2021 was a year filled with fantastic cookbooks! It took a while for us to decide which cookbooks would make it to our Top Ten list. Most of these cookbooks are ones I’ve cooked with throughout the year and have been very successful with. The rest share amazing personal stories about the authors’ journeys to becoming chefs.
Check out my list for 2021!
(Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you)
1. The Flour Craft Bakery & Cafe Cookbook: Inspired Gluten Free Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Celebrations
by Heather Hardcastle – April 6, 2021
Shop here: https://amzn.to/3HlDSt2
I’ve used this cookbook for essentially every holiday this year. Every single bake was very successful and extremely easy. The flavors were always on point, and you couldn’t even tell that the bake was gluten-free. Many times gluten-free cookbooks have hit or miss recipes throughout. This one was consistently amazing! I highly recommend The Flour Craft Bakery & Cafe Cookbook: Inspired Gluten Free Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Celebrations by Heather Hardcastle. Check out more of her recipes on The Flour Craft Bakery!
2. New Native Kitchen: Celebrating Modern Recipes of the American Indian
by Freddie Bitsoie (Author), James O. Fraioli (Author), Gabriella Trujillo (Illustrator), Quentin Bacon (Photographer) – November 16, 2021
Shop here: https://amzn.to/3zf1UCZ
I love learning from cookbooks! New Native Kitchen: Celebrating Modern Recipes of the American Indian is filled with phenomenal history about Native culture. We get to learn about the food alongside the history. One thing I appreciate about this one is that even though we live in the United States, there are ingredients trickled throughout the cookbook I’ve never heard of. Everything comes from here! It is fascinating to see how diverse each culture and dish is across the nation.
I highly recommend checking out this cookbook! Both the narratives and dishes are a delight.
3. Pies Are Awesome: The Definitive Pie Art Book: Step-by-Step Designs for All Occasions
by Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin (Author), Duff Goldman (Foreword) – November 23, 2021
Shop here: https://amzn.to/3quQDuw
In my family, I am the pie maker. Part of this is because I am gluten-free and want to be able to partake in the festivities. It’s also because I enjoy putting together pies. I’ve been following The Pieous on Instagram for many years now and after five years, her designs still wow me. I am overjoyed that she finally has a cookbook out! Now, we can all learn how to make pies as beautifully as she does – they are art! Her goal was to make pies just as appealing as wedding cakes. With this cookbook, you will see how you can manage to do the same.
4. Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day: A Cookbook
by Rodney Scott (Author), Lolis Eric Elie (Author) – March 16, 2021
Shop here: https://amzn.to/3pFYnL5
I haven’t been one for grilling and barbequing, but Rodney Scott changed everything for me. Do you know what is particularly special about this cookbook? He’s shown you a “recipe” on how to make your own smoker/grill. I was floored and almost got my husband on board to make something in 2021. Maybe in 2022 we will buckle down and do something with our massive yard. Rodney’s story to success is also a must-read.
5. Vegetable Simple: A Cookbook
by Eric Ripert (Author), Nigel Parry (Photographer) – April 20, 2021
Shop here: https://amzn.to/3FKRrlj
When I saw Vegetable Simple, two thoughts crossed my mind. One, there’s no way these are just vegetables and simple. Two, is it going to taste good? Let me answer that for you, yes it is simple and scrumptious. Each dish comes with a large full-page photo that showcases the glory of the vegetable. Everything is made with straightforward ingredients. I felt a little ashamed that I couldn’t prepare tasty vegetables before I got this cookbook!
If you’re looking to incorporate more vegetable dishes in your day to day, I highly recommend Vegetable Simple by Eric Ripert.
6. Provecho: 100 Vegan Mexican Recipes to Celebrate Culture and Community [A Cookbook]
by Edgar Castrejón (Author) – October 12, 2021
Shop here: https://amzn.to/3Juz5Y7
Provecho: 100 Vegan Mexican Recipes to Celebrate Culture and Community quickly became one of my favorite cookbooks. The dishes are authentic and to die for. Everything is completely vegan. There are tons of vegan twists to meat and cheese classics, including making vegan crema and queso fresco.
Come check out our YouTube review! You have to see it to believe it!
7. Chetna’s 30 Minute Indian: Quick and Easy Everyday Meals
by Chetna Makan (Author) – July 20, 2021
Shop here: https://amzn.to/3sM8q3a
My husband and I could eat Indian food every single day, no matter the weather. Chetna’s 30 Minute Indian: Quick and Easy Everyday Meals is wonderful for those of us with busy schedules. Indian food can be quite approachable, especially with the help of Chetna Makan! She was one of my favorite contestants from the Great British Bake Off and am so thrilled to see her making cookbooks to this day. This is a great addition for busy households!
8. The Witch’s Feast: A Kitchen Grimoire
by Melissa Madara (Author) – Dec 14, 2021
Shop here: https://amzn.to/32NPeqA
The Witch’s Feast: A Kitchen Grimoire is on my list because the photos are gorgeous and I love to incorporate a little magic with my meals. People joke that I am the kitchen witch among my friend group, so this is just fitting. I love the various dishes you can make and the significance placed throughout the book. Plus, if you are someone who dabbles in magic, this is a great way to get in tune with nature!
9. Simply Julia: 110 Easy Recipes for Healthy Comfort Food
by Julia Turshen (Author) – March 2, 2021
Shop here: https://amzn.to/3pHXIsC
After I looked through this cookbook on YouTube I knew I had to have it. When she says “healthy” and “comforting” I wasn’t convinced. Then I cooked her recipes and read through Simply Julia and Julia Turshen is on to something. Her message is something I think we all need to hear. It’s okay to eat food and to stop dieting – mostly we need to learn how to eat better. I was impressed by her cookbook and think more of us should approach food more healthily. Just like Turshen suggests!
10. The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen
by Joanne Lee Molinaro (Author) – October 12, 2021
Shop here: https://amzn.to/3FH58S9
I adore The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen by Joanne Lee Molinaro. The stories she shares about her family are astounding. Her folks used to live in what is now North Korea. When they left, they took recipes with them that have been passed down for generations. These dishes are approachable and you would never know they are vegan. In addition, she’s provided gluten-free alternatives and suggestions. Truly, this is an amazing cookbook full of beautiful narratives.
All of these cookbooks have touched my heart and made it to my bookshelf one way or another. I cannot wait for another year of cookbooks! Cheers to another fantastic year!
~Kaiti
