With the holiday season right around the corner, most of us need all the help we can get! And so this seems the perfect time to share some of my favorite cookbooks with you. You can grab a copy for your festive food prep right now, glean some glorious gift ideas for the foodies in your life, or add one of my suggestions to put on your own Christmas list! It’s a win-win-win…
Food and books are two of my passions, and gathering around the table is the heartbeat of all things home and hospitality…. there’s nothing better than loving one another well by breaking bread together. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a gorgeous cookbook?
This is a selection of tried and trusted books I come back to time and again—I’ve even suggested a favorite recipe from each to get you started. My Amazon affiliate links are included in the titles for your convenience in case you want to snag a copy (full disclosure here) which means I get a tiny commission while you pay the regular price. Some books are on sale, so go ahead and check them out!
JAMIE OLIVER’S CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK
Obviously, this is the gold star of Christmas cookbooks—Jamie Oliver covers all the bases from “ROASTED APPLE AND SQUASH SOUP” to “RETRO TRIFLE”. He walks us through the entire turkey dinner and beyond with tips and guides and even edible gift ideas. My suggestion: “BEST ROAST POTATOES”—the ultimate recipe for the best crispy, golden roasties you’ll ever eat!
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MAGNOLIA TABLE by Joanna Gaines
Just as you would expect from Joanna Gaines, The Magnolia Table is beautifully designed and filled with gorgeous photos and the most delicious recipes, from “SAVOURY HAM AND CHEESE BREAD PUDDING” to “GRILLED RASPBERRY-CHIPOTLE PORK TENDERLOIN” to “MOCHA TRIFLE CUPS”. So far, we have enjoyed everything from this book, and my suggestion is her “CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES” which is now our easy-peasy go-to cookie recipe!
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BUVETTE by Jody Williams
I hate to sound boujee, but I discovered this gem in Paris last January whilst eating in the restaurant of the same name! We ate the most insanely scrumptious Croque Monsieur and Madame for breakfast (not as cannibalistic as it sounds—think eggs, prosciutto, Gruyere cheese, béchamel sauce) and I discovered the owner had written a cookbook including that particular recipe. If you enjoy French food, you’re going to want this book—the rich flavor of the “COQ AU VIN” is divine and of course I’m going to suggest “CROQUE MONSIEUR/ MADAME” for the best brunch everrr!
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SAVE ME THE PLUMS by Ruth Reichl (memoir)
I’m cheating slightly here as this is a food memoir—but Ruth Reichl does include several of her own recipes such as “THANKSGIVING TURKEY CHILI” as she documents her fascinating ten-year experience as editor-in-chief of the iconic Gourmet food magazine. Essays include snippets on food in Paris, life in New York, her family, kitchens, colleagues, and how she learned to navigate a prestigious career one day at a time with humor, honesty, and passion. This book is for foodies, writers, and anyone looking for some inspiration and a satisfying read… and my recipe suggestions is her “JEWELED CHOCOLATE CAKE”, which is honestly the very best cake I have ever tasted. And I’ve tasted a LOT of cake…
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*BONUS: This one’s on my Christmas wish list:
FRAICHE FOOD, FULL HEARTS by Jillian Harris & Tori Wesszer
I’ve been flicking through this beauty at my local bookstore—it’s incredibly pretty. The authors (they are cousins) actually live in my city and have created such a delicious collection of recipes for “everyday and casual celebrations”. I hope Santa has been paying attention to all my hints! 😉
Do you have a favorite cookbook you’ll be turning to this festive season—or have you tried a recipe from any of these books? I’d love you to share in the comments. And as you prepare for the holidays, allow me to leave you with the comfort and joy found in this Bible verse:
“Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude.” Philippians 4:6
Happy reading, cooking, and planning, friends…
P.S. I send out a baking recipe every month in my newsletter. If you love monthly giveaways, recipes, books, and soul encouragement, SUBSCRIBE HERE!
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
