7 New Cooking Reference Books Reshaping the Culinary World in 2025

The Culinary Institute of America's extensive experience in culinary education drives this tenth edition of The Professional Chef, a definitive guide for mastering fundamental cooking skills. You’ll find updated techniques aligned with modern plant-forward trends, including merged meat and vegetable cookery chapters that reflect current culinary shifts. The book breaks down complex methods into clear "Method at a Glance" and "Method in Details" sections, while troubleshooting tips help you anticipate and resolve common kitchen challenges. Chapters offer both foundational recipes and creative variations, making it a reliable companion whether you’re honing basics or exploring new flavors. If you're serious about elevating your kitchen craft with standards embraced by top chefs, this book delivers a precise roadmap.

Peter Pavenick's years immersed in Italian culinary traditions led him to craft this handy collection of 65 classic recipes, designed for anyone eager to bring authentic Italian flavors to their kitchen quickly. You get straightforward instructions for beloved dishes like homemade pizza dough and simple pasta sauces, along with rapid cooking techniques to fit into busy schedules. The book is particularly useful if you want to explore Italian cuisine without fuss, with chapters that guide you through essentials like dough preparation and meal assembly. While it doesn’t dive deep into advanced cooking theory, it offers practical skills to build confidence in classic Italian cooking for home cooks and enthusiasts alike.

This tailored book explores the latest culinary developments and emerging cooking techniques shaping 2025’s kitchen landscape. It covers cutting-edge discoveries and modern approaches, focusing closely on your unique interests and culinary background. By zeroing in on your specific goals, it reveals contemporary cooking concepts, innovative ingredient uses, and evolving recipe methods that keep you on the forefront of the culinary world. This personalized volume invites you to examine fresh trends and adapt them seamlessly into your cooking practice, providing a rich learning experience tailored to your pace and preferences. Unlock the excitement of culinary innovation with content crafted to match your individual journey.

Loretta L. Barry's passion for precision cooking shines through in this detailed guide to sous vide techniques. You’ll learn the science underpinning sous vide cooking and how to achieve perfectly cooked proteins that stay tender and juicy every time. The book offers clear instructions along with a variety of recipes ranging from expertly cooked steaks to delicate desserts, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Whether you want to elevate weeknight dinners or impress guests with restaurant-quality dishes, this book provides the know-how to transform your kitchen skills.

What began as a quest to compile every tested recipe from America's Test Kitchen's popular TV show has resulted in this extensive volume covering 24 seasons and nearly 2,000 recipes. You'll find detailed cooking techniques, product evaluations, and insider tips from their Boston test kitchen experts, designed to sharpen your culinary skills and inform your equipment choices. The book offers a unique blend of tried-and-true classics alongside lesser-known recipes that never aired, making it a versatile tool whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned home chef. Its structured format allows you to explore American cooking traditions with precision and confidence, backed by rigorous testing and expert guidance.

What happens when registered dietitian expertise meets culinary creativity? Raeanne Sarazen, with over two decades as a test kitchen professional and food writer, delivers a detailed guide to recipe creation that goes beyond the basics. You’ll find thorough instruction on developing recipes tailored for health needs like gluten-free and FODMAP diets, alongside chapters on precise recipe writing and testing methods that ensure consistent results. The book also demystifies nutrition analysis and offers insider tips on food styling and photography, making it invaluable for anyone involved in recipe production. Whether you’re a food writer, developer, or enthusiast, this book sharpens your craft with practical, well-founded knowledge.

This tailored book explores the future of cooking by focusing on emerging culinary trends and innovations expected in 2025 and beyond. It examines breakthroughs in food science, new cooking technologies, and evolving techniques that will shape tomorrow's kitchen. With a personalized approach, the book matches your expertise and interests, guiding you through the most relevant discoveries and practices. It reveals how cutting-edge insights intersect with your goals to keep your culinary skills future-ready. Readers will find this book a unique resource that goes beyond standard references, offering a focused exploration of what’s next in cooking, tailored specifically to your background and aspirations.

The English and Australian Cookery Book emerges from a unique historical lens, authored by the Australian Aristologist who sought to bridge traditional British culinary practices with the realities of colonial Australia. You’ll discover not just recipes but a window into Victorian-era cooking adapted to new environments, revealing how resourcefulness shaped early Australian cuisine. The book serves those curious about culinary history, cultural adaptation, and gastronomy beyond contemporary trends, offering specific dishes and methods that reflect a time when cooking was both necessity and art. Chapters detail everything from basic staples to refined fare, making this a valuable reference for anyone intrigued by the roots of Australasian cooking traditions.

Taste of Home's decades of experience curating recipes from everyday cooks culminates in this cookbook that goes beyond listing dishes to teaching you essential kitchen skills. You’ll find detailed how-to photos and step-by-step instructions that help you master techniques like roasting poultry, grilling, and baking breads. The inclusion of QR codes linking to video tutorials adds a modern twist, making complex methods accessible no matter your skill level. This book suits anyone wanting to build confidence in the kitchen, whether you're refining basics like knife skills or exploring holiday menus with show-stopping desserts.