With the holiday season coming to a close shortly, a gift guide to cooking treats and meals by some Chicago-based chefs might offer ideas for last-minute gifts.
Here’s a selection of five cookbooks that came out this year that could spark some inspiration in the kitchen.
“The Hoosier Mama Book of Breakfast Bakes: Biscuits, Scones, Muffins, and More” by Paula Haney
Chicago-based chef Paula Haney, owner of Hoosier Mama Pie Company, is publishing her latest book, “The Hoosier Mama Book of Breakfast Bakes: Biscuits, Scones, Muffins and More,” on Dec. 16. The Indiana native showcases breakfast baked sweets and goodies with the help of Chicago-based photographer Laura Scherb. Before opening her own restaurant, which has become a staple in the pie business of Chicago, Haney spent time working with chefs Shawn McClain and Grant Achatz.
$35, Agate Publishing, agatepublishing.com
“Berries for Bloomingdale: The Serviceberry Cookbook” by Bonnie Tawse
To celebrate a decade since the opening of the Bloomingdale Trail, author Bonnie Tawse composed a book titled “Berries for Bloomingdale: The Serviceberry Cookbook.” The book holds recipes from neighbors, serviceberry enthusiasts, local business owners and volunteers. It was released on May 22, a couple of weeks ahead of the anniversary of the trail’s grand opening on June 6, 2015. For those who may not be familiar, a serviceberry is a tree that produces white flowers and purple fruit. Sales of the cookbook will go to support the Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail’s programming.
$15, Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail, bloomingdaletrail.org
“The Meathead Method: A BBQ Hall of Famer’s Secrets and Science on BBQ, Grilling, and Outdoor Cooking with 114 Recipes” by Craig ‘Meathead’ Goldwyn
Chicago native Craig “Meathead” Goldwyn released his latest cookbook in May, “The Meathead Method: A BBQ Hall of Famer’s Secrets and Science on BBQ, Grilling, and Outdoor Cooking with 114 Recipes.” Goldwyn’s book goes over the basics of barbecuing while discussing new methods that weren’t covered in his first book. The BBQ Hall of Famer is also a New York Times Best Seller for his previous book “Meathead: The Science of Great Barbeque and Living,” which earned its spot in the “100 Best Cookbooks of All Time” by Southern Living.
$32, Harvest, harpercollins.com
“Cheese Magic: Seasonal Recipes, Plates, and Pairings” by Erika Kubick
Chicagoan and former cheesemonger Erika Kubick published her second book, “Cheese Magic: Seasonal Recipes, Plates, and Pairings,” on Sept. 16. It features over 100 cheese dishes, all divided into eight sections inspired by the pagan Wheel of the Year. Recipes include lemon-poppyseed-goat-cheese scones, a Dutch baby with savory herbs and melted Comté and a cheese-stuffed pumpkin.
$28, Running Press Adult, hachettebookgroup.com
“Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love” by Samin Nosrat
Samin Nosrat — author of the James Beard Award-winning and New York Times Best Seller cookbook “Salt Fat Acid Heat” — released her second cookbook, “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love” in September. It comprises over 125 of her favorite recipes that she shares with her loved ones. Nosrat published her first highly acclaimed book in 2017 and has also spent time writing for The New York Times Magazine.
$45, Random House, penguinrandomhouse.com
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