Pizza Salad, and Roasted Grapes, Ricotta, Croutons, and Endive Salad are a few of her delicious dishes that will keep you sated all year long.
A Good Day to Bake by Benjamina Ebuehi
The Great British Bake Off contestant’s newest book is about the joy and ritual of everyday baking. 70 recipes span sweet to savory with an eye on flavorful simplicity and down-to-earth craveable taste.
Snackable Bakes by Jessie Sheehan
Sheehan’s super quick Tiktok baking videos have generated legions of fans who swear by her no-fuss energetic approach to baking. In her debut cookbook, Jessie hones in on uber-delish treats that can be assembled in 20 minutes or less such as Peppermint Stick No-Churn Ice Cream, Summer Peach Fritters, Extra Crumb Snacking Cake, and Deeply Chocolaty Baked Donuts with Buttermilk Glaze and Sprinkles.
