Books to Give and to Get

Five-ingredient recipes, bread obsessions, cocktails, and more

With Christmas a week away, if you’re looking for a last-minute gift, there’s nothing better than a book. We’ve picked out a selection of books that will appeal to a vast number of people — not just home cooks (personally, I read too many cookbooks where the recipes are too difficult and instantly turn me off).

From a travel guide to the country’s best craft spirits to cocktails inspired by everyone’s favorite mob boss, here are books to gift to friends (or yourself).

Pro tip: Order from Amazon and choose the gift bag option for a last-minute gift that will arrive festive in no time.

The Sopranos: The Official Cocktails Book

The Sopranos is, arguably, the greatest television series of all time. This master class in screenwriting and acting gave dimension to Tony Soprano and his family. Sopranos fans will love this book which includes 60 recipes inspired by Tony, Carmela, Christopher, Adriana, and more.

Fodor’s American Spirits

I am in favor of bringing back the travel guide. Sure, there are apps, but there’s nothing better than a well-worn travel guide on your shelf that’s been dog-earred and filled with notes and doodles. This travel-sized guide includes the best distilleries, breweries, and wineries in the United States. If you have a friend with wanderlust and a taste for craft spirits, this is the perfect gift. Side note: look out for the Florida section — I wrote it.

McAtlas: A Global Guide to the Golden Arches

Author Gary He explores the diversity of cultures through one lens: McDonald’s. The book features McDonald’s restaurants in more than 50 countries and the way the mega fast-food company caters to each though its menu and decor. Beautiful photos accompany each country, making this a fantastic addition to the book collection of pop culture aficionados.

5 Ingredients Mediterranean

There’s nothing I like better than cooking at home, but I have neither the time nor the patience to use a million ingredients and 30 pots and pans to feed myself. Master chef Jamie Oliver makes everyday cooking easy (and affordable) with his five-ingredient recipes, which are also easy to follow. The recipes are bright, filled with flavor, and can get dinner on your table with little effort — After all, we’re not all Julia Child. A win-win for new couples, singletons, and people who value flavor without the hassle.

Bread and How to Eat It

The owner of New Jersey’s Bread and Salt bakery and Eater New York editor, Melissa McCart collaborate on a book that takes a new look at bread. This unique tome is not a recipe book for baking bread — rather it’s a guide to what to do with that gorgeous loaf you picked up at your local bread baker. Buy it for someone who can’t live without their daily bread.