Best New England Cooking, Food & Wine Books of 2026

Knife Drop: Creative Recipes Anyone Can Cook by Nick DiGiovanni is a must-have cookbook for anyone who wants to become fearless in the kitchen. The author provides staple recipes and mouthwatering selections that are easy to make and packed with flavor. The book also includes QR codes linking to video tutorials showcasing key cooking techniques. Nick’s expert advice on equipment, ingredients, and techniques makes it easy for home cooks of any ability level to pick up some new skills. Overall, Knife Drop is an excellent addition to any cookbook collection and a great resource for anyone looking to up their cooking game.

The Lost Kitchen: Recipes and a Good Life Found in Freedom, Maine: A Cookbook is a beautifully written cookbook that celebrates the four seasons of cooking in Maine. Erin French, the self-taught cook and owner of The Lost Kitchen, shares her love for food and the stories behind her dishes, making this more than just a collection of recipes. The book features 100 recipes that are easy to follow and focus on simple, honest ingredients. The stunning vellum jacket and printed cover make it a perfect gift for any food lover. Overall, this cookbook is a charming and personal tribute to Maine and its cuisine.

My Vermont Table: Recipes for All (Six) Seasons is a delightful cookbook by pastry chef Gesine Bullock-Prado. The book captures the charm of Vermont's seasons and flavors with over 100 recipes for all six seasons. Bullock-Prado uses local produce, dairy, wine, and flour to create dishes like Blackberry Cornmeal Cake, Vermont Cheddar Soup, and Maple Pulled Pork Sliders. The book is not only a cookbook but also a memoir of the author's journey from Hollywood to Vermont. With stunning photography, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves New England cooking and food and wine books.

The Milk Street: Tuesday Nights cookbook offers over 200 creative and delicious weeknight dinner recipes that can be prepared in less time using pantry staples and a few other ingredients. The book is organized by the way you cook and features recipes that are Fast, Faster, and Fastest. From Miso-Ginger Chicken Salad to Chocolate-Tahini Pudding, the recipes are easy to follow and deliver bold flavors. The book is perfect for beginner cooks and foodies alike. Overall, the book is a must-have for anyone looking to make great food in quick time, every night of the week.

The Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust: A Cookbook is a #1 New York Times bestseller offering readers a collection of delicious and deeply satisfying recipes that are sure to impress. With 150 gorgeous color photographs and invaluable tips from the Food Network star and beloved home cook, Ina Garten, this cookbook is a stunning yet infinitely practical guide for home cooks. The book includes notes throughout detailing where a recipe can go wrong to keep you on track, plus tips for making recipes in advance. In conclusion, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to impress their guests with foolproof and delicious meals.

The Milk Street: Cookish cookbook, written by the James Beard Award-winning team at Milk Street, offers 200 highly cookable, delicious, and incredibly simple recipes. With most recipes taking less than an hour to prepare and just a handful of ingredients, this book is perfect for those who want to throw together fast, flavorful meals in no time. The recipes are designed to make it easy to be a great cook, even for those who are short on time. This cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking for quick and easy meals that are big on taste and low on fuss.

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten is a must-have for anyone looking to host parties with ease and style. The book features dozens of delicious recipes and over 160 stunning photographs. Garten's recipes use familiar ingredients to create amazing dishes, such as her Pan-Fried Onion Dip and Meat Loaf made with ground turkey and fresh herbs. The book also provides tips on how to prepare ahead of time, making hosting a breeze. Overall, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook is a fantastic addition to any cookbook collection, offering not only delicious recipes but also helpful tips for entertaining with ease.

The Barefoot Contessa at Home by Ina Garten is a #1 New York Times Bestseller that shares the author's life in East Hampton, her favorite recipes, and her secrets to making guests feel welcome and comfortable. The book is filled with tried-and-true recipes that are easy, work, and universally loved. In addition, Ina shares her time-tested secrets for cooking and entertaining, making this book a must-have for anyone who loves to cook or entertain. The beautiful photographs of Ina's dishes, her home, and the East Hampton she loves make this book a pleasure to read.

Barefoot Contessa, How Easy Is That?: Fabulous Recipes & Easy Tips is a cookbook that offers easy-to-follow recipes without compromising on taste. Ina Garten, the author and star of Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, shares her best tips for making cooking really easy, such as using the right equipment and leaving bowls of lemons and limes on the counter. The book is filled with 225 gorgeous full-color photographs and offers classic recipes with a twist, like Pink Grapefruit Margaritas served with Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs. This is the perfect kitchen companion for busy home cooks who still want fabulous flavor.

Milk Street Fast and Slow: Instant Pot Cooking at the Speed You Need is a collection of 150 flavorful Instant Pot and multicooker recipes designed for any schedule. This book shows how to prepare the same dish two ways, whether it's using the pressure cooker setting for quick meals or the slow cooker for make-ahead flexibility. From vegetarian mains to one-pot pastas, this book offers a diverse selection of dishes that take advantage of the Milk Street approach to cooking. Overall, this book is a great addition to any home cook's collection, offering both speed and convenience without sacrificing flavor.