After giving my daughter a cookbook for Christmas several years ago, I realized that she and most of her millennial peers do all of their recipe-reading on their iPhones. Well, come to think of it, so do I. But aftershe gave me a beautiful book about Mediterranean cooking for my birthday, I decided that cookbooks aren’t just books of recipes — they are storybooks. It is the stories, the ambiance, the feeling of cooking and eating that we love. And the places and cultures that cooking connects us to. Some of the best cookbooks do just that.
When I looked through the Patagonia Library’s holdings, I was amazed at the breadth and depth of the story-filled (and gorgeous photo-filled books) our library staff has gathered for us. Their curated collection is impressive. Take home one of the 132 cookbooks listed on the Patagonia Library catalog, pour yourself a glass of iced tea and settle in for a lovely summer afternoon of beauty and inspiration.
Chai, Chaat & Chutney: A Street Food Journey Through India, Chetna Makan
Street food of South Asia — what a travel fantasy. According to the author, Chetna Makan, this book “takes you on a journey … to four of the most popular and diverse cities in India. The pages are filled with stunning travel photography and interspersed with personal stories and explanations of the nuances of each area, and each dish.”
Chile, clove, and cardamom: a gastronomic journey into the fragrances and flavors of desert cuisines, Gary Paul Nabhan and Beth Dooley
Patagonia’s own Gary Nabhan co-authors this book, and you can tell by the title that it’s not just a cache of recipes, though you may want to sample a few. Stuffed Mexican Peppers in Yogurt Walnut Sauce called out to me. It is also a book steeped in history and memory and is a celebration of the fragrances and flavors of sun-drenched cuisines across the globe.
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook: Recipes and Wisdom from an Obsessive Home Cook, Deb Perlman
“Have you ever searched for the perfect birthday cake on Google? You’ll get more than three million results. Where do you start? What if you pick a recipe that’s downright bad?” Perlman, in this first of her several excellent books, shares stories, photos and her favorite recipes from her tiny New York City kitchen. I first discovered her charming blog years ago and was thrilled when she published this, her first book.
I could go on, but just one more.
Cooking class: 57 fun recipes kids will love to make (and eat!), Deanna F. Cook
This title caught my eye, and the presentation is gorgeous. First of all, it’s spiral-bound, so it lies flat on your kitchen counter! Second, it’s filled with great photos, sometimes showing the steps of the recipes. And the recipes are perfect for 6-to-10-year-olds. I prefer looking at a lovely book while learning to make a fun new dish with a child rather than scrolling on a laptop or, worse yet, a phone.
Enjoy!