It was a big year for cookbooks, and in the last few months, we've seen an especially strong batch of publications. It’s no secret that cookbooks make great holiday gifts, but with so many titles to pick from, where does one start? I sifted through dozens of recently-published books, from quick cocktail guides to near-encyclopedic volumes on bread baking, to find the ones that will make a particularly great gift, whether it's for a family member, coworker, or best friend. It’s a diverse, eclectic selection filled with unexpected flavors, striking photography, and—most importantly—joyous, celebratory cooking.
1. First Generation: Recipes From My Taiwanese-American Home by Frankie Gaw, $30.23
Frankie Gaw’s debut book, First Generation, is filled with the types of delightful recipes that made his blog, Little Fat Boy, a hit in the first place. He fuses Taiwanese techniques and flavors—taught to him by his grandmothers—with the best of his Midwestern upbringing, and the result is wholly original. Think: Lap Cheong Corn Dogs (inspired by the ones from Costco, which Gaw used to eat as an after-school snack), Cinnamon Toast Crunch Butter Mochi, and lots and lots of dumplings.
