Double knot your apron, sharpen your knife and let the kitchen showdown begin. Just don’t show your competition this list of choice cookbooks we’ve compiled—after all, a great chef never shares their best secrets.
Kids
Betty Crocker’s Cookbook for Boys and Girls by Betty Crocker > $16.95
Betty Crocker’s classic cookbook for children is an authentic reproduction of the original 1957 edition. Back by popular demand, this cooking aid is packed with recipes from Ice Cream Cone Cakes and Pigs in Blankets to Cheese Dreams and Sloppy Joes. Why we love it: This retro-themed cookbook is filled with delicious color illustrations and photographs.
American Girl Parties > $19.95
A garden party, birthday party, slumber party—it doesn’t matter what kind of party your little lady is planning on hosting, this colorful cookbook, inspired by the American Girl dolls, has recipes that her friends will be talking about for days. Why we love it: Each party also features classic and inspiring party tips to make each event a success.
Drinks
How Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist by Tim Federle > $15
From barflies to book clubs, Tequila Mockingbird is the world’s bestselling cocktail book for the literary obsessed. It features 65 delicious drink recipes paired with wry commentary on a satirical collection of history’s most beloved novels such as Romeo and Julep, Drankenstein and The Lord of the Mai-Tais. Why we love it: Tequila Mockingbird also includes bar bites, drinking games and whimsical illustrations throughout.
The Bar Cart Bible: Everything You Need to Stock Your Home Bar and Make Delicious Classic Cocktails by Adams Media Corporation > $14.99
A great drink starts with a great bar cart. The Bar Cart Bible breaks down what it means to have a perfect bar cart, including must-have bottles, bartender terminology, required equipment and a glassware guide. Why we love it: This book features over 300 cocktail recipes.
Guys and Grilling
The Barbecue! Bible by Steven Raichlen > $22.95
Winner of the IACP/Julia Child Cookbook Award, The Barbecue! Bible includes full-color photographs illustrating food preparation, grilling techniques, ingredients and finished dishes. Why we love it: A new section has been added with answers to the most frequently asked grilling questions, plus Steven’s proven tips, quick solutions and common mistakes.
Bobby Flay’s Grilling For Life by Bobby Flay > $23.95
Bobby Flay is all about bold flavors, and in this book, he emphasizes dishes that provide some of the biggest and boldest flavors available. Why we love it: We dig the section “Fahrenheit 101.” This handy temperature chart makes you an expert at telling the difference between rare, well-done and everything in between.
Vegan
Smith & Daughters: A Cookbook (That Happens to be Vegan) by Shannon Martinez & Mo Wyse > $35.00
This book offers 80-plus delicious, animal-product-free recipes with a Spanish twist to recreate at home. Why we love it: Spanish doughnuts and spiced Mexican flan are now acceptable parts of the official vegan diet.
The Super Easy Vegan Slow Cooker Cookbook by Toni Okamoto > $15.99
This great book features more than 100 plant-based recipes that you can create with less than 15 minutes of prep time. And let’s face it, the easier the better. Why we love it: Slow cooker recipes just got a lot healthier!
