This year has seen some incredible food books land on our tables, each one a testament to the power of food to bring us joy, comfort, and connection.
At the top of my list is "Lugma: Abundant Dishes & Stories from My Middle East", a cookbook that not only showcases the beauty of Bahraini cuisine but also weaves itself into your regular cooking life. Author Noor Murad's writing is a delight to read, and her recipes are a perfect blend of ease and specialness. Whether it's a simple side dish or a more elaborate celebration recipe, every bite feels like a celebration.
Next up is "Baking and the Meaning of Life" by Helen Goh, which knows that baking has the power to transform our lives. As someone who was both a baker and a psychologist, Goh brings a unique perspective to her recipes, explaining not only how to make them but also the benefits of baking for our mental wellbeing. Her Shoo Fly buns are a game-changer, and I'm obsessed with the chocolate financiers with rosemary and hazelnuts.
Roopa Gulati's "Indian Kitchens: Treasured Family Recipes from Across the Land" is another standout. This cookbook takes us on a tour of home kitchens in six regions of India, showcasing the diversity and richness of Indian cuisine. From simple dal recipes to elaborate chicken dishes, every recipe is a testament to the beauty of everyday kitchen life in India.
How I Cook: A Chef's Guide to Really Good Home Cooking" by Ben Lippett is also worth mentioning. While it may seem like an unusual choice for some readers, this book has won me over with its helpful tips and tricks, as well as Lippett's engaging writing style. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, there's something here for everyone.
Last but not least, we have "Boustany: A Celebration of Vegetables from My Palestine" by Sami Tamimi. This cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes β it's a celebration of Palestinian cuisine and culture. With its refreshing doable vegetarian dishes and beautiful headnotes, this book feels like a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and richness of Middle Eastern food.
Each of these cookbooks has something special to offer, whether it's a new recipe technique, a fresh perspective on an old favorite dish, or simply a reminder of the joy that food can bring to our lives. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, there's something here for everyone.
At the top of my list is "Lugma: Abundant Dishes & Stories from My Middle East", a cookbook that not only showcases the beauty of Bahraini cuisine but also weaves itself into your regular cooking life. Author Noor Murad's writing is a delight to read, and her recipes are a perfect blend of ease and specialness. Whether it's a simple side dish or a more elaborate celebration recipe, every bite feels like a celebration.
Next up is "Baking and the Meaning of Life" by Helen Goh, which knows that baking has the power to transform our lives. As someone who was both a baker and a psychologist, Goh brings a unique perspective to her recipes, explaining not only how to make them but also the benefits of baking for our mental wellbeing. Her Shoo Fly buns are a game-changer, and I'm obsessed with the chocolate financiers with rosemary and hazelnuts.
Roopa Gulati's "Indian Kitchens: Treasured Family Recipes from Across the Land" is another standout. This cookbook takes us on a tour of home kitchens in six regions of India, showcasing the diversity and richness of Indian cuisine. From simple dal recipes to elaborate chicken dishes, every recipe is a testament to the beauty of everyday kitchen life in India.
How I Cook: A Chef's Guide to Really Good Home Cooking" by Ben Lippett is also worth mentioning. While it may seem like an unusual choice for some readers, this book has won me over with its helpful tips and tricks, as well as Lippett's engaging writing style. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, there's something here for everyone.
Last but not least, we have "Boustany: A Celebration of Vegetables from My Palestine" by Sami Tamimi. This cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes β it's a celebration of Palestinian cuisine and culture. With its refreshing doable vegetarian dishes and beautiful headnotes, this book feels like a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and richness of Middle Eastern food.
Each of these cookbooks has something special to offer, whether it's a new recipe technique, a fresh perspective on an old favorite dish, or simply a reminder of the joy that food can bring to our lives. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, there's something here for everyone.