and V.I.A. have teamed up to help you discover new reads, hidden book gems and surprising literary finds. Check back every couple of weeks for the latest reading recommendations from the experts at Vancouver鈥檚 library.
Relatives coming to town? Hosting a holiday party? Need some recipes to feed the variety of diets and food preferences? Our reading experts have gathered some cookbooks to help you avoid culinary mishaps and create memorable meals this holiday season.
Salad & Vegetables
by Ilene Rosen
It鈥檚 hard not to enjoy Ilene Rosen鈥檚 creative take on salads and not-quite-salad salads. Rosen blends a range of textures and flavours to create great dishes that are not only delicious but visually appealing. Each recipe is paired with a striking picture and arranged seasonally to get the most flavour out of the ingredients. Try the Sourdough Bread Salad or the Red Cabbage and Chickpea Slaw with Spicy Tahini Dressing.
Appetizers
by Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen returns with another serving of recipes in her newest cookbook, Cravings: Hungry for More. Her hilarious personality and enthusiasm for food is contagious as she draws you in with recipes like Jalape帽o Parmesan-Crusted Grilled Cheese, Tom Yum Noodles, and Crispy Parmesan Waffles. Try Pepper鈥檚 Spring Rolls or Thai Fishcakes, two dishes from the 鈥淭hai Mom鈥� chapter created as a tribute to Teigen鈥檚 mother Pepper.
Vegetarian Mains
by Yotam Ottolenghi
Fans of the brilliant Yotam Ottolenghi will be delighted to know that this master chef has a cookbook of accessible dishes without compromising the 鈥淥ttolenghi鈥� Middle-Eastern flavours. Many of the recipes use less than ten ingredients and in half an hour, your dinner guests are certain to be impressed. Try the Whole Roast Celeriac with Coriander-seed Oil for a unique and delicious vegetarian meal.
Gathering at the holiday table (Shutterstock)
Mains
by Nik Sharma
San Francisco food columnist and blogger (A Brown Table) Nik Sharma introduces home cooks and cooks-to-be to flavour combinations that represent his Indian roots and American influences. If Sharma鈥檚 storytelling doesn鈥檛 pull you in, the gorgeous photography will. Try the impressive Tandoori Swordfish Steaks or the Steak with Orange Peel and Coriander for your hungry party guests.
Sides
by Madelaine V谩zquez G谩lvez & Imogene Tondre
This is a compendium of traditional Cuban cuisine that pays tribute to the cultural nuances that helped shape Cuban food to what it is known today. With over 350 recipes in this cookbook, curious cooks can dive into the vibrant and intense flavours. Try the Eastern-style Rice and Beans (congr铆 oriental), a common dish for Christmas and other family gatherings.
Desserts
by Kristen Miglore
Food52鈥檚 creative director Kristen Miglore gathers recipes from this online food community to share the most mouth-watering desserts, from classic treats to less popular (but equally as delicious) sweets (think Lucky Peach鈥檚 Parsnip Cake with Blood Orange). The recipes in this cookbook are a necessary addition to your repertoire if you want to wow everyone at your next potluck. Try or Maida Heatter鈥檚 ironic East 62nd Street Lemon Cake.
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