Best California Cooking, Food & Wine Books of 2025

The Official Disney Parks Cookbook: 101 Magical Recipes from the Delicious Disney Vault is a collection of official Disney parks recipes that allows readers to recreate some of the best dishes from Disney theme parks and resorts in their own kitchens. The book features 101 tried-and-true recipes from across the years, including appetizers, main courses, sides, desserts, and even joyful libations that have wowed guests of the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line ships, and Disney Vacation Club resorts. The cookbook enchants with personalized notes from the chefs who created and enhanced them, mouthwatering food photos, and helpful hints for easy preparation. Overall, this cookbook is a must-have for any Disney fan and home chef looking to add some magic to their meals.

Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep is a #1 Amazon bestseller and publisher's weekly national bestseller that features more than 100 delicious, gluten-free recipes for home cooks. Lisa Bryan's approachable method for eating well and preparing meals with ease will inspire readers to downshift their lives by making healthy meals without a fuss. The book is filled with simple and ingenious big-batch recipes that can either be frozen or repurposed into totally different, delicious meals. The recipes are free of refined sugar, many are naturally anti-inflammatory, and dairy is minimal and optional. Overall, this cookbook is a great resource for anyone looking to make healthy eating more accessible and enjoyable.

The Ranch Table: Recipes from a Year of Harvests, Celebrations, and Family Dinners on a Historic California Ranch is a stunning cookbook that celebrates a year on a ranch on the California coast. Elizabeth Poett shares her family's traditions and culture, as well as simple yet festive recipes, inspiring menus, and fascinating history. The book is organized around the annual events and natural rhythms of the land, from harvests to celebrations big and small, and each chapter begins with a description of a special day. The Ranch Table offers a unique glimpse into a life lived in harmony with nature, and the recipes are perfect for anyone who loves fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Trejo's Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A.: A Cookbook is a unique book that shares 75 recipes that make Trejo's Tacos the go-to for award-winning tacos, donuts, and more. The book not only offers insights into Danny Trejo's life but also pays respect to his hometown and all the colorful characters who helped him along the way. With succulent carnitas, vegan cauliflower tacos, and cinnamon-sugar lowrider donuts, Trejo's Tacos is a delicious tribute to L.A. and the city's vibrant Latino culture. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves Mexican food and wants to learn more about Danny Trejo's journey from ex-con to successful restaurateur.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook is a delightful collection of 100 easy-to-follow recipes inspired by Disney Parks. From classic Dole Whip to new favorites like blue milk from Star Wars land, this cookbook has something for every Disney fan. Written by Ashley Craft, who grew up in Anaheim and has two internships at Walt Disney World, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves Disney snacks and treats. The book has received glowing reviews, with many calling it the perfect gift for Disney-loving foodies. Overall, this cookbook is a magical addition to any kitchen and a fun way to bring a taste of Disney home.

The French Laundry Cookbook by Thomas Keller is a must-have for any home cook looking to elevate their culinary skills. This cookbook showcases the genius of Keller himself, offering a series of small, impeccable, highly refined, and intensely focused courses. The recipes are exact recipes from the French Laundry kitchen, with no shortcuts taken and all thoroughly tested in home kitchens. From innovative soup techniques to breathtaking desserts, this cookbook captures the essence of one of America's greatest restaurants and its chef. The French Laundry Cookbook is a transformative cookbook that celebrates the beauty and simplicity of French cuisine.

Did You Eat Yet? is a cookbook with over 100 All-American Asian-inspired recipes by renowned chef and food personality Ronnie Woo. His recipes are surprisingly achievable, effortlessly stylish, and span from breakfast to dessert. The book is divided into chapters, including Sexy Sauces, I Love Noods, and Frickin’ Chicken. The mouthwatering photographs and memorable humor throughout the book make it a joy to read. The recipes are easy to follow and perfect for anyone looking to elevate their home cooking. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves delicious food and a good laugh.

Diasporican: A Puerto Rican Cookbook is a delightful collection of over 90 recipes, each with a unique story that reflects the diversity and ingenuity of Puerto Rican culture. Illyanna Maisonet shares her family's cherished recipes, some of which are passed down from her grandmother and mother. This cookbook is a visual record of Puerto Rican food, ingredients, and techniques, tracing the island's flavor traditions to the Taino, Spanish, African, and even United States' cultures that created it. The book is filled with travel and food photography, making it a perfect addition to any food lover's collection.

Delicious Disney: Disneyland is a cookbook and culinary history coffee table book that explores the resort's past, present, and future through diverse recipes from the Disney Chefs. The book includes sixty recipes from fine-dining and quick-service establishments across the resort, fit for both Disney park fans and home chefs of varying skill levels. The book enchants with mouth-watering food photos, gorgeous Walt Disney Imagineering concept artwork, nostalgic restaurant menus, and a little Disney magic. Pam Brandon has worked closely with the Disney Chefs for more than twenty-five years to bring official recipes that help you bring your cherished vacation memories to life. This book is a perfect Christmas gift for Disney lovers who enjoy cooking and want to bring a piece of the happiest place on earth to their home.

The Grill Bible • Smoker Cookbook 2023 is a comprehensive guide to grilling and smoking meat like a pro. It offers 1200 days of juicy and delicious recipes, including the secrets to cooking the perfect brisket and using the right rubs and wood pellets. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pitmaster, this cookbook has something to offer. The author, ICEWIL, provides expert advice on maintaining and mastering the grill with style and showmanship. Overall, The Grill Bible • Smoker Cookbook 2023 is a must-have for anyone who wants to impress their guests with tender and juicy BBQ dishes.