Sweeter Off the Vine by Yossy Arefi
From the creator of the award-winning blog Apt. 2B Baking Co., this big book of colorful fruit-based desserts is organized by the seasons. Among the enticing summer ideas are a blueberry skillet cobbler with whole wheat biscuits, cantaloupe and mint yogurt pops, and a soft chocolate and fig cake.
To buy: $17, amazon.com.
The Love & Lemons Cookbook by Jeanine Donofrio
This simple ingredient-driven cookbook, from the author of the Love & Lemons blog, features short recipes that let veggies shine for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Think: brussels sprout breakfast tostadas, summer squash succotash, and a grilled pepper and quinoa taco salad.
To buy: $35, loveandlemons.com.
Home Cooked: Essential Recipes for a New Way to Cook by Anya Fernald
The founder of California-based butcher shop and farm Belcampo Meat Co. presents a guide to unfussy, hearty weeknight cooking. (How’s cracked crab with lemon-chile vinaigrette sound?) Ferdinand teaches not only classic skills like searing meat, but also how to cook over an open fire and preserve meat and produce.
To buy: $35, amazon.com.
Pure Delicious by Heather Christo
This anthology of allergy-friendly recipes focuses on dishes that do without gluten, dairy, eggs, soy peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, or cane sugar. Christo, a chef and former caterer, makes a convincing case that cooking mouthwatering meals for restricted diets isn’t that difficult—as long as you use fresh, whole ingredients. Some of our favorites dishes include Asian pulled pork with coconut rice, a roasted squash and arugula salad with maple-mustard vinaigrette, and chocolate fudge brownies.
To buy: $30, amazon.com.
Whole Protein Vegetarian by Rebecca Ffrench
This book is your delicious roadmap to getting the all the complete proteins you need as a vegetarian. The foundation? Wholesome recipes that are still satisfying, like a classic egg and cheese sandwich, spicy three-bean chili, and veggie noodles with seeded basil pesto.
To buy: $27.95, amazon.com.
Tiki With a Twist by Lynn Calvo and James O. Fraioli
Turn to this guide for everything you need to know about making summer’s coolest tropical cocktails, including a guide to tools and glassware. Trust us: the honeydew daiquiri, coconut cucumber mojito, and nutty Samoan taste like instant vacation.
To buy: $14.95, amazon.com.
