Greetings from Stockholm, Sweden! If you’re not watching my Snapchat (username blissbakery) you’re missing out on a peek into this gorgeous city.  I’ll be posting all sorts of photos and recommendations another day.  But since it is Wednesday, my fav day of the week, I had to pop on and say hello. Though I won’t be able to do my usual Women Crush Wednesday episode today as I don’t have access to a kitchen for the re-creation of one of the chef’s recipes, I have another treat for you.  I am going to share my top ten list of Cookbooks for the foodie on your Christmas list.
While I have shared my love for the Flavor Bible on here before, this is the first time I’ve given such a comprehensive list of cookbooks, so take note!

Yes today is usually all about the ladies, but I will incorporate some male chefs on this occasion. And if you want a reminder of some of the great female chefs I’ve honored over the last year, click here to scroll the list and maybe you can do your own Woman Crush Wednesday for any one of these gorgeous gourmet gals! They all have wonderful cookbook filled with delicious recipes.

Instead of a WCW, I am giving you a CWC (Christmas Wishlist Cookbooks) today, here goes….

1. Ballymaloe Cookery School Cookbook:  My alma mater, so of course this will always be my cooking textbook for life. If you could see how worn the pages of my book are you would understand. But it really is like a culinary creative croissant!  Buttery, layered, light and filled with so much goodness you just can’t get enough!  Not to mention that I have so much love for all the teachers whose photos and food grace the pages. And the utmost respect for Darina Allen the founder and head teacher.
2. Aquavit and the New Scandinavian Cuisine: I have included this not because I am writing this while in Stockholm, but it really is a most beautiful cookery book! In fact, this is also a coffee table book in our house. The photos are luminous, and the recipes are sublime. While my Hubby has probably cooked out of this book more than I have (he is of Swedish ancestry) the dishes are sure to please any palate. And chef Marcus Samuelsson is a force to be reckoned with on a global level!
3. The Farmette Cookbook:  I can’t talk about Imen McDonnell without welling up with tears. I don’t know why except maybe I get sentimental thinking about her romantic journey from American city girl to life as the wife of an Irish farmer. This book was years in the making and I treasure it so much. She has a very successful blog which is just as dreamy.  Imen personally signed a copy of the book when I bought it, which was a treat.  But it’s her stories before each recipe that are so rich with beautiful emotion. Oh and the photography?  It is beyond gorgeous just like Imen!  Can’t wait for book #2!
4. Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tammi: I realize I am constantly  going on about these two, but their partnership is the stuff of Noble Peace Prize winning speeches. And since I am in Stockholm, the home of Alfred Nobel, that is perfect!  Any of their books would make a cook happy, but I love Jerusalem best. It is an ode to their motherland and some of the best recipes can be found within its pages.
5. Persiana:  One of my favorite people on this planet is Sabrina Ghayour. She is talented, honest, funny and passionate. She is also one heck of a cook and self trained to boot!  While she has a new book out now, Sirocco (on my list for Santa hint, hint) I own Persiana and it is a game changer folks. The flavors, colors and textures of each recipe will blow your mind and tantalize your taste buds.
6. The Sweet Life in Paris:  While David Lebovitz is a prolific cookery book writer, this is my favorite book of his.  It is more of a diary of his time living in Paris, taken from his famous blog posts.  But each chapter includes a wonderful recipe.  I have made each and every one and they are beyond delicious. My hubby also read the book and loved it, even though he never made a single recipe.  But David is such a humorous story teller that this book is a sure to please anyone who reads it.
7. The Silver Palate Cookbook: Such a classic! I have used this cookery book for many years and the recipes are still show stoppers. There aren’t glossy photos in here but you don’t need them. The instructions are easy to follow. I’m sure you’ll love this one as much as I do! My copy, from the 80s, is lovingly worn thin! Always a good sign!
8. Master It: Since I had three most influential teachers during my Ballymaloe Cookery School training, I have to give props to number two, Rory O’Connell. He is an absolute wizard in the kitchen. He is very detailed in his lectures and also in this book.  It is a thick book for a reason. It is a culinary manual every chef needs in their kitchen.
9. Bake: While my third awesome cookery instructor Rachel Allen has written numerous top selling books, this one is my fav.  It isn’t just sweet baked treats, there are also savory ones. The photos are beautiful and Rachel’s tips are super helpful. She also happens to be one of the nicest people on the planet. And that exudes off the pages of this wonderful book!
10. Hummingbird Bakery: I love this book, especially since I am now living in London, the home of this popular bakery.   I can visit their bakery, salivate over the treats, and then go home and make some of their fabulous recipes. And I have done so often!  My waistline is proof!  But so worth every inch.

While it was a challenge to keep this list to ten, these are books that I own, use regularly and highly recommend. I have also given many of these as gifts to others. While I am a massive fan of books as I shared on here before, I think a cookery book makes the most fabulous gift. Because let’s face it, it is the gift that keeps giving for years to come. And sure you may benefit too if the person ends up cooking and sharing the fruits of their labor with you!

Cooking and giving with LOVE,

YDP

P.S. While I have included links to all of the books mentioned, I am not sponsored, paid or compensated in any way shape or form. I myself purchased all these books mentioned at full price.  I am only including links to be helpful.  And since I am not at home, I cannot show you pictures of my books. However, as I said, some wouldn’t be camera ready anyway because they are so well loved! LOL!