It’s November, which means it’s time to start preparing for the holidays. With the shift in time change, it means more cozy nights in and enjoying friends around the table. As I look toward Thanksgiving and the Christmas season, I always get excited about the times with friends, family, and food. Cookbooks have come a long way from the recipes of the past and I have some favorites for the holiday season. (Have a foodie or chef on your list this year? Make sure to pick one up for them too!)
Keep reading for my top 5 Cookbooks for the Holiday Season!
If you’re someone who loves to have lots of people over, but are tired of the same thing taken to potlucks, pick up this cookbook. Perfect for the holiday season, the recipes are festive, but incredibly approachable. This book has been on my wishlist for a while now and I purchased it a few weeks ago. I’ve only had it for a week, but have already made two recipes from the book and love it.
This week I was given the challenge of making a dinner party for people with multiple food allergens and others who were on the Whole30. (More on that dinner party coming up later this week!) This cookbook was super valuable. With a few tweaks, I was able to make a delicious, healthy, and whole 4-course dinner for friends. It will become a go-to in the next few months for sure. Specializing in recipes that are gluten and dairy free, it avoids major allergens, while exploring the numerous options available within these parameters. Focused around seasonal table gatherings throughout the year, this cookbook will inspire any of your menus for the holiday season. (My favorite recipes- New Years Eve!)
Everything from the story of this cookbook, to the recipes in it, are a favorite and staple in our kitchen. I started following Anna Carl’s blog a few years ago and loved her fresh approach to food. I was sucked into her series “The Cookbook Diaries” as she shared the journey of self-publishing a cookbook. Her story inspired me and her recipes are phenomenal. It seems that every holiday season, I start researching recipes for something special at the table. Her thanksgiving turkey recipe is my favorite and a standby every year. Apple cider maple brined turkey? Yes please!
In my house growing up, Sunday suppers were a big deal. We would come home from church, change out of our dress clothes, and head downstairs to the kitchen. My mom would usually have a roast with all the fixings, anchored by robust flavors, carrots, and my favorite, the mashed potatoes. This would be our main meal for the day and we would have party mix every Sunday evening to finish off the day. It was a simple tradition we all seemed to love. The idea continues with this cookbook and approachable meals to gather friends and family around the common table.
Do you love meatless Mondays? Are you trying to increase your vegetable intake? Trying to navigate inviting a vegetarian to Thanksgiving dinner? Love and Lemons released a phenomenal cookbook this year. Forget boring vegetable dishes of the past, these dishes are fresh, vibrant, and boast robust flavors. Who knows you might want a turkeyless thanksgiving yourself.