Our Favorite Cookbooks for Family Traditions and Seasonal Meals
Some cookbooks earn a spot on the shelf, and others earn a spot on the calendar.
Whenever I need a recipe to complement a family tradition, plan a cozy movie night, or celebrate the season in some way, these are the cookbooks I reach for first. Making memorable meals is a big part of how we enjoy the seasons at our house, so here are a few of the recipe books that have been favorites over the years.
The Peach Truck Cookbook
Stephen K. Rose + Jessica N. Rose
A love letter to peaches. We crack this one out every year in early September after our local peach order arrives. It’s the ultimate celebration of peachy goodness, with everything from cobblers, to salads, to salsa, to pizza. If you can imagine a recipe with a peach in it, you’ll probably find it in this book!
I’ll Bring the Cake
Mandy Merriman
I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit watching Mandy’s cake decorating videos. She’s amazing! She makes it look so easy! And to my happy surprise, her recipes are easy to follow as well. She keeps the cakes simple, the flavors original, and the decorating sublime. I used her carrot cake for my sister’s wedding and received rave reviews.
The Book on Pie
Erin McDowell
In our house, we affectionately refer to this masterpiece by Erin McDowell as “the Pie-ble.” My cousin introduced it to me when she served Banana Cream Pie at a girls night, and I loved it. As someone who has never liked anything banana, I think it says a lot that this pie blew my mind. I bought the book the next day and never looked back.
Erin is the pie queen. Her rough puff pastry recipe is so easy, and makes any pie or galette taste divine. She includes both sweet and savory recipes, all of which are fantastically customizable. I bought this book last year and it has yet to grace our Thanksgiving table with it’s presence, but it will this year. *plots pie mischief*
Half-Baked Harvest
Tieghan Gerard
All hail, Tieghan Gerard! I have never, ever met a recipe from her that I didn’t love. I defy you to find a cookbook more suited to fall and winter coziness than this one. Her recipes are bold, flavor packed, and warm you to your bones. I will say they can run on the spicy side, so I often adjust the spice level to match our taste.
Tieghan has another cookbook out for pre-order right now, “Half Baked Harvest At Home” and it looks just as amazing as the others!
A Few I’d Like to Add to My Shelf
Cook Beautiful: Delicious Recipes and Exquisite Presentations
Athena Calderone
I mean, do I really need to say anything past the title? Yes to a book about all of those words, please. The photography alone makes your mouth water, which is reason enough for me to add it to my list.
Harry Potter: The Official Christmas Cookbook
Elena Craig + Jody Revenson
Seeing as I am a millennial and a total Hufflepuff, I can’t understand why I don’t already own this book. My oldest received his letter to Hogwarts recently, so I’ll most likely be purchasing this one in the near future (twist my arm…). #MollyWeasleyisMySpiritAnimal
Savor: Entertaining with Charcuterie, Cheese, Spreads and More
Kimberly Stevens
I arranged a 16 foot grazing tale for my sister’s wedding reception, and let me tell you, it was no joke! Charcuterie is an art form. I would have loved to have had a book full of practical arranging tips like this one at the time.
Recipes from the World of Tolkien
Robert Tuelsey Anderson
It’s just as charming as it sounds. My sister loaned us her copy, and my husband and I spent so much time nerding out over it that we know we’ll have to buy our own. I’m thinking we’ll be celebrating Hobbit Day next September with this book!
Thanks for reading, I hope you found a few new cookbooks to celebrate with!
