I so agree with everything you wrote, Anne! There are (of course) some worthy cookbooks that have come from TikTok, but so many of them are crafted too quickly, too sloppily, and without the know how from the author to make recipes that actually work in people's kitchens. Making beautiful, short videos that inspire people to cook is one skill. But making recipes that actually help them do that is another skill entirely. Thank you also for reminding me about Nancy Silverton's book, which I've been meaning to check out more closely!
I’d love to know about the worthy cookbooks that come from TikTok. Please share the names of those, or maybe others will jump in and suggest. I don’t want to sound like an old curmugeon who walked to school each day and only cooks out of traditional cookbooks, but I do want to support authors who have background and knowledge of cooking and baking or the subject matter or are just brilliant writers I want to read so I am inspired to get in the kitchen on those days when I don’t feel like it. That’s what I’m hungry for.
This is a great roundup, Anne, and I appreciate the time you took to consider which book/s might appeal to which type of cook or baker. So happy to see my friend Sandra’s book on your list. I love her empanadas book but I know this is her opus!
I love cookbooks that feature ingredients that are fairly easy to obtain. And one of my favorite sweets/desserts cookbooks is your “American Cake” - I love the stories behind the cakes and the way you modernized the recipes for today’s baker.
Great review Anne! I already purchased Snacking Bakes. Her first cookbook, Snacking Cakes, gets used constantly at my house so I am excited about working my way through this new book. I have also requested Nancy Silverton‘s book over a month or so ago at the library. I’m like number 101 on the list so I’m sure it’s gonna take a while before I actually get it . I like to review cookbooks before I lay out the money and I try ti obtain l them through the library first and then decide if I want to purchase them. I have so many cookbooks that I’m running out of space so they have to earn a space in my home.
"Yes, the sheer number of cookbooks a TikTok influencer can sell in a day is mind-blowing. Call me boring, but I like recipes that work." And there Anne, you've captured why with the British cookbook industry being what it is right now I've no interest in even attempting to pitch #3 for the foreseeable!
Wait it out. We can’t blame publishers for wanting to make $ and stay afloat. But we can hold them accountable for well tested recipes and writing that’s worth reading.
I guess I need to ask Santa to get me some more bookshelves! I ate a Claudia Fleming dessert probably 3x a week when I lived around the corner from Gramercy Tavern. And who doesn’t love Nancy Silverton? The title of her book is just so excellent! Back to cookies for me though- party this weekend!!
I so agree with everything you wrote, Anne! There are (of course) some worthy cookbooks that have come from TikTok, but so many of them are crafted too quickly, too sloppily, and without the know how from the author to make recipes that actually work in people's kitchens. Making beautiful, short videos that inspire people to cook is one skill. But making recipes that actually help them do that is another skill entirely. Thank you also for reminding me about Nancy Silverton's book, which I've been meaning to check out more closely!
I’d love to know about the worthy cookbooks that come from TikTok. Please share the names of those, or maybe others will jump in and suggest. I don’t want to sound like an old curmugeon who walked to school each day and only cooks out of traditional cookbooks, but I do want to support authors who have background and knowledge of cooking and baking or the subject matter or are just brilliant writers I want to read so I am inspired to get in the kitchen on those days when I don’t feel like it. That’s what I’m hungry for.
I'll let others suggest good ones, lol! I just assume there must be at least a few that rise out of the heap. :)
😉
Great roundup, Anne.
Thanks, Jolene!
Thank you for the gift ideas.
There are some great and quite unusual cookbooks out this year!
These look lovely! I'm definitely considering buying my parents one of them... and then I just might need to get one for myself as well!
There is nothing quite like a cookbook to provide creative inspiration in the kitchen!
Yes!! ❤️
This is a great roundup, Anne, and I appreciate the time you took to consider which book/s might appeal to which type of cook or baker. So happy to see my friend Sandra’s book on your list. I love her empanadas book but I know this is her opus!
She is so knowledgeable! ❤️
I love cookbooks that feature ingredients that are fairly easy to obtain. And one of my favorite sweets/desserts cookbooks is your “American Cake” - I love the stories behind the cakes and the way you modernized the recipes for today’s baker.
Thank you, Lisa!
Great review Anne! I already purchased Snacking Bakes. Her first cookbook, Snacking Cakes, gets used constantly at my house so I am excited about working my way through this new book. I have also requested Nancy Silverton‘s book over a month or so ago at the library. I’m like number 101 on the list so I’m sure it’s gonna take a while before I actually get it . I like to review cookbooks before I lay out the money and I try ti obtain l them through the library first and then decide if I want to purchase them. I have so many cookbooks that I’m running out of space so they have to earn a space in my home.
Thanks for your wise feedback, Debbie! I’ve gone through waves of cookbook purges and then collect new - and used! - ones.
Just a terrific list of cookbooks, Anne! I’d like to own and cook from every one!
They are either well researched or cutting edge or both!
"Yes, the sheer number of cookbooks a TikTok influencer can sell in a day is mind-blowing. Call me boring, but I like recipes that work." And there Anne, you've captured why with the British cookbook industry being what it is right now I've no interest in even attempting to pitch #3 for the foreseeable!
Wait it out. We can’t blame publishers for wanting to make $ and stay afloat. But we can hold them accountable for well tested recipes and writing that’s worth reading.
Agreed! It's not their fault, they're businesses, but I'm also unsurprised that increasing numbers of food writer are opting out now.
Yes, it’s a changing landscape.
I guess I need to ask Santa to get me some more bookshelves! I ate a Claudia Fleming dessert probably 3x a week when I lived around the corner from Gramercy Tavern. And who doesn’t love Nancy Silverton? The title of her book is just so excellent! Back to cookies for me though- party this weekend!!
I could see you owning both of these, Theresa. And yes, a cookbook with no food on the cover - just words! I think it’s brilliant.