Cookbooks > Single Subject

Single Subject

Here you’ll find cookbooks that focus on one specific dish, ingredient or technique. Our collection of recommended titles is a work in progress. We’re in process of adding many more, so please check back often! And drop us a line if there’s something you’d like us to consider including. We have included links to our reviews and other coverage of the books, along with links to purchase them through our affiliates. Buying through Bookshop is a great way to support independent bookstores, as well as our work at Cooks Without Borders.

If you’d like to see all our cookbook reviews in one place, find them here.

Featured

AMERICAN SFLOGLINO

Those who want to geek out on making pasta by hand — and then settling in to simmer a 7-hour ragù bolognese — will love Los Angeles superstar chef Evan Funke’s “master class in handmade pasta.”

$32 at Bookshop - buy now

$23 at Amazon - buy now

ASIAN DUMPLINGS

Subtitled ‘Mastering Gyoza, Spring Rolls, Samosas, and More,’ this 2009 book from Andrea Nguyen is a must-have for anyone serious about making dumplings and Asian filled pastas like wontons.

$28 at Bookshop - buy now

$18 at Amazon - buy now

THE CAKE BIBLE

With more than 200 recipes, Rose Levy Beranbaum's 2008 book really is the Bible.

$35 at Bookshop - buy now

$27 at Amazon - buy now

CHAAT

Besides India's famous street snacks, Maneet Chauhan's book also has an amazing recipe for saag with homemade paneer, a splendid-looking chicken biryani, and lots more. Read more.

$30 at Bookshop - buy now

$28 at Amazon - buy now

THE CHICKEN SOUP MANIFESTO

Portland chef Jenn Louis satisfies wanderlust and comfort craving deliciously, with recipes for chicken soups and chicken stews from around the world. Read our review.

$28 at Bookshop - buy now

$30 at Amazon - buy now

DINNER IN ONE

“Exception and Easy One-Pan Meals” from award-winning cook and New York Times “A Good Appetite” columnist Melissa Clark. One of our Best New Cookbooks of 2022.

$28 at Bookshop - buy now

$25 at Amazon - buy now

DORIE'S COOKIES

Dorie Greenspan seems to be having a blast as she presents gotta-have-it cookie after cooking. Know a fledgling baker or a serious, experience cookie genius? This is for them. Read more.

$35 at Bookshop - buy now

$23 at Amazon - buy now

EVOLUTIONS IN BREAD

Subtitled “Artisan Pan Breads and Dutch Oven Loaves at Home,” Ken Forkish’s primer was one of our Best New Cookbooks of 2022.

$33 at Bookshop - buy now

$30 at Amazon - buy now

MASA

Subtitled “Techniques, Recipes, and Reflections on a Timeless Staple,” this important title by Masienda founder Jorge Gaviria tells us everything we need to know about one of the most essential ingredients in the world — including how to shape it into tortillas, tlacoyos, sopes, and 26 other shapes. A must for chefs and enthusiasts. Read our review.

$33 at Bookshop - buy now

$32 at Amazon - buy now

PASTA: THE SPIRIT AND CRAFT OF ITALY'S GREATEST FOOD

From James Beard Award-winning chef Missy Robbins (written with Talia Biocchi), this beautiful (and serious!) book is like an encyclopedia of the art of the Italian noodle. It’s the gift every dedicated, pasta-loving cook wants this year. Story and/or review coming soon.

$37 at Bookshop - buy now

$25 at Amazon - buy now

PASTA GRANNIES: COMFORT COOKING

Vicky Bennison’s tour of Italy through the cooking of the most skilled and dedicated nonnas. One of our Best New Cookbooks of 2022.

$30 at Bookshop - buy now

$27 at Amazon - buy now

THE PERFECT SCOOP

The Paris-based former Chez Panisse pastry chef is the undisputed king of ice cream. His recipes are great for following to a T, but they're also imminently riffable. Read our review.

$23 at Bookshop - buy now

$22 at Amazon - buy now