Tis the season when cookbooks become star performers at your public library. In fact, a quick review of new books shows we purchased 56 new cookbooks in the last several months, and as of this writing 40 of them are checked out. That is a lot of activity for one subject area.
To gear up for this time of year, the library stocks up on cookbooks so that no matter what kind of gathering your family is planning, the library’s extensive cookbook collection offers options. Some of the most recent cookbook additions include: “Koshersoul: The Faith and Food of an African American Jew,” “New Native Kitchen: Celebrating Modern Recipes of the American Indian” and “Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious, and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirations.”
There are also new cookbooks for campfire cooking, anti-inflammatory meal prep, instant pot and air fryer cooking, as well as cuisines from all over the world.
Another seasonal favorite is returning on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the library’s atrium — BG’s Biggest Holiday Cookie Bake and Taste is back. There is no entry fee to participate and bakers can enter more than one recipe in the contest. Tasters will receive five tickets to vote for their favorite cookies that evening. Music will be provided by Vicki and Bethany Hoehner’s Piano Studio and Mrs. Claus will award prizes. See the library’s website for more details on this annual tradition.
Even if your family enjoys the traditional favorites special to your family, you might be interested in exploring new holiday treats, such as “Joy to the World: 24 Festive Treats from Around the World.” There are so many resources available at the library to shake up traditions this year.
As one of the cookbook titles explains, “Home is Where the Eggs Are,” and we hope during this season of gathering, you will find something that works for you and your family.
Raine is deputy director at Wood County District Public Library.
