Don’t forget: the books mentioned below are available at 20% off for tablehopper readers for two weeks following this mention at Green Apple Books—simply use the code “tablehopper” at checkout (either at the store or online) for your discount.
Well, it’s that time of year again—I get to present a few new food-related books to you tablehopper readers. The hard part is paring our 14 cases of cookbooks to a manageable handful. But here goes.
I Love Macarons Hisako Ogita
First is our surprising fall bestseller: I Love Macarons by Japanese pastry chef Hisako Ogita. My co-worker Aeri swears by the simple step-by-step instructions with clearly written text and plenty of pictures. What better gift to whip up for friends this season than a few of these cute and buttery gems?
The Best Soups in the World
Clifford Wright
Next up is another seasonally appropriate book: The Best Soups in the World by James Beard Award winner Clifford Wright. I tried the Turkish lentil and mint soup first, and it was simple, scrumptious, and healthy. The hearty and filling paparot (a spinach and cornmeal soup from northern Italy) was also easy and delicious. With 247 recipes from all over the globe for all seasons, you can’t go wrong with this one.
What We Eat When We Eat Alone
Deborah Madison
For a narrative, I recommend What We Eat When We Eat Alone by Deborah Madison (the founding chef of Greens restaurant). The title is pretty self-explanatory, but it’s the tone and variety of answers to the title’s implicit question that make it so compelling. This charming collection of stories, essays, and recipes is whimsically illustrated, too. It’s part memoir, part cookbook, and pure fun.
Vefa's Kitchen
Vefa Alexiadou
Next up is Greece’s version of the Joy of Cooking: Vefa’s Kitchen by Vefa Alexiadou. Vefa has been the best-selling cookery writer in Greece for 30 years, and this book is billed as the bible of authentic Greek cooking. The recipes are mostly simple and pretty healthy, and the book is rife with mouth-watering photographs of both food and Greece. A hefty, colorful tome of 700 pages, this is sure to please any lover of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ad Hoc at Home: Family-Style Recipes
Thomas Keller
To round out this month’s cookbook selection, I offer Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc at Home: Family-Style Recipes. The publisher calls this “the uncomplicated Thomas Keller as he’d cook at home”—no sous vide or intricate garnishes here. Just iconic American dishes with clear instructions, useful tips, and lush pictures. A gorgeous book you’ll actually use.
Momofuku
David Chang and Peter Meehan
Finally, I’d be remiss in not mentioning the Momofuku book again (I reviewed it last month), as it’s our best-selling cookbook right now besides I Love Macarons.
Bon appetit and thanks for reading.
