Books That Cook

By ELLEN FOLKMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published December 6, 2000

Wrap up some recipes for gift giving

If there is a cook, novice or accomplished, on your holiday gift lists, consider a cookbook. With so many on bookstore shelves, you'll be able to find something to suit every taste. Here are some ideas to get you started.

For the Florida newcomer

Keys Cuisine -- Flavors of the Florida Keys

By Linda Gassenheimer, Atlantic Monthly Press, $15

The perfect introduction to Floribbean cooking. Numerous recipes use Florida ingredients including conch, grouper, stone crabs, bananas, coconuts and mangos, with Cuban and Jamaican influences. More than 10 recipes for Florida's favorite fruit, the key lime.

Best of the Best From Florida

Selected recipes from Florida's favorite cookbooks

Quail Ridge Press, $16.95

This cookbook compiles recipes from 46 Florida cookbooks, including Suncoast Seasons, Fare by the Sea, Seasons in the Sun and more. Some of the books are out of print. More than 250 pages of tempting treats with photographs from around the state beginning each chapter.

For the beginning cook

Absolute Beginners Cookbook

By Jackie Eddy and Eleanor Clark, Prima Publications, $15.95

Easy is the key to this cookbook. It includes easy-to-follow instructions for such classics as Waldorf Salad and Duck a l'Orange. Contains microwave dishes plus foolproof recipes for rice, pasta and potatoes.

How To Cook Everything

By Mark Bittman, Macmillan, $25

This book is for everyone, from first-time cooks to old pros. The recipes are accompanied by serving suggestions and time-saving techniques. Step-by-step illustrations make preparation easy.

For the barbecue maker

Boy Meets Grill

By Bobby Flay, Hyperion, $32.50

Guaranteed to please a crowd, this cookbook will inspire anyone to heat up the grill. More than hamburgers and barbecued chicken, these recipes will tantalize the taste buds. Ducks are glazed, rib-eyes are rubbed, shrimp is marinated. Perfect for the gourmet who loves to grill.

For the chocoholic

Chocolate Passion

By Tish Boyle and Timothy Moriarty, Wiley, $39.95

Not only a great cookbook to look at, but also fairly easy to use. Pictures are included with each recipe. Chapters focus on white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate desserts. For the true chocolate fiend!

For those who love to entertain

The Art of the Cocktail Party

By Leslie Brenner, A Plume Book, $12.95

An all-around fun book that makes you want to have a party. Contains recipes, preparation tips, party ideas and much more. Addresses issues such as telling jokes, early guests, how to dress and talking to a bore. Pure fun!

After Dinner

Williams-Sonoma Lifestyles Series, Time Life, $18.95

Although the title is After Dinner, the ideas and recipes can be put to use for any party. Some recipes would be great to make for gifts. This cookbook is thorough and helps make entertaining easy.

For the home chef

The Food Lover's Tiptionary

By Sharon Tyler Herbst, Hearst Books, $15

For those wanting to take their culinary expertise to a higher level. Shortcuts and hints on hundreds of subjects. Essential for any kitchen.

For the cookbook collector

The Tra Vigne Cookbook

By Michael Chiarello, Chronicle Books, $35

Tra Vigne is the acclaimed Napa Valley, Calif., restaurant owned by chef Michael Chiarello. What sets this cookbook apart from others is that the chapters are not divided into the typical salads, entrees, desserts but rather ingredients such as mushrooms, citrus and tomatoes. A thoughtful book for any true collector.

For the vegetarian

Fields of Greens

By Annie Somerville, Bantam Books, $29.95

This cookbook brings creativity to vegetarian cooking with a bonus section on grilling. Lots of ideas from this San Francisco chef.

Vegetarian Fast Food

By Rose Elliot, Random House, $18.95

This is the perfect "short on time" vegetarian cookbook. Recipes are arranged by ingredients, making it easy to prepare dinner with what you have available.

To accompany an appliance gift

If you're planning to give one of the hot home appliances, here are some ideas to make the gift more special.

The Ice Cream Machine Recipe Book

by Rosemary Moon, Chartwell Books, $12.98

More than 100 recipes for ice cream, sorbet, sherbets, low-fat ice creams and gelatos, even ice milk and tofu recipes.

Crockery Cooking

By Mable Hoffman, HP Books, $15

Includes recipes that I thought could never be made in a crock pot such as Peanut Butter Bread and Stuffed Flank Steak with Currant Wine Sauce.

The Bread Machine Gourmet

By Shea MacKenzie, Avery Publishing Group, $14.95

Recipes for pizza and rolls, plus more traditional machine recipes such as onion, dill and yogurt breads. Better than most bread machine cookbooks.

Fabulous Fondues

By Fred Kerner, Sterling, $11.95

The recipes here expand the versatility of this fun appliance, going beyond beef and cheese fondues. Includes a recipe for Pizza Fondue, a new twist to family pizza night.

Ellen Folkman is a freelance writer based in Crystal Beach. Her cookbook column runs on the second Wednesday of each month in Taste.

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