I read a lot of cookbooks. I mean a lot, a lot. I read them for fun, like novels, taking in the stories and beautiful photography, for research, looking at the science of how ingredients blend together and what I can create on my own, like poetry, how the components all marry together on a plate just so and for work, helping me pick the perfect book every month to review for the Just Food monthly column I write. I wouldn’t say I’m the authority, but I have some opinions.
While I get that not everyone is as obsessed with may not appreciates cookbooks the way I do, most people enjoy trying out new foods and recipes, making a beautiful cookbook the perfect gift for any foodie friends or home cooks. Shopping days are getting short, so I’ve done the legwork for you. Below are some of my favorite cookbooks that came out in 2014.
Happy Shopping!
Ample Hills Creamery by Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna
At Home in the Whole Food Kitchen by Amy Chaplin
MEAT: Everything You Need to Know by Pat LaFrieda
Preserving by the Pint by Marisa McClellan
Preserving Everything by Leda Meredith
Smitten with Squash by Amanda Paa
The Kitchn Cookbook by Sara Kate Gillingham
Brooklyn Locavore 
Those look like great cookbooks, I live right by Ample Hill Ice cream place and never knew they had a cookbook. Delicious ice cream.
Ample Hills opened a new ice cream factory location in Gowanus, complete with rooftop bar. A bit chilly now, but you should absolutely check it out when the weather warms!