There are only NINE shopping days left until Christmas! NINE! Are you ready? (I’m totally not).
In case you need any last-minute shopping inspiration, I made a mess of my bookshelves and chose 11 of my favourite food-related books published in 2014. I know I’ve left out many other worthy books from this list – some I’ve left off on purpose, others purely by accident and the rest because I haven’t gotten my hands on a copy yet!
So have a read through my list and then hit the comments with your own favourite cookbooks of 2014!
STREET FOOD DIARIES – MATT BASILE
Not only one of my favourite cookbooks of 2014, but possibly one of my favourite cookbooks EVER, Street Food Diaries is filled with creative, street-food inspired recipes and gorgeous photographs. Fun to read and easy to follow, Matt’s writing style is relaxed, humourous and friendly. Everything about this book makes me happy, including the fact that every single recipe is accompanied by a beautiful photograph.
Read my full review here. Click here to purchase Street Food Diaries on Amazon Canada
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HOW TO COOK EVERYTHING FAST – MARK BITTMAN
Admittedly not the prettiest cookbook on my shelves (NO photos!), How to Cook Everything Fast is still be a great cookbook for both veteran home cooks and newbies alike. Who wouldn’t want to cook a great meal in less than an hour? Even though I’m one of those who would love to spend hours in the kitchen, even I enjoyed learning some valuable tips and tricks on how to be more efficient in the kitchen. With over 2,000 recipes, lists, tips, tricks and even a graphic on how to set up your kitchen for speed, there is a wealth of knowledge in this book!
Read my full review here. Click here to purchase How to Cook Everything Fast on Amazon Canada
BEEROLOGY – MIRELLA AMATO
Paul is a beer guy. So, I figured it’s time I became a beer girl – in knowledge anyway. Beerology is a treasure trove of beer information, including info on storage and cellaring, tasting tips, origin stories, and much more. Mirella’s easy style of writing makes this learning experience super easy and painless.
Click here to purchase Beerology on Amazon Canada
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ALL FOUR STARS – TARA DAIRMAN
Possibly my favourite food fiction for the middle-grade group ever (ok, ok, so not that many books actually fall into this category, but still…), All Four Stars is a fun story for all the young and budding foodies in your life. Heck, it’s a fun story for the young-at-heart foodies in your life too.
Read my full review here. Click here to purchase All Four Stars on Amazon Canada
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PLENTY MORE – YOTAM OTTOLENGHI
As much as I love my steak, sometimes it’s vegetables I crave. And nothing could make vegetables sexier than this cookbook. Organized by cooking method, the 150+ recipes range from salads to main dishes, and even includes desserts! A great inspiration for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Click here to purchase Plenty More on Amazon Canada
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THE GREAT LOBSTER COOKBOOK– MATT DEAN PETTIT
Lobster. Do I need to say anything more? Ok, well then, how about a beautiful cookbook with over 100 creative ways to use lobster? Perfect for all seafood lovers, The Great Lobster Cookbook makes enjoying lobster at home easy for everyone.
Read my full review here. Click here to purchase The Great Lobster Cookbook on Amazon Canada
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PRUNE – GABRIELLE HAMILTON
I fell in love with Gabrielle’s writing when I read her memoir, Blood, Bones & Butter, and her debut cookbook doesn’t disappoint. Written in the same style and filled with recipes from her New York City restaurant Prune, this ‘restaurant cookbook’ is definitely NOT a coffee table accessory, but one that will feel more at home in your kitchen (as it should be).
Click here to purchase Prune on Amazon Canada
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OVENLY – AGATHA KULAGA AND ERIN PATINKIN
I had never heard of the Brooklyn-based bakery Ovenly before this book but now I can’t wait to visit them in person one day. Their book is not only filled with beautiful and creative baked goods, it also has wonderfully instructive step-by-step photos and some really great baking tips. Probably geared towards those who are a step up from ‘beginner baker’, this book is perfect for someone who has a bit of experience in the kitchen or someone who wants something beautiful to strive for.
Read my full review here. Click here to purchase Ovenly on Amazon Canada
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THE MESSY BAKER – CHARMIAN CHRISTIE
Don’t let the word ‘baker’ in the title fool you – The Messy Baker is more than just baked goods. Filled with sweet AND savory recipes, there are appetizers, main courses, and, of course, desserts, to satisfy any craving. The recipes are easy to follow and Charmian’s motto of “Never trust a person with a clean kitchen” makes being messy in the kitchen delicious!
Read my full review here. Click here to purchase The Messy Baker on Amazon Canada
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THE DIRTY APRON COOKBOOK – DAVID ROBERTSON
Even though this is a ‘cooking school’ cookbook, there’s nothing basic about the recipes. There are classics and new dishes, plus lots of tips, chef’s notes, reference charts and info sheets to help anyone become a better cook in the kitchen. David’s experience at the Dirty Apron cooking school in Vancouver, BC, is obvious as this informative book makes cooking a joy to learn.
Read my full review here. Click here to purchase The Dirty Apron Cookbook on Amazon Canada
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FOOD: A LOVE STORY – JIM GAFFIGAN
I adore Jim Gaffigan. He’s one of my favourite comedians and I’ve watched both his TV work (Long live My Boys!) and his stand-up routine (met him on my birthday once – he signed my DVD “Happy Birthday. I love you. And bacon”). And that’s what this book is all about. A hilarious look at food from this hilarious guy’s point of view. Anyone who has seen his comedy routine knows he has some pretty strong opinions about all things delicious (“Hot pockets”) and it all shines through in this book.
Read my full review here. Click here to purchase Food: A Love Story on Amazon Canada
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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. However, kitchen frolic is currently part of the Amazon affiliate programs. The product links from Amazon and Amazon.ca are affiliate links – if you click these links and purchase the product or any other product, I will receive a very small commission from Amazon. I only recommend products (usually cookbooks) that I own or would use myself. If you are not comfortable with this, please feel free to go directly to Amazon or Amazon Canada and search for the product you wish to purchase.
