I don’t know about you, but every now and then, I get stuck in a cooking rut. But cookbooks can be a great way to get creative in the kitchen, discovering new recipes and creative twists on old favorites.
Suggested Reading
If you need a little kitchen inspiration this holiday season, check out some of our favorite Black cookbooks. Who knows? You may just find a replacement for your regular Monday meatloaf.
“Low-Fat Soul” by Jonell Nash
In “Low-Fat Soul” the late Jonell Nash, former food editor at Essence, shows you how to make soul food staples without the sodium and calories that can be harmful to your health. Whether you’re planning your holiday menu or weeknight dinner, this food has all of the flavor without all of the fat.
“In the Kitchen With Rosie: Oprah’s Favorite Recipes”
Ok, hear me out. Rosie may not be Black, but who doesn’t want to eat Oprah’s favorite recipes? And that’s exactly what you get “In the Kitchen With Rosie,” a collection of the recipes her long-time chef prepared to help her look and feel her best.
“Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious, and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirations” by Tabitha Brown
Tabitha Brown, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “Feeding the Soul,” shares her favorite family-friendly vegan recipes in “Cooking from the Spirit.” Along with the delicious recipes, Brown also shares personal stories of overcoming illness.
“B. Smith’s Entertaining and Cooking for Friends” by B. Smith
Restauranteur, model and television host, B. Smith was always known for her amazing taste and style. And with “Cooking and Entertaining for Friends,” she shares fabulous recipes and entertaining tips to make sure your party is on point.
“Food for Life” by Laila Ali
Laila Ali isn’t just nice in the boxing ring, she also does her thing in the kitchen. Her “Food for Life” cookbook includes over 100 of her favorite healthy, delicious recipes.
“Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day” by Rodney Scott
Grill master Rodney Scott shares delicious recipes for pit-smoked turkey, barbecued spare ribs, smoked chicken wings and more in “Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ.” The New York Times, The Washington Post and Time Out called it one of the best cookbooks of the year.
“Eat Plants, B*tch” by Pinky Cole
Slutty Vegan CEO, Pinky Cole has been on a quest to show the world how easy and delicious a vegan diet can be. In “Eat Plants, B*tch,” she serves up over 90 vegan recipes that are “sure to blow your meat-loving mind.”
“Son of a Southern Chef: Cook With Soul” by Lazarus Lynch
With a Guyanese mother and a father from Alabama who ran a popular New York soul food restaurant, Lazarus Lynch grew up around plenty of flavors. Now, the two-time Chopped winner is sharing over 100 recipes that put a new twist on classic soul food favorites in “Son of a Southern Chef.” Shrimp and Crazy Creamy Cheddar Grits and Jalapeño Havarti Cornbread are just some of his mouthwatering recipes. Don’t forget to wash it all down with his Southern Sweet Tea with Bourbon.
“The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook” by Marcus Samuelsson
There’s no doubt that Black people have made significant contributions to food culture. And in “The Rise,” celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson pays tribute to those contributions with a variety of recipes and profiles of Black chefs. Named one of the Best Cookbooks of Fall 2020 by Eater, this cookbook is a delicious love letter to Black American cuisine.
“Black Girl Baking: Wholesome Recipes Inspired by a Soulful Upbringing” by Jerrelle Guy
In “Black Girl Baking” Jerrelle Guy uses memories from her childhood in Florida to share recipes with readers that have a special place in her heart. The founder of the food blog Chocolate For Basil says her cookbook is for everyone. In an interview with Bon Appetit, Guy said, “You don’t have to be a baker to bake any of these recipes. It’s not about perfection; it’s about the journey.”
“Carla Hall’s Soul Food” by Carla Hall
Top Chef and The Chew alum Carla Hall taps into her Southern roots with her cookbook, “Carla Hall’s Soul Food.” Packed with over 140 original recipes like Sea Island Shrimp and Grits and Sweet Potato Pudding with Clementines, Hall gives readers a delicious variety of flavors made with fresh ingredients.
“Hallelujah! The Welcome Table: A Lifetime of Memories with Recipes” by Maya Angelou
Food has always been a major part of Maya Angelou’s life. And in “Hallelujah! The Welcome Table,” she beautifully shares some of her favorite recipes and the memories that come along with them, including her mother’s maple cake that always made her feel good.
“Cooking Solo: The Fun of Cooking for Yourself” by Klancy Miller
You don’t have to have a house full of people to enjoy a good home-cooked meal. And in “Cooking Solo,” Klancy Miller gives readers the tools they need to make delicious Insta-worthy meals for one that won’t leave them with a ton of leftovers.
“Melba’s American Comfort: 100 Recipes from My Heart to Your Kitchen” by Melba Wilson
There’s a reason why Melba Wilson’s Harlem restaurant is a beloved institution. But if you can’t make it to New York City, you can still enjoy some of her delicious recipes in her cookbook, “Melba’s American Comfort: 100 Recipes from My Heart to Your Kitchen.” In the book, she shares 100 mouthwatering recipes inspired by her family’s traditions. The photos alone will make you want to get in the kitchen and start cooking.
“Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes” by Bryant Terry
Who says you need meat to make a good meal? In “Vegetable Kingdom,” Bryant Terry shows readers how to use fresh produce, grains and spices to make delicious dishes. Barbecue carrots and panko-crusted cauliflower and coconut curry are just a few of the recipes that will make you forget that there is no meat on your plate.
“Brown Sugar Kitchen” by Tanya Holland
In “Brown Sugar Kitchen” Tanya Holland shares some of the most popular recipes from her beloved Oakland restaurant. From shrimp gumbo to summer squash succotash, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful celebration of soul food. She had me at caramel layer cake.
“In Pursuit of Flavor” by Edna Lewis
If you’re looking for a classic Southern cookbook, Edna Lewis’ “In Pursuit of Flavor” is the OG. In her book, Lewis shares recipes inspired by her childhood in Virginia along with some of the techniques she uses to bring out the flavor in her food. With all of that goodness, it’s easy to see why her book was inducted into the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Hall of Fame.
“LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About” by Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle is loved by fans for her music and her delicious recipes. LaBelle grew up in a family of cooks. And in “LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About,” the soul diva is coming through with some of her favorite soul food recipes. And with names like Fierce Fried Corn and Say-My-Name Smothered Chicken, cooking should be just as much fun as eating.
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