Company's Company

With Christmas just around the corner, I was going to get all philosophical and write about the theme of ‘home’; how the term can take on different meanings and how some seriously great fiction has been written around the subject.

But then I thought of that other, funner, Christmas theme: food. With parties and potlucks and, of course, the big day itself, it’s that awesome time of year when food abounds. If you’re like me, you give yourself license to indulge through the dark days of December. If you’re not, well, we can’t be friends!

So let’s talk cookbooks. This genre is huge and growing. Since writing my own cookbooks and talking them up at markets, I’ve discovered what a lot of people want most in a cookbook: pictures! We love looking at food photos and apparently, some people buy cookbooks just for the photos! Whether we ever make the recipes is almost beside the point. There’s a primordial comfort in reading about, and looking at, food, and the details of turning that list of ingredients into a lovingly prepared feast for family and friends.

Our approach to food has changed over the years with cookbooks now showcasing the aspirational aspect of flavours through cooking techniques, equipment, celebrity chefs, and an abundance of fresh ingredients throughout the year. Aren’t we lucky?!

Here are some notable cookbooks published this fall, covering diverse cuisines and cooking styles from seasonal entertaining to regional favorites and pantry staples. Popular themes include American regional cooking, Italian and Thai dishes, and creative use of ingredients like air fryers or wok cooking. 

• Good Things by Samin Nosrat: A collection of recipes and rituals focused on sharing meals with loved ones.
• Padma's All American by Padma Lakshmi: A cookbook inspired by her show Taste the Nation, featuring tales and recipes from her travels.
• Something from Nothing by Alison Roman: A cookbook centered on simple, thrilling recipes that utilize pantry staples and both new and old favorites.
• Dorie's Anytime Cakes by Dorie Greenspan: A book dedicated to cakes for any occasion.
• Steak House by Eric Wareheim and Gabe Ulla: Explores iconic American steakhouses with stories and recipes.
• The Wolf of Wok Street by Vincent Lim: Features Southeast Asian dishes learned from his father.
• Lidia's The Art of Pasta by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich-Manuali: Focuses on the techniques and artistry of making pasta.
• Soju Party by Irene Yoo: A debut cookbook on Korean drinking culture, with recipes for cocktails, snacks, and more.
• The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook by Meredith Hayden: A book of "effortless" seasonal recipes for entertaining. 
• Family Thai by Arnold Myint and Kat Thompson: Brings the flavors of Thai cuisine to a home kitchen.
• Vietnam: The Cookbook by Anaïs Ca Dao van Manen: A deep dive into the diverse cuisine of Vietnam.
• Kim Chi Eats the World by Kim Chi: Recipes from the drag queen, a cookbook inspired by her..
• The Pasta Book by David Joachim and Marc Vetri: Offers recipes, techniques, and inspiration for pasta lovers.
• Six Seasons of Pasta by Joshua McFadden: A new approach to everyone's favorite food.
• Salsa Daddy by Rick Martínez: A guide to Mexican cooking focused on dips and salsas.

And because we really can’t talk about food without mentioning beverages, another favourite of mine is The Cocktail Handbook by Maria Constantinople. Grouped by type of spirit with photos of each drink, it includes mixing method and recommended glass, as well as essentials of the well stocked bar, gadgets and gizmos, and how to make those cute little garnishes.

I know this list barely scratches the surface and there are so many worthy books out there about foods, chefs and the rest of us who love to cook - and eat! Let me know what some of your favs are.

Thanks to everyone who reads these blogs of mine. I truly hope you enjoy them - feel free to share and comment. Have a wonderful holiday season, no matter who’s cooking! May you share laughter and love this Christmas and may you find a good book (or two) tucked under the tree! Merry Christmas and we’ll chat again in the New Year.

Until next time, happy reading!
Joni