BOOKS

Let's face it—the holidays aren't just about spending quality time with the fam, it's also about devouring some delicious food! Sure you can help your parents with the Thanksgiving menu by scoping out recipes on Pinterest, but there's just something about the feeling of holding an actual cookbook in your hands, flagging pages with stickies and making notes in the margins that just cements the sentimental feelings of the holidays. And when it comes to the world of cookbooks, there are tons out there. 

From apps to desserts, here are the spines you should be cracking for inspo. 

1. Tanya Bakes by Tanya Burr

We're starting with dessert. This is the *perfect* book for anyone who loves cakes, cookies, loaves, muffins, etc.—or just adores Tanya. Our faves? Chocolate chip shortbread and white chocolate and Nutella pinwheel biscuits (holiday brunch anyone?). T also features an entire chapter just for special occasions, so come Christmas, gather your friends 'round to make her festive yule log.

2. Eat Like a Gilmore by Kristi Carlson

As the title suggests, this cookbook is designed for fans of the super popular TV series (and soon to be exclusive Netflix series!). If you've always wanted to take a seat in Luke's Diner, pull up a chair in the Gilmore kitchen or dress up and dine in at Richard and Emily's, this cookbook is for you (*or* your bestie who's a die-hard GG fan). Lorelai and Rory are known for the appetites, and it's just that that drove Kristi to write this ingenious book. Prepare yourself for rocky road cookies, pumpkin pancakes and even salmon puffs! 

3. The Superfun Times Vegan Holiday Cookbook by Isa Chandra Moskowitz

Released just this month, this book is overflowing with tasty vegan recipes that will make everyone at the table beyond-satisfied—yes, even carnivores and the gluten intolerant. The vegan know-it-all is back with her biggest book ever, providing you with everything you need to craft the perf holiday menu or festive party. The book covers every holiday imaginable, with delish foods ranging from cinnamon apple crepes to cheeseburger pizza (no, that's not a typo!). With 250+ recipes, treat your vegan friend (or the one who's trying to be) to this book this holiday.

4. The Can't Cook Book By Jessica Seinfeld

For the rookie chefs, this is just the book for you. If you've never followed a recipe, used an oven or are still unsure of the difference between broiling and baking, no worries! Seinfeld provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions that will calm anyone uneasy in the kitchen. You'll be whipping up lemon salmon and flourless fudge cake in no time.

5. Choosing Sides by Tara Mataraza Desmond

Sure, main dishes are great. But when it comes to holidays, it's all about the sides! A cookbook devoted to just that, this books shakes up old recipes while still honoring the classics. You'll find recipes for breakfast, picnics, the holidays and more, including pumpkin cozy rolls (sign us up!) and honey balsamic peaches (*drools*). 

6. The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays by Ree Drummond 

Ree is no stranger to the spotlight. She's an award-winning blogger, Food Network personality, and #1 New York Times bestselling author who's crafted this fantastic collection of recipes and step-by-step photos to inspire your festivities all throughout the year—there's 19 recipes for Thanksgiving alone, so your fam is bound to love at least one of 'em.

7. The Seasoned Life by Ayesha Curry

The recipes from Ayesha (wife of ah-mazing NBA player Steph Curry) come from a variety of influences. Ayesha was born in Toronto, grew up in North Carolina and now lives in California—and her mom and grandmother are from Jamaica. You'll find dinners she grew up eating such as Jamaican curry chicken and fried dumplings, to comforting Southern recipes like Carolina clam chowder. Why not incorporate some of these worldly dishes into your next holiday meal, or pass the book along to your friend who adores basketball?

8. Eat Smart by Niomi Smart

It all started with the author's well-loved YouTube series, "What I Eat in a Day," which helps inspire her global audience to eat better. All of those recipes you watch on her channel (and *many* more) are now available in one easy cookbook. The book focuses on natural foods, such as a tropical smoothie bowl and even a beetroot cake with chocolate ganache. Yum! You'll be surprised how delicious eating smart can really be.

9. Cravings by Chrissy Teigen

For years, this model and TV host (and wife of John Legend) has been collecting, cooking and Instagramming her fave recipes, which is why her millions-deep social following let out a collective cheer when she released this book back in February. Chapters include "Breakfast All Day," "Noodles and Carbs," "Party Time," "Vegetable Things" and many more. Foods range from salty, spicy, saucy and all-around fun!

10. The Sprinkles Baking Book by Candace Nelson

In her first cookbook, the one and only Candace—pastry chef, creator of Sprinkles Cupcakes and judge on Food Network's Cupcake Wars—spills her secrets to give you 100 (!) delectable desserts, including her all-time fave cakes, pies, breads, cookies and more. As an additional bonus, the book includes special guest recipes from celebs like Reese Witherspoon and Julia Roberts. Treat yourself or someone you love to this sweet cookbook and join in on the baking fun.

Out of this list, which cookbook are you craving? Tell us below in the comments!

by Cecelia Yost | 11/19/2016