Our Favorite Cookbooks for Gifting

December 11 2024, by Amber Chase

This holiday season, give the gift of flavor and fun with these ten cookbooks, featuring everything from the perfect picnic spreads to best barbecue sauce secrets.

American Barbecue Sauces: Marinades, Rubs, and More from the South and Beyond by Greg Mrvich  

Fire up your grill and explore the savory world of marinades, rubs, glazes and more from across the country. From Texas to Memphis , this book brings the flavors of the barbeque belt straight to your kitchen. Perfect to pair with Grillkilt for a fun holiday gift. 

Edible North Carolina: A Journey Across a State of Flavor 

This unique tribute to North Carolina offers an immersive portrait of the state’s rich and diverse food culture through essays, recipes, and stunning photography. Featuring contributions from chefs, farmers, and food activists, this book explores the intersection of culinary excellence, food equity, and racial justice across North Carolina. 

Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook, 2nd Edition by Sharon Kramis, Julie Kramis Hearne  

Discover the versatility of the South’s favorite frying pan with The Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook, featuring 95 delicious one-pan recipes from Sharon Kramis and Julie Kramis Hearne. From Dungeness crab cakes to warm pear upside down cake, this cookbook will inspire new family favorites using your kitchen's most reliable pan.

The Blackberry Farm Cookbook by Sam Beall 

Known for multiple awards, including being ranked the #1 small hotel in the United States, Blackberry Farm is nestled in the foothills of eastern Tennessee. This cookbook offers a collection of rustic, traditional recipes from the Smoky Mountains, capturing the essence of farm-to-table dining with rich storytelling elements.

Country Fair by Liza Gershman 

Liza Gershman, author of 16 books, presents nearly eighty Blue Ribbon-winning recipes from state and county fairs across the states, featuring pies, cakes, jams, jellies, and more. With vibrant photography and state-by-state breakdowns, this book captures the nostalgia and regional flavors that make the fair a beloved tradition.

Cowgirls Cook for the Great Outdoors by Jill Charlotte Stanford, Robin Betty Johnson  

Cowgirls Cook for the Great Outdoors offers over ninety recipes perfect for the modern cowgirl, from refreshing beverages to hearty stews and cast-iron meals ideal for a mountain pack trip. Whether it’s starting your day with chicken and waffles or enjoying camp kebabs around the campfire, these dishes will keep your crew fueled in the great outdoors.

Creamy and Crunchy by Jon Krampner 

Perfect for the peanut butter lover in your life, this book delves into the rich history and cultural significance of America’s beloved comfort food. From its origins with brands like Jif and Skippy to its role in fighting hunger, this book offers fascinating stories, surprising facts, and recipes that reveal why peanut butter holds a special place in the hearts and pantries of Americans.

Miami Cooks by Sara Liss 

Miami's vibrant food culture bursts into life as Sara Liss celebrates seventy five diverse recipes from thirty five of the city’s top chefs and mixologists. From Cuban-inspired dishes to Peruvian, Haitian, and Jamaican flavors, this book offers a mix of savory tacos, decadent steaks, and refreshing cocktails, perfect for home cooks of any skill level.

The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook by Courtney Dial Whitmore 

Known for her planning expertise, Dial Whitmore has cultivated the best guide to Southern events which includes go-to party recipes and modern twists on heirloom classics. Filled with tips for enhancing any event, this book is the ultimate beginner-friendly guide to creating  delicious, party-friendly food with a southern flair. 

Grandbaby Cakes by Jocelyn Delk Adams 

As the debut cookbook from food writer Jocelyn Adams, founder of the popular blog Grandbaby Cakes, this book features fifty brilliant cake recipes inspired by her own family’s love of baking. This cookbook blends traditional pound cakes with innovative takes like pineapple upside down hummingbird cake.

If you're looking for a gift beyond a book, consider checking out The Local Palate's Cookbook Club, a content and community hub for all Southern cookbook lovers.

Written by Madison Wright