The RUSA CODES Essential Cookbooks Award Committee, part of the American Library Association, publishes a list each year which highlights top culinary titles for public libraries, focusing on cookbooks for both avid cooks and those just learning the ropes. As the outgoing chair, I am delighted to present our 13 finalists below. The titles you see here represent excellence in design, photography and illustration, narrative, and of course, recipes that are clear and concise, and produce delicious results. The committee tickled their tastebuds by testing recipes for scores of cookies, cakes, stir frys, soups, sandwiches, pastas, snacks, cocktails and more - and believe the award titles will help new cooks and seasoned chefs find joy in the kitchen!
Bake It Gluten Free 100 Recipes for Classic Treats by Dana Pollack
Pollack demonstrates how to take classic recipes and transform them into a gluten-free version without sacrificing any flavor. She gives detailed information on techniques and ingredient substitutions, and instead of needing to make a special multi-ingredient flour blend, you can use any 1:1 gluten-free replacement blend. Try the Speedy Bagels or the Stuffed Fluffernutter Cookies to convince the skeptics.
Boustany: A Celebration of Vegetables from My Palestine by Sami Tamimi
Tamimi features over 100 vegan and vegetarian Palestinian recipes in this beautifully photographed and accessible book that emphasizes vibrant dishes that focus on pantry staples. Recipes range from simple meals to festive dishes which all serve as a cultural homage to Palestinian food through personal stories and connection to tradition. Standout recipes include Burnt Chili Salsa, and the Red Lentil, Dried Mint and Lemon Soup.
The Choi of Cooking: Flavor-Packed, Rule-Breaking Recipes for a Delicious Life by Roy Choi, Tien Nguyen, and Natasha Phan
Choi includes a serving of his philosophy on food and life alongside helpful maps for cooks to match their skill level and satisfy their cravings. His recipes explore flavor by mixing techniques and cuisines to create delectable dishes such as Watermelon Kimchi, Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Harissa, Bomb Kha Chowder, and Kimchi Tuna Melt Boats.
Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland and New York Times Cooking
From holiday favorites to new twists on beloved traditional recipes, this expansive anthology takes bakers inside the New York Times Test Kitchen. For chocolate lovers, there is a whole chapter devoted to chocolate-based cookies. A fun and helpful feature of the book is the “Table of Cookies” where you can see a picture of each cookie, such as the Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter Shortbread and Italian Ricotta Cookies.
Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love by Samin Nosrat
Nosrat continues to shine with this focus on accessible recipes and stories that feel essential and showcase the ability of preparing food as a means of connection. Her writing is exquisite and encouraging as she shares her own journey, her unique combination of flavors and belief that gathering with loved ones and sharing meals creates meaningful community. Don’t miss the Preserved Lemon with Labneh Cake!
Let’s Make It: A Mexican-American Culinary Adventure by Alfredo Garcia
Garcia brings a sense of play as he shares his riffs on his family’s cooking. While he teaches the wonders of barbacoa or roasting your own poblanos for chiles rellenos, he also includes Chorizo Poutine and Cheeseburger Flautas. The book’s layout enhances this by using his commentary, “love stories,” and matrices to open up a world of choice and opportunity.
Mother Sauce: Italian American Family Recipes and the Story of the Women Who Created Them by Lucinda Scala Quinn
Mother Sauce is a heartwarming ode to the Italian-American immigrant women (nonnas) who created what many regard as America’s most beloved cuisine. Quinn offers a masterful collection of classic central New York recipes such as Sunday Sauce, Utica Greens, and Chicken Oreganato, alongside rich personal stories, cultural essays, and beautiful photography. This gorgeous cookbook brings a deeply personal yet universally appealing culinary experience and generations of tradition to modern kitchens.
Potluck Desserts: Joyful Recipes to Share with Pride by Justin Burke, with photographs by Brian Samuels
Share delicious food with close friends and chosen family who only want you to be yourself. All the dishes are easy to make, and the wide range of treats will satisfy any type of sweet tooth. For a new twist on a classic, try L.W.’s Sweet Tea Pound Cake, or rediscover your love for Scotcheroos with Burke’s treasured recipe.
Real Japanese Cooking: Traditions, Tips, Techniques and Over 600 Authentic Recipes by Makiko Itoh
In this comprehensive review of Japanese cuisine, the author guides cooks at all levels in preparing the famous dishes, setting the table and serving guests. Itoh grew up in the heart of her mother’s acclaimed Japanese restaurant, a culinary landmark for over twenty years, lending authenticity to this tome. She includes substitutions for difficult to find ingredients, and explains how Western foods and desserts have been adapted to what is available locally.
Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impress by Alix Traeger
For home cooks looking for fun and delicious recipes, Traeger’s Scratch That is full of unique, bold and playful choices. Born on the BuzzFeed Tasty platform, the author transfers her enthusiasm to the page, encouraging emerging cooks to take chances in the kitchen. The book covers all meals from breakfast to desserts with options for vegans and vegetarians. Recipes to try include Grilled Margarita Chicken, Potato Chip Onion Rings, and Toasted Coconut Key Lime Pie.
Shred Happens: So Easy, So Good: 100+ Protein-Packed Mediterranean Favorites with a Low-Carb Twist by Arash Hashemi
Hashemi developed 100+ low carb, high protein recipes using Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences to improve health and lose weight. Healthy, easily prepared recipes like Mediterranean Chicken Salad and Ricotta-Stuffed Eggplant Rolls are examples of satisfying lower-carb alternatives, with amazing textures, spices and sauces.
Soju Party: How to Drink (and Eat!) Like a Korean by Irene Yoo
Looking for insights into Korean drinking rituals and etiquette? Yoo blends history, culture, and playful tradition to explore the social world of soju, a distilled spirit popular in Korea. This lively look at imbibing as a communal experience instructs readers how to prepare your shot, have a snack, and share good times with friends and family.
Yassou: The Simple, Seasonal Mediterranean Cooking of Greece by Shaily Lipa
Lipa, born and raised in Tel Aviv to a Balkan family of Greek and Turkish origin, offers recipes for healthy, seasonal Mediterranean dishes featuring fresh ingredients and information about traditional foods and culture. Each recipe is clear and approachable, accompanied by stunning and inspiring layouts. The multiple stuffed vegetable variations, a real Greek Salad, and Almond Butter Cookies will send both novice and experienced cooks running to the kitchen.
