The Best Books to Give Cooks

In Salt, Fat, Acid Heat, author Samin Nosrat explains how to master the eponymous four elements to take your cooking to the next level. A chef with a wealth of kitchen science knowledge, Nosrat delivers easily digestible cooking lessons put into practice with 100 essential recipes.

$22, amazon.com

Clean eating has never looked better than in Chef Sam Talbot's 100% Real cookbook. The book features fresh and wholesome recipes that focus on natural flavors while avoiding processed ingredients. Full of tips and tricks for healthier eating, plus over 150 photographs, you won't be bored with this cookbook.

$16, amazon.com

Enjoy all the tastes of Myanmar in this cookbook inspired by the famed San Francisco restaurant. Dishes like Tea Leaf Salad, Chili Lamb, and Spicy Eggplant will help you explore this unique Asian cuisine. With plenty of tips and info about the country and its cooking techniques, along with easy-to-find ingredients for home cooks, it's the perfect introduction to Burmese food. 

$19, amazon.com

A new generation of slow-cooker fans will be delighted by this fresh collection of 100 essential slow-cooker recipes that no one expects to see coming out of a slow cooker. (Hello, slow-cooker crème brûlée!) With new techniques and hacks to simplify your cooking, this easy-to-use cookbook from America’s most popular slow-cooker expert also includes 200 variations to make gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and paleo-friendly dishes.

$15, amazon.com

Become the champion of your own kitchen with Master Recipes. Created by the team at Food & Wine, and featuring tips and tricks from experts in everything from mixology to bread baking, you'll learn everything you need to know about DIYing in the culinary field. Separated into four levels of difficulty (from beginner to advanced) you'll find projects like making your own ramen noodles or pickling seasonal produce to keep you occupied and connected to your kitchen. 

$23, amazon.com

Based on the popular Tumblr "Toss Your Own Salad" this cookbook shows you how to cook vegetarian without solely relying on fat, cheese, and salt to bring in flavor to your plate. With a focus on health, along with budget-friendly ideas, this meatless cookbook will have you cooking amazing meals like Penne Tikka Masala or Nihilistic Frittata in no time. The best part? You'll be rocking out while you cook, thanks to the author's recommended soundtrack of everything from Metallica to Gene Vincent.

$14, amazon.com

In his first book ever, Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Fox presents his unique approach to vegetables in 160 recipes for the home cook. Elevating vegetarian cuisine by using creative methods and ingredient combos, everyone is sure to find a favorite dish amongst the seasonal selections.

$32, amazon.com

The reigning champ of tacos in Los Angeles, Guerilla Tacos is a food truck that stands out in a crowded market. Drawing on authentic flavors, with modern ingredient twists for intrigue, this cookbook will teach you the building blocks for flavor and texture in tacos. Sprinkled throughout with illustrations and personal stories, it's a must-have for anyone interested in modern Hispanic cooking.

$20, amazon.com

With a collection of 225 recipes, this 'vegetable whisperer' cookbook will have you eating your veggies all year long. Based on the seasons and focusing on specific times during each, Six Seasons highlights how (and when) each vegetable should be eaten for optimum flavor. 

$23, amazon.com

Put down the hotdogs on-a-stick and pick up this cookbook that will make your next camping trip so much more delicious. Created with everyone from day-trippers to extended campers in mind, The New Camp Cookbook focuses on cooking techniques and tips for a successful breakfast, lunch, or dinner under the open sky. Try their Tin Foil Seafood Boil or Mexican Street Corn Salad to see just how amazing cooking outdoors can be.

$17, amazon.com

This book by the editors of Cooking Light, isn't just for vegetarians. It's for anyone who wants to add more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to their meals and omit meat-without sacrificing flavor-even if it's just once or twice a week. Find your place at the vegetarian table with this collection of 150 flavorful recipes, including a full-color photograph of every dish.

$15, amazon.com

This visually stunning cookbook is perfect for home cooks who like to mix and match. With 68 recipes, and 97 variations to account for what's seasonal, you'll be excited by the unusual flavor pairings and preparation suggestions throughout Simple Fare.

$24, amazon.com

Sunday supper is more than just a meal, it means gathering family and friends together around the table to share food that has been prepared with care. To help you with that effort, this beautiful new book pairs 50 easy-to-create main dishes (such as savory Braised Short Ribs or a hearty Fall Chicken Casserole) with perfectly paired appetizers or salads, sides, drinks, and desserts.

$19, amazon.com

Perfect for movie buffs and foodies alike, Eat What You Watch grabs your favorite cinematic food moments and brings them to life with mouth-watering recipes. Created based on the popular YouTube channel Binging with Babish, with this book in-hand readers can bake up the birthday cake from Sixteen Candles, make the deli fare from When Harry Met Sally, and create countless other silver screen-inspired dishes.

$18, amazon.com

These small single-subject booklets are perfect for those looking to back the holidays away. Each written by a different author featuring a particular ingredient, the baker's pack includes the titles of Maple Syrup, Eggs, Brown Sugar, Buttermilk, Chocolate, and Butter.

$75, shortstackeditions.com

Based on the belief that herbs and flowers can nourish you inside and out, Kale & Caramel focuses on vegetarian and vegan dishes that utilize these ingredients. Each chapter focuses on a specific herb or flower, everything from basil to orange blossom, with accompanying recipes to show you the best ways to eat each.

$15, amazon.com

Enjoy tapas-style eating with Graze, an easy way to eat beautiful and delicious meals for the whole family. Full of tips to prep wholesome foods without spending a ton of time in the kitchen, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to find fast family-friendly meals.

$19, amazon.com

Re-imagining foods in a vegetable-forward manner is the focus of Salad for President. Drawing inspiration from famous artists, chefs, and more, you'll see the intense connection between art and food within this cookbook that whips out unique dishes like Persimmon Caprese and Collard Chiffonade Salad. 

$23, amazon.com

Valerie’s Home Cooking invites home cooks into Valerie Bertinelli’s kitchen to experience her family’s favorite comforting classics with an original twist. More than 100 recipes are transformed into crave-worthy new dishes, each one as fresh, fun, and vibrant as Valerie herself.

$18, amazon.com

With over 200 recipes, the evening meal has never had more options thanks to Dinner: Changing the Game. Focusing on a dinner that can stand alone (with maybe a side salad or bread), these distinct and flavorful dishes are easy enough for any novice while being creative enough that experienced cooks will take notice. 

$21, amazon.com

An essential recipe collection for anyone truly committed to eating whole foods, Eat Right is your guide to healthy cuisine. Author Nick Barnard, founder of British natural food company Rude Health, is your guide with tutorials on how to make your own staples, advice on keeping a healthy relationship with food, and more.

$8, amazon.com