Mother's Day is fast approaching, and if you're looking to go beyond flowers, a cookbook can be a great way to show your appreciation with a gift that won't wilt come Father's Day. Whether the mother figure in your life is a professional chef, an enthusiastic home cook, or someone who dreads dinnertime, a cookbook can be a great way to feed her passion or offer some inspiration.
The books below have something for every type of mother, from health afficionados to adventurous culinary travelers to those looking for easy yet exciting go-tos. Here are 10 great cookbooks to gift for Mother's Day this year.
Mulberries in the Rain: Growing Permaculture Plants for Food and Friendship
Mulberries in the Rain is a new, comprehensive guide to permaculture, or the development of self-sufficient agricultural ecosystems. Unlike other plant-based cookbooks, Mulberries not only teaches readers how to incorporate plants into their diet, but how to cultivate their own food systems. Whether the mother figure in your life is interested in food sustainability, horticulture, or simple vegetarianism, this book is sure to become a beloved resource.
The Hebridean Baker: The Scottish Cookbook
Does the mother figure in your life live to taste new cuisines? Or perhaps she simply loves to bake? Either way, The Hebridean Baker: A Scottish Cookbook could be the perfect way to support her culinary passions and expand her horizons. Scottish TikTok sensation Coinneach MacLeod takes readers through the staples of Scottish baking, both sweet and savory, from meat pies to biscuit tin favorites to cakes for all occasions. Interspersed throughout are narratives about MacLeod's homeland, sure to satisfy the wanderlust of readers both in and out of the kitchen.
The Hebridean Baker: At Home: Flavors & Folklore from the Scottish Islands
Perhaps The Scottish Cookbook was too broad? If so, why not pair it with another work of MacLeod's—The Hebridean Baker: At Home. MacLeod continues to explore Scottish cuisine in this collection, this time through specific regional dishes from across Scotland. The recipes, stories, and photographs included have been handed down over generations, and will surely resonate with any mother for whom food is not just sustenance, but a link to family and culture.
Cook Once, Eat Twice: Time-Saving Recipes to Help You Get Ahead in the Kitchen
Moms these days have a lot on their plate, and more often than not, dinner adds to that burden. Reduce her stress with Cook Once, Eat Twice. The recipes included are not only easy to make, but also designed to either make use of leftovers or become leftovers. They're also designed to be zero-waste, an extra plus for those concerned about cost and sustainability. If the mother figure in your life could use some culinary inspiration without the added stress, this is the cookbook for her.
The No-Fuss Bread Machine Cookbook: Hands-Off Recipes for Perfect Homemade Bread
It may not be the peak of the pandemic anymore, but making bread is still as popular a hobby as ever. If the mother figure in your life numbers among the enduring bread enthusiasts, then The No-Fuss Bread Machine Cookbook is the perfect gift for her. The book includes a wide variety of bread recipes, advice for making the most of your bread machine, and troubleshooting tips for when things go awry. And if your mother doesn't have a bread machine? Well, then, you have the perfect gift to pair this with!
5 Ingredients or Less Slow Cooker Cookbook
Speaking of cookbooks that make your mother's life easier, this book not only helps you make the most of your slow cooker, but also shows you how to do it in five ingredients or less. The New York Times bestselling author of Make It Fast, Cook It Slow and 365 Slow Cooker Suppers is here to help with delicious and easy recipes like Pulled Pork Jalapeño Dip, Pureed Pumpkin Soup, and Cornbread Casserole. She also features plenty of unexpected slow-cooker dishes like Ginger Glazed Mahi Mahi, Artichoke Angel Hair Pasta, Flan, and Cheesecake.
The Self-Care Cookbook
Moms, more than anyone, could use some self-care. Written by health and wellness expert Dr. Frank Ardito, this book explores the intersection of cooking, eating, health, and wellness by offering 130 recipes designed to help readers improve not only their culinary skills, but every aspect of their lives. The book is divided into 10 chapters, each of which focuses on one aspect of personal wellness: physical, spiritual, environmental, and more. Within each chapter are 13 recipes designed to help readers cultivate wellness in that area. If the chef in your life could use a lesson in self-care, this is the book for her.
The Superfoods Cookbook
Is your mom the health-concious type? The Superfoods Cookbook has you covered. Each of its more than 80 recipes spotlights the healthiest vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes nature has to offer, paired with lean protein, low-fat dairy, and nuts and seeds to balance out the meal. A nutritious diet has never been so easy—and delicious!
The Pizza Cookbook
There's so much to love about pizza: it's delicious, it's versatile, it's shareable, it's easy in a pinch. With The Pizza Cookbook, go beyond the standard recipes for this timeless dish with recipes like Pizza with Shaved Asparagus, Melted Leeks & Burrata; Quattro Stagioni Pizza; Potato, Bacon & Rosemary Pizza and Sei Formaggi Pizza.
The Dutch Oven Cookbook
Much like the slow cooker cookbook, The Dutch Oven Cookbook is the perfect gift for moms looking to make the most of a niche and even intimidating kitchen heirloom. With 25 easy-to-follow recipes, your mom can expand her repertoire with everything from long-simmered braises and sautés to soups, side dishes and even crusty breads. Standouts include Maple-Bourbon Short Ribs, Pork Belly Ramen, and Asparagus & Pea Risotto.
