New cookbooks that made me decide to cook more this year

Amid the sea of New Year’s resolutions, one has found a special place in my head and is living there rent free, as they say. I want to cook more! I want to throw myself into new dishes with the dedication of a stubborn student who feels they are on the verge of some great discovery, to immerse myself in measurements and gastro mathematics while thinking about a result that will be mind blowing. Honestly, I cannot wait for someone to ask me for a recipe!

I do not know where to start because the gastro universe is as vast as the physical one and it is constantly expanding as well. I concluded that the wave of new releases and cookbooks arriving on shelves in 2026 is a good starting point, so I explored what gastro enthusiasts have been writing down this year in the hope that cooking, for me and for everyone who feels the same, will become more innovative and more fun. This will be a good year and I see no reason not to carry this resolution through to the end.

Spain My Way: Eat, Drink and Cook like a Spaniard

Release date: May 19

So why not cook in the middle of Zagreb as if you were Spanish? That is exactly what I asked myself, which is why I cannot wait for chef José Andrés to release his new book. Although the famous Spaniard has made his home in the US, he feels his roots in every bite. Spain My Way brings his personal take on Spanish cuisine, from classic tortilla Española and paella, through salt baked fish dishes, to the famous Basque cheesecake. The recipes are infused with Andrés’s stories and experiences, and the book celebrates a life that revolves around the table and the joy of food. I am already looking forward to the moment someone asks me for my paella recipe. Are you with me?

Beyond Peaks: The Cuisine of Schloss Schauenstein

Release date: April 30

This book presents the exceptional food and philosophy of Schloss Schauenstein, a culinary destination in the heart of the Swiss Alps awarded with three Michelin stars. The cookbook combines stories, portraits and recipes, revealing the people and products behind each dish, from gardeners and winemakers to master bakers, with visionary chefs Andreas Caminada and Marcel Skibba at the helm of the story. Recipes from seasonal menus, such as fermented asparagus with barley or roasted duck with rhubarb, celebrate local flavors and the creativity coming from Schloss Schauenstein, an 18th century castle transformed into a modern gastronomic beacon.

Come Eat: 100 Nourishing Recipes to Eat Every Day

Release date: April 21

This book caught my attention because it primarily offers a colorful collection of simple, nourishing and delicious dishes that are easy to prepare for everyday life, without wasting time. From salads and soups to main courses and desserts, the recipes rely on fresh ingredients and rich flavors, including Greek lentils, golden chicken with rice and Snickerdoodle cake. Author Melissa Ben-Ishay shares tips and tricks for quick preparation, along with simple instructions for adapting each dish. That is exactly what I need!

The Rise of Indian Food: Recipes Reimagined by Trèsind Studio

Release date: May 6

After mastering Spain, could I move on to India? Absolutely. I will travel straight from my own kitchen with the help of this cookbook, which by the way has a very interesting background. The Rise of Indian Food takes you into the world of Trèsind Studio, the first Indian restaurant in Dubai to earn three Michelin stars. Chef Himanshu Saini blends tradition and innovation through recipes from five Indian regions, from the Thar Desert to the Himalayas, including original dishes such as Missi Roti, Green Plum Korma and prawns with curried potato foam. The book also reveals Saini’s secrets of sauces, spices and ingredients that make his dishes stand out. I am in!

Maxi’s Kitchen: Easy Go-To Recipes to Make Again and Again

Release date: March 3

Another book that could answer my daily question: what should I cook today? Author Maxine Sharf loves quick meals and innovative yet simple recipes designed for every day of the week, from honey mustard salmon to creamy spiced pasta with shrimp. Perfect. Weekends are reserved for sharing, with small bites and recipes for gatherings such as onion crostini or homemade wontons.

The Greek Kitchen

Release date: February 4

I love Mediterranean cuisine primarily because of olive oil, and there is no shortage of it in Greece, which is why I am drawn to The Greek Kitchen, a powerful cookbook featuring 75 authentic Greek recipes that celebrate flavor and tradition. From olive oil, cheese and wine to dishes like squid cooked in wine, chicken souvlaki and spinach and cheese pie, the book also includes desserts such as baklava and hazelnut cake. Simple instructions and vibrant photography make it perfect for home cooks who want to experience the joy of Greek cuisine in their own homes. That is me!

The Vegan Kitchen

Release date: February 11, 2026

On the carousel of ideas from world cuisines, sometimes all I want is to break up the week with a few good vegan recommendations. This is the book I am truly looking forward to. From creative starters, salads and soups to main dishes like kimchi rice, Caribbean chili and Italian pumpkin risotto, as well as desserts such as ChocoBanana and orange crème brûlée, the book celebrates the diversity of vegan cuisine from around the world. It also embraces clear, simple instructions, is full of luscious photography and is ideal for vegans, vegetarians and anyone seeking healthy, sustainable meals.

Ibrik: The Balkan Table

Release date: March 3

The author of this book, Ecaterina Paraschiv-Poirson, owner of the restaurant Ibrik Kitchen in Paris, decided to draw inspiration from her Romanian and Greek heritage, offering a selection of recipes that pay tribute to her homeland. Ecaterina revisits traditional dishes such as eggplant caviar, stuffed peppers, shawarma and kofta, alongside Balkan classics like soups, stews and fermented vegetables. With diverse recipes for all seasons, from meze to main dishes, as well as drinks, breads and desserts, her book travels through countries such as Greece, Turkey, Romania, Croatia and Hungary. These influences are reflected in dishes like dolmades with sour cherries, potato moussaka, grilled trout and Jerusalem artichoke purée, baked cheese, fermented pickles, babka and Balkan cheesecake. All very familiar, right?

The Official Stranger Things Cookbook

Release date: January 13

This is not a cookbook I will use every day, but why not reach for ideas inspired by a popular series when you want to impress guests. Fresh off the press, this newly released cookbook is dedicated to ideas from Stranger Things. If you thought everything connected to that series ended with the final episode you watched recently, I am here to prove you wrong. With this book, you can dive into the world of Hawkins through more than 60 recipes. This is the first official cookbook of the Netflix series. From 1980s mall food classics and family dinners to bites inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, each recipe reflects the eating habits of beloved characters. Alongside original photography, quotes and scenes from the show, the cookbook includes iconic recipes such as Demigorgonzola bites, Hellfire Club chocolate cake and Hopper’s legendary tuna melt. A true must have for fans.

How I Cook

Release date: January 6

It was released at the very beginning of January and is already appearing on numerous lists of essential cookbooks for this year. In his first book, chef Ben Lippett explains how and why we cook, from basic questions like why we salt at a certain moment and why we heat the pan, to mastering key techniques. Through more than 100 recipes, readers learn temperature control and the preparation of pasta, fish and dough, with dishes designed to build confidence and understanding in the kitchen. This is a very solid guide from the basics toward truly good home cooking.

Juno the Bakery: Crafted in Copenhagen

Release date: February 10

If you cannot make it to Copenhagen, let it come to you, straight into your kitchen. I am excited about the second edition of Juno the Bakery, thanks to which I will skip the line at one of Copenhagen’s most popular bakeries by preparing, or at least attempting to prepare, their famous pastries. The book brings together their best recipes, accompanied by photographs by renowned photographer Petra Kleis. The bakery Juno, founded in 2017 in the Østerbro district by Emil Glaser and Nina Schmiegelow, was quickly embraced by Copenhagen. In a city that deeply values exceptional baking, Juno positioned itself right at the very top of excellence. The book features iconic cardamom buns, lemon cake, sourdough bread and seasonal specialties. Maybe it is time for me to try making croissants.

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