I love the idea of a cozy room lined with book shelves and a reading nook in the corner next to a roaring fireplace. On those shelves would be everything from classic and modern cookbooks, mystery novels and non-fiction cooking and agriculture resources to coffee table books with stunning photography.
I’ve always loved to read, but I think my real book passion started when my interests grew in cookbooks and photography. The organization of my collection isn’t quite up to par with that cozy room I described, but that doesn’t stop me from adding books to my gift list, both to give and receive.
I’ve come across some lovely cookbooks, fun photography and inspiring stories this year. If you have a bookworm on your gift list, grab a few of these great books and finish up your holiday shopping.
Beer, Food, and Flavor: A Guide to Tasting, Pairing, and the Culture of Craft Beer
If you follow my Instagram feed, you know we are big craft beer fans. I’m just now getting into this book and I’m pleased with how informative it is. You can expect more perfectly paired recipes next year!
Between Two Dogs
This is such a fun book to add to a gift basket for dog lovers. The photographer, Shaina Fishman, does such a beautiful job of capturing heartwarming interactions between pups.
Home Baked: More Than 150 Recipes for Sweet and Savory Goodies
I just reviewed this book a few weeks ago and, as with all of Yvette Van Boven’s books, it has a permanent place on my book shelf. It is full of creative baking ideas!
Hot Chicken Cookbook: The Fiery History & Red-Hot Recipes of Nashville’s Beloved Bird
Another book I recently reviewed, this cookbook tells a special story of U.S. culinary history. It’s a must for anyone who loves food and culture and southern favorites.
Pig Tales: An Omnivore’s Quest for Sustainable Meat
I mentioned this book back in July. It’s my favorite read this year for food and agriculture education. It’s informative, entertaining and will help guide your responsible food decisions.
Rescuing Riley, Saving Myself: A Man and His Dogs Struggle to Find Salvation
The most inspiring story I’ve read all year! I was hooked on this book a few pages in. Not only is it a story of hope and courage. It will make you think about the issue of bullying and reflect on how this influences both the past and the future.
The Art of the Shim: Low-Alcohol Cocktails to Keep You Level
I was introduced to this book when we visited the SHED in Healdsburg this year. It is full of delicious drink recipes to try as well as a history lesson in mixology.
The New Seaweed Cookbook, Second Edition: Over 100 Gluten and Dairy Free Recipes for an Anti-Inflammatory, Nutrient Dense Diet
This book makes a great stocking stuffer for the health-minded on your list! Despite it’s small size, it is packed full of nourishing recipes.
W. C. Whitfield’s Mixed Drinks and Cocktails: An Illustrated, Old-School Bartender’s Guide
If you haven’t been able to tell already, cocktail history is a growing interest of mine. This book combines recipes from two cocktail cookbooks written in the 1930s and 40s. It has so much character right down to the type print in the book. Expect to see a fun recipe from this book featured in the early New Year.
Disclosure: The books featured here were sent to me for review purposes. I only review books I enjoy. This post also contains affiliate links.
My mom used to say “you can tell a lot about a person by what’s on their bookshelf” Love your collection and indeed your books are a lot like you.
Velva
Thanks, Velva! That sounds like a pretty good rule of thumb.
What awesome picks! And I have to say, that I love the beautiful way you shot each one and created that grid! I still have Pig Tales on my list of books to read!
Thanks so much, Tracey! It’s a great read!