Somewhere along the way, my three siblings and I grew into adults who are all equally obsessed with food—and increasingly invested in learning how to cook it well. A few Christmases ago, that shared passion revealed itself in the best possible way: we exchanged gifts and ended up with what we now lovingly call a “cookbook Christmas,” each of us unwrapping a stack of new titles.
If you’re looking for ideas for your own “cookbook Christmas,” or simply need a thoughtful gift for the home cook in your life, I’ve got you covered. Every book below is one I’ve either given or received myself, and I’m sharing a quick description—plus a few favorite recipes—so you can match each one to the perfect person.
For your dad/husband/brother-in-law who loves to grill: Franklin Barbecue
I live in Texas, and around here we consider Aaron Franklin pretty much the authority on barbecue. This is a great gift for anyone who is interested in or learning to smoke meat. The Texas-style beef brisket is the obvious choice of key recipe here, but the barbecue sauce recipe is a family favorite from this book. It’s easy to make and now that I have it mastered it’s pretty much the only barbecue sauce I make. If you want to go the extra mile to prepare your giftee to receive this book, go ahead and also get them these squeeze bottles to store the BBQ sauce in. Other great books for meat lovers include Franklin Steak, or you could go nuts and just get them the set, which I’ve linked here.
For the busy mom in your life: Milk Street: Tuesday Nights
This is my single most gifted cookbook simply because I love it so much. It was originally gifted to me by my dad! Over 200 weeknight recipes divided into chapters titled “Fast”, “Faster”, and “Fastest”. I have yet to encounter a recipe in this book that isn’t fresh, delicious, and absolutely jam-packed with flavor. I love the incredible variety of recipes, including the Kimchi Fried Rice, the Beef Keema with Peas, the Pasta Alla Norma, and the Chili-Glazed Salmon. If you need even more weeknight deliciousness to gift, there is a Mediterranean version of “Tuesday Nights”. I’ll link it here.
For newlyweds: The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook
I received this book as a gift at my own bridal shower. It’s great for all levels of home-cooks. There is advice about grocery shopping, storing food, repurposing leftovers, and lists of basic ingredients and kitchen tools to always have on hand. Some of my favorite recipes include the Chicken Saltimbocca and any of the personal-sized desserts. I’ve linked it here as a perfect gift for any young couples in your life.
For your relative who wants to learn to cook Asian cuisine: The Woks of Life
I could write an entire post on great Asian cuisine cookbooks, and maybe I will sometime. Last Christmas, my brother-in-law let me know ahead of time that he had purchased a new wok and was interested in learning to use it. This collection of recipes from the family behind the food blog of the same name was one of the books I gifted him. This cookbook is jam-packed with flavorful recipes and great conversational storytelling. I particularly love the Chili-Oil Wontons and the Happy Family Lo Mein. Click here to gift to someone in your life.
For your friend who always talks about Sunday Dinner at Nonna’s: Parm to Table
Christian Petroni’s Parm to Table is about Bronx-style Italian food. Think red sauces and meaty recipes dressed in a flurry of parsley and parmesan. For my New-Yorker husband, it takes him back to Sunday dinners at his grandparents and to his mom’s cooking. I make large batches of the 8 hour marinara recipe – a more flavorful red sauce does not exist. The braciole is a favorite of my husbands as well. I’ve linked it here so you can share the love.
For your brother who is obsessed with The Bear: Soups, Salads, Sandwiches
Written by none other than The Bear’s Matty Matheson, this cookbook is a love letter to the trifecta of food groups mentioned in the title. Do not assume this is a collection of Midwestern fare (even though the broccoli-cheddar soup is delightful). Expect instead to find everything from Mediterranean Avgolemono Soup, to Italian Panzanella Salad, to Cubano sandwiches. Do not miss the Giant Meatball Soup either. You can buy this personality-forward cookbook here to gift to that brother of yours, or to keep for yourself.
Every one of these six cookbooks has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen—or in a sibling’s—and each one makes a thoughtful, truly useful gift for any home cook. Let me know in the comments if you give any a try, or if you have other cookbooks you love to gift!
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