Feeling like a novice in the kitchen is no longer an excuse! We’ve rounded up the best cookbooks covering several topics and trends. When you cook at home you can make better choices about what and how much you eat. It is also a fun activity to do with friends, family and loved ones. So let’s get cooking!

Overall: “Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook” by BH&G Editors
The eleventh edition of this favorite cookbook features over 1,200 recipes that are written specifically for today’s health-conscious and busy cooks. The book also covers cooking basics, canning and freezing, and helpful hints from the Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen.

 

 

 

Vegetarian:“Plenty” by Yotam Ottolenghi
Think vegetarian can’t be delicious? Then pick up “Plenty” to see how diverse, easy, and tasty vegetarian cooking can be. More than 100 recipes from London’s Yotam Ottolenghi.

 

 

 

 

Paleo: “Nom Nom Paleo: Food For Humans” by Michelle Tam & Henry Fong
Silly jokes, colorful photos, sound techniques and innovative dishes make this cookbook a standout for those committed to a Paleo diet. A playful approach to feeding a family.

 

 

 

 

Southern: “Pickles, Pigs & Whiskey” by John Currence
New Orleans’ chef John Currence honors his Southern culinary heritage in his book, while also offering unexpected recipes, personal stories and history. For music lovers, each recipe has a song pairing with it. A look at Southern food today.

 

 

 

 

Classic: “Cooking From the Heart” by John Besh
From James Beard Awarding-winning chef John Besh comes a gem of a book. Chef Besh shares lessons learned, amazing recipes, touching stories and stunning photos.

 

 

 

 

Most Trends in one Cookbook: “The Primal Blueprint Cookbook: by Mark Sisson Primal, Low Carb, Paleo, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free”
Health and fitness expert Mark Sisson is also the author of MarksDailyApple.com, a blog that has paved the way for primal enthusiasts to challenge conventional wisdom’s diet and exercise principles. Recipes like Roasted Leg of Lamb with Herbs and Garlic and Salmon Chowder with Coconut Milk are delicious and easy to follow.

 

 

 

All books available at Barnes & Noble, at BN.com, or Amazon.com