The Best Summer Cookbooks

“Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It,” by Karen Solomon

If you’ve ever been intimidated by the mountain of equipment and instructions required to preserve pickles and jar jam, this is the book for you. A charming DIY guide by a self-professed amateur cook, it’s packed with thoroughly approachable recipes that will have you replacing grocery store staples with homemade goods before you know it. Learn to cook your own potato chips, cure bacon, bake crackers, and make ricotta cheese. The book’s laid-back approach and helpful how-to photos will spark inspiration for tasty gifts, too.

To buy: $25, amazon.com.