Cooking up great gifts

The days of paperback cookbooks are giving way to beautifully designed hard cover works of literary and culinary art.

You might want to keep some of these books, which are filled with stylish photos, great recipes, and personal stories:

• safely on the coffee table away from kitchen spills.
• wrapped up for the chef in your life
• for the non-chef who simply likes gorgeous books
• to add to your shopping or wish list.

Vancouver Eats (Joanne Sasvari):

Ever wondered how you can get your hands on the recipe from a meal at your fave YVR spot? Here it is, with delightful descriptions of the included bistros and chefs.

You’ll see some familiar faces, discover a new place to try, and enjoy being able to say, “I liked the Mafaldine with Sugo, Braciole, and Meatballs at Osteria Savio Volpe, so I thought I’d make it myself.”

Eating Local in the Fraser Valley (Angie Quaale):

Not only filled with farm-to-fork recipes, this is also a guide through local producers, farmers, wineries, and more, complete with suggested itineraries under themes such as Brewery Crawl and U-Pick. Pick up a copy at the author’s gourmet shop, Well-Seasoned in Langley, then head out and explore.

Atelier (Marc Lepine with Anne Desbrisay):

This book, with stunningly beautiful photography, is from one of Canada’s best restaurants for 2018, and tells the story that led to the title of Most Innovative Chef. It invites you to pour a glass of wine and just enjoy the journey. You might want to give a copy to an artist or creator, as it is sure to inspire, or to a young chef with giddy ambition who will try recipes such as Caribou with Trees.

Amazing Train Journeys (Lonely Planet):

This is not a cookbook, but is included for its 60 inspired trips in areas around the world. Remember travel books? This one will take you to far off places; some inspired by flavours. Cuba’s Hershey Train explores the history of the famed chocolate company. India’s Darjeeling Toy Train glides past tea plantations. One can dream about champagne on a part of the Orient Express.

Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen (Stephanie Hua with Coreen Carroll):

It’s a new world in Canada with marijuana legalization. I have no clue about edibles, but if this is your thing or you want to learn, this is the cookbook for you. There is much info on how and what to cook, detailed steps, dosage, gluten and dairy free options, and recipes from Duck Meatball Sliders to The Elvis Cookie.

From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen (Snoop Dogg with Ryan Ford):

Yes, Snoop. Take a peek inside a pantry that includes Pop Tarts, and a fridge with ranch dressing next to the Moët. Explore Snoop’s favourite snacks, cereals, and candies. Easy to follow recipes such as Baby Got Back Ribs, and Gin and Juice served in a red solo cup.

My current go-to recipe is the Dogg’s Ashford and Simpson Eggs. Eggs, milk, butter, cheddar, salt and pepper.

Done.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.