My Favorite Books
nonfiction: food and nature
Ever since launching The Condiment Book, I’ve been loving seeing you repost the book, especially in your favorite book “round-ups”. It’s been so interesting to see my child, baby TCB, in the mix and understanding why it is a part of a certain grouping. Some people feature only cookbooks, some veer towards aesthetic and illustrated books, others are nature-heavy and so on.
It got me thinking about my favorite books of the moment… I often get asked about my top books but I find that it’s extremely difficult to choose just a few since there are so many different genres and categories. I’ve limited the list below to non-fiction because diving into fiction would open a whooooole new can of worms and no one wants to read a newsletter for 3 hours. While I have a tough time remembering add all new books, you can find some of my favorite reads here on GoodReads.
Since many of you are English speakers (and readers), I’ve resisted the urge to include any French language books for the sake of ease. The French language is so precise and has so many melodic expressions, that it would pain me to share a translated text that didn’t encapsulate all of these words and sentiments.
Anyways, I’ve just celebrated my birthday and I’m just feeling extremely grateful for this past year and for the community we’ve built together! I find that the most special gifts are usually books because they show that you really understand someone -understand their interests, taste preferences, and not only listen to them but also really hear them.
My Top Non-Fiction Books
In alphabetical order because don’t you dare ask me to pick… and of course The Condiment Book is my number 1 but I’ll pretend not to be biased for a hot sec.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Despite saying I wouldn’t order the books in preference, I’m actually so pleased and relieved that Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book is first on my list. It’s a truly spectacular read as it dives into indigenous teachings about nature and relationships. Ever since reading Braiding Sweetgrass in 2018, I genuinely view nature differently and more softly. There are no words to describe the nostalgia for a place you don’t even know when reading this book.
Flower Colour Theory
I bought this book on my trip to Amsterdam a few years ago when visiting Keukenhof - the tulip festival! It’s my one and only coffee table book (but it’s mini) and I find myself constantly flipping through its pages to gaze in wonder at the floral arrangements on each page.
Jam Bake
Even though I make inventive jams based on what my garden (or farmer’s market) provides me with, Camilla Wynne is a true artist. She is literally a master of fruit preservation and we can all learn something from her. While she has many books, Jam Bake is my favorite, only because it’s the first book I read of hers so I feel quite attached to it!
Camilla has recently released her new book, Nature’s Candy, so check it out here!
MILK
Honestly, anything Mark Kurlansky writes is gold. Although he tends to be recognized for this series of books primarily for COD or SALT, I have to say MILK is my personal favorite! I’ve read them all and OYSTER is particularly fascinating if you’re a New Yorker.
Red Sauce, Brown Sauce
Think of this book as a novel x travel adventure x delicious read. It was the first book I read when moving to London 4 years ago and holds a very special place in my heart. Felicity Cloake takes us along her bike ride across the UK to discover Britain’s traditional bites - and condiment preferences.
I’m lucky to say that both she, Camilla (see above), and Nicola (see below) were all kind enough to write quotes for The Condiment Book… Again, feeling so grateful this year.
Seeds
I just reread this book and my goodness, I learn more every time. Seeds are so important to humanity and live on earth and yet due to their small size, we often dismiss them. My copy is highlighted on every other page with notes scribbled in blue-pen all over as if I were taking an exam. Thank you to Thor Hansen for opening my eyes to a part of nature I didn’t realize I wasn’t taking as seriously as I should have been.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
THE ONE AND ONLY! I have to admit that SFAC was a big inspiration for TCB. When describing my vision for my book, I told my publishers that I wanted it covered in annotations and watercolor illustrations like Samin Nosrat’s iconic book. The book takes you through the 4 pillars that are essential to cooking and will help you better understand what you’re doing in the kitchen and why.
SIFT
I’m soooo excited to say that this book is coming to the USA on November 12th! The bright yellow (UK) book is a staple in my home and I can’t wait to get my hands on its bright pink sister book.
has truly mastered baking and in her book, takes you through not only the why’s of baking but also provides recipes you can make in an afternoon, a weekend, or a week. After reading this book, I can proudly say I understand eggs and I genuinely feel so much more confident in the kitchen from it. Even without a recipe, I now feel more certain of what I’m doing and what the final outcome will resemble.
The Art and Science of Food Pairing
One of my favorite coffee table books! While I always say you can pair whatever you want with anything your tastebuds are intrigued by, this book is great as it gives you an actual list of extremely specific items that should pair perfectly together.
The Edible History Series
These cute little books gives you a historical low down on a specific ingredient. They’re great for a public commute read as they’re not heavy to lug around and can keep you intrigued on your travels.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries from A Secret World
This book will change the way you look at trees on your daily strolls. I found this book fascinating but it definitely is for the more nature-obsessed individual. Seeds (see above) on the other hand will be loved by anyone.
The Noma Guide to Fermentation
I own 3 copies of this book - the US, UK, and French version. I first bought this title when it first came out, right as I graduated university and moved to NYC. Both learning about and testing out fermentation recipes allowed me to “play” with flavor in my kitchen. It really made me feel like I could do anything - regardless of if it worked the first time or not. I’ve been making miso and random fermented snicky snacks since 2018 because of it.
The Omnivore’s Dilemma
Michael Pollan is recognized for many books discussing the socio-cultural impacts of food. I find that The Omnivore’s Dilemma is the best one to get people into his writing but you can’t go wrong! See what titles of his tickle your fancy.
Wine and War
I wrote my junior paper in college about wine in France during WW2 and notions of “Frenchness” that are linked to the beverage. This booked helped me learn about specific family histories during this time and dive into a past which would’ve been difficult to access without hundreds of primary sources.
What are your favorite books of the moment? of all time? Let me know!
I would love your thoughts on books in French. I am a French-speaking American. 🩷
finally read the "chocolat" series this year, so juicy and fun :)