Cookbooks hold a special place in our kitchens and hearts. We love collecting them, flipping through their pages, and displaying them proudly on our shelves. While every cookbook promises to transport us to a world of tantalizing aromas and flavors, only a select few truly deliver on that promise.
The cookbooks we cherish most have pages splattered with oil, spices, and water stains from frequent use. Meanwhile, others sit untouched, eventually fading into the background.
In 2024, some exceptional cookbooks hit the shelves. Some were good for just browsing, but these four stood out as my go-to favorites. They offer more than just recipes; they’re packed with culinary stories, expert techniques, and vibrant flavors that bring joy to everyday cooking. Here’s a closer look at what makes these cookbooks special—and why you should add them to your collection.
Chef José Andrés, known for his vibrant personality and culinary creativity, brings the essence of his Washington, D.C., restaurant, Zaytinya, to life in this cookbook. Zaytinya offers a rich collection of Eastern Mediterranean recipes, inspired by flavors from Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon. I really enjoyed that recipes were adaptable for various meats and veggies and if you follow the recipes, your dishes will look and taste amazing.
The cookbook focuses on mezze-style dishes that promote a shared dining experience, blending traditional Mediterranean techniques with modern twists. Each section is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate shared plates and includes historical and cultural insights, adding depth to every recipe and enriching the cooking experience.
With such a vibrant personality and an equally vibrant book Zaytinya, Chef José Andrés presents a rich collection of Eastern Mediterranean recipes inspired by his Washington, D.C., restaurant, Zaytinya. Recipes have extensions and ideas to carry over to other meat or veggies and if you follow the recipe, your meal will come out looking just as amazing.
This cookbook focuses on flavors from Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon, offering a range of mezze-style dishes that encourage a shared dining experience. Andrés’s recipes blend traditional techniques with contemporary twists, making this cookbook accessible and versatile for home cooks of all levels.
I’ve been a fan of Yumna Jawad’s recipes on social media long before she became an internet sensation. Known for her popular food blog, Yumna’s cookbook release has been highly anticipated—and it doesn’t disappoint.
I knew I was in for a treat with the feel-good foodie cookbook filled with easy, health-focused Mediterranean recipes that come together in under 30 minutes, ideal for anyone with a busy lifestyle. Each recipe uses simple ingredients, and the clear instructions make cooking accessible, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook.
Jawad’s Lebanese heritage shines through in many dishes, and she balances traditional flavors with modern twists, creating versatile options for a variety of diets and palates. Celebrated for its family-friendly, health-conscious approach, this cookbook brings Mediterranean cuisine to your home with ease and authenticity.
Phoebe Lapine is a recent discovery I stumbled upon, while listening to a podcast, and her work immediately intrigued me. Her cookbook, Carbivore, challenges common misconceptions about carbs, offering a refreshing, science-based perspective on enjoying carb-rich foods in a balanced way.
Lapine, renowned for her focus on gut health, designed Carbivoreto help readers embrace carbs without guilt. I enjoyed that this book does not restrict carbs, but rather emphasizes on adding fiber, healthy fats, and protein, the healthy companions to slow digestion and maintain stable blood sugar levels. This approach is particularly beneficial for those with autoimmune conditions, gut health issues, or anyone seeking a balanced diet that doesn’t exclude comfort foods.
If you’re interested in a carb-positive, gut-healthy cookbook that respects individual dietary needs, Carbivore offers a unique and enjoyable path to balanced eating.
I first discovered Carolina on Instagram, drawn to her simple yet flavorful recipes. After trying a few, I was impressed by the delicious results using such minimal ingredients.
In her debut cookbook, Pass the Plate, Carolina shares 100 recipes inspired by her Transylvanian roots and global flavors. This collection is filled with comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes designed to be effortlessly shareable. Each recipe is approachable for home cooks, with clear, step-by-step instructions that make even more complex dishes accessible.
Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, Pass the Plate is an ideal cookbook for both beginner and experienced cooks looking to explore diverse flavors while enjoying a relaxed cooking experience.
Till then,
Happy Cooking❤️
P.S. 👇 the cookbooks I am waiting to get my hands on next!
