Best cookbooks of 2014 for food lovers

Bitter, by JenniferMcLagan

The latest from the acclaimed author of Fat, Bones and Odd Bits is an exploration of the “forbidden taste”. McLagan is known and respected for her thorough research, excellent recipes and stunning photography. This book is as much fun to read as to cook with.

We love: McLagan’s Beer Glazed Carrots.
Bitter, $40.

Plenty More,Yotam Ottolenghi

We’ve been crushing on Yotam for years now. His recipes consistently deliver surprising combinations that are greater than the sum of their parts. From page one, this book is crammed with inspiring vegetarian recipes and glorious photography.

We love: Ottolenghi’s Crushed Puy Lentils with Tahini and Cumin.
Plenty More, $40.

Dinner: The Playbook, by Jenny Rosenstrach

A second book from the author of the terrific blog Dinner A Love Story. A step-by-step guide to mastering the art of the family meal.

We love: Rosenstrach’s Chicken Parm Meatballs.
Dinner: The Playbook, $24.

Grain Power, Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming

Ancient grains like amaranth, buckwheat and millet may not be pantry staples (yet!), but they’re all gluten-free, nutritious and delicious. The recipes in Grain Power introduce new tastes and textures into everyday dishes.

We love: The Chicken on Lime Avocado Quinoa Salad, Caramel Apple Buckwheat Crêpes and Lemon & Blueberry Ancient Grain Pound Cake.
Grain Power, $32.

The Great Lobster Cookbook, by Matt Dean Pettit

He started with a pop-up restaurant serving lobster rolls and now runs a mini empire, all based on his love of lobster. This book has it all, from how to choose, cook and eat lobster, to an extensive collection of recipes.

We love: Pettit’s Rock Lobster Roll.
The Great Lobster Cookbook, $30.

The Perfectly Dressed Salad, by Louise Pickford

A great dressing makes or breaks a salad, and it's easy to get bored of the same old vinaigrette day in and day out. Louise Pickford's new book, The Perfectly Dressed Salad, is filled with mouth-watering recipes. It has us tossing together big bowls of greens every day of the week!

We love: The Key West Mango and Lime and Coriander and Toasted Sesame dressings.
The Perfectly Dressed Salad, $21.

Simple Thai Food, by Leela Punyaratabandhu

When author Leela Punyaratabandhu moved from Bangkok to Chicago, her mom sent over her own treasured cookbooks, so her daughter wouldn't forget what Thai food tastes like. With this new book Punyaratabandhu uses modern updates on her mom's classics so readers can easily recreate Thai dishes at home.  

We love: Punyaratabandhu's Pork Satay and Chicken-Ginger Stir Fry.
Simple Thai Food, $29.

Eggs on Top, by Andrea Slonecker

The humble egg is the most versatile ingredient in the kitchen, yet eggs can can still be intimidating to cook. The brilliant how-to photos and enticing recipes will have you serving eggs for weeknight suppers in no time.

We love: Slonecker's Soba Noodle Salad with Soft Eggs and Kale and her Crispy Lemon Eggs and Avocado on Toast.
Eggs on Top, $30.

Vegetarian For a New Generation, by Liana Krissoff

Although her new cookbook is devoted to vegetables, Liana Krissoff understands that while many of us aren’t strict vegetarians, we’re now eating less meat. The book is divided into seasons and offers flavour-packed recipes for whatever is abundant.  

We love: The roasted broccoli with pomegranate and tahini and roasted carrot salad with spicy lemon dressing.
Vegetarian For a New Generation, $28. 

Cowgirl Creamery Cooks, by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith

From a small American cheese maker comes the heavenly new book Cowgirl Creamery Cooks. It takes everyday recipes, like chicken fingers and pancakes, and elevates them to yummy new heights.

We love: Their cottage cheese pancakes with crème fraîche and jam.
Cowgirl Creamery Cooks, $26.

My Irish Table, by Cathal Armstrong and David Hagedorn

Irish food has always focused on local, seasonal ingredients, and although it’s often misrepresented as bland, the recipes in Cathal Armstrong and David Hagedorn’s My Irish Table prove it’s an exciting, cozy cuisine.

We love: Their Brown Soda Bread and Dublin Coddle. 
My Irish Table, $35.

Lidia's Commonsense Italian Cooking, by Lidia Bastianich

Lidia says to use the kitchen's most important ingredient: common sense. In this cookbook Lidia shares wisdom that's survived generations. Buon appetito!

We love: Lidia's Penne with Ricotta and Mushrooms.
Lidia's Commonsense Italian Cooking, $35.

Nordic Bakery Cookbook, by Melissa Mink

Our love affair with all things Scandinavian continues with Nordic Bakery Cookbook, a collection of regional baked specialties like spice cake made with rye flour and ginger cake.

We love: The Cardamom-laced Ginger-cake.
Nordic Bakery Cookbook, Missa Mink, $25.