PASSIONISTAS GIFT GUIDE: Gourmet Goddesses: A Feast of the 10 Best Cookbooks by Women Chefs

Embark on a delectable adventure as we dive into the world of culinary genius crafted by remarkable women chefs. Gourmet Goddesses is our curated gift guide celebrating the diverse and mouthwatering creations found within the pages of cookbooks authored by these culinary trailblazers. From innovative recipes to inspiring stories, these cookbooks showcase the creativity, expertise and passion that these female chefs bring to the kitchen. Join us on this gastronomic journey, where every page turns into a delightful exploration of flavors and empowerment. Whether you're gifting a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these cookbooks are a testament to the extraordinary contributions of women in the culinary world.

Note: The following are affiliate links. The Passionistas Project will receive affiliate income if you purchase through this link, at no cost to you. We only recommend products that we believe in from women we know or trusted brands we’ve discovered.

1. “SUSAN FENIGER'S STREET FOOD: IRRESISTIBLY CRISPY, CREAMY, CRUNCHY, SPICY, STICKY, SWEET RECIPES” by SUSAN FENIGER

One of the great things about living in Los Angeles is access to world-class restaurants and being able to taste food from our culinary heroes. Susan Feniger's creations never disappoint. Over her thirty-year food career — from being one of the original Food Network stars and opening Border Grill to appearing on "Top Chef Masters" and creating the restaurant STREET — celebrity chef Susan Feniger has continually found inspiration for her renowned cooking in street food carts around the world. In “Susan Feniger’s Street Food,” she shares 83 of her favorite recipes with home cooks, giving them a taste of these unexpected, tantalizing dishes. Her expert tips on ingredients and easy substitutions, along with more than 100 color photographs, make “Susan Feniger’s Street Food" the perfect guide for home cooks looking to shake up their cooking repertoires with exciting new flavors.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

BONUS TIP: Susan's brilliantly talented wife, director Liz Lachman, has just completed a feature length documentary about Susan's experiences launching STREET. Find the film as it hits the festival circuit near you. We've seen it and it's fantastic!

2. "COOKING ALLA GIUDIA: A CELEBRATION OF THE JEWISH FOOD OF ITALY" by BENEDETTA JASMINE GUETTA

Discovering our hidden Jewish roots in our Italian-Catholic heritage led us to Benedetta Jasmine Guetta's "Cooking alla Giudia." This delightful book celebrates the lesser-known culinary treasures of Italian-Jewish history, unveiling the Jewish origins of iconic Italian dishes. From Roman artichokes to Sicilian caponata, these recipes offer a flavorful journey through Italy's rich and diverse gastronomic tapestry. Benedetta shares not just recipes but the compelling story of how Jewish influences shaped Italian cuisine. Get ready to infuse your meals with history and flavor and explore the fusion of these two vibrant cultures on your plate.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

3. "KATIE CHIN'S GLOBAL FAMILY COOKBOOK: INTERNATIONALLY-INSPIRED RECIPES YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WILL LOVE!" by KATIE CHIN

Professional chef, TV personality and working mom of three kids, Katie Chin shows you how easy it is to prepare new and exciting meals from many cultures. Discover comfort food from around the world and add some international flair to your dinner table. Give the gift of creating unforgettable flavors of the world through 170 recipes including: Seven Global Go-To Sauces, Mexican Chimichurri Chicken Burgers, Thai Curry Meatball Subs, Cuban Fish Tacos with Citrus Mango Slaw, Easy Pad Thai Noodles, Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza, Crispy Korean Chicken Sliders and so much more.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

4. "COOLHAUS ICE CREAM BOOK: CUSTOM-BUILT SANDWICHES WITH CRAZY-GOOD COMBOS OF COOKIES, ICE CREAMS, GELATOS AND SORBETS" by NATASHA CASE, FREYA ESTRELLER AND KATHLEEN SQUIRES

From a beat-up postal van turned food truck, Coolhaus has rocketed to a national brand and is one of the most delicious ice cream brands we've ever tasted — especially their legendary "Sammies." The inventive sandwiches, named after famous architects, are sold in supermarkets across the country, as well as from trucks in Los Angeles, New York, Austin and Dallas. Now the owners part with the recipes for their coolest creations, like the BuckMINTster Fuller (Dirty Mint Chip Ice Cream with Chocolate Chip Cookies) and the Frank Behry (Strawberry Gelato with Snickerdoodles). Sandwiched among the treats are tips on ice cream making, profiles of major and up-and-coming architects, and amusing tales of the owners' forays into the ice cream business.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

5. "OLIVE & THYME: EVERYDAY MEALS MADE EXTRAORDINARY" by MELANIE DAVIES

There's a beautiful little restaurant in Toluca Lake, California, that we stumbled upon one day while we were getting our car washed. Now we're obsessed with Olive & Thyme's Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad, Spicy Chicken Bowtie Pasta and Miso Salmon Bowl. Lauded chef, Melina Davies brings her passion for great food and hospitality to her book, which shares her most popular recipes (drawn from French, Californian, Italian and Middle Eastern influences), along with her breezy, practical entertaining advice. "Olive & Thyme" is the ingredient every kitchen needs ― a fun, inspirational guide to enjoying what matters most in life: family, friends, good food and music.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

6. "MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING" (2 VOLUME SET) by JULIA CHILD

For every home cook and Julia Child enthusiast, this boxed set is a culinary treasure. "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" combines the two volumes of Julia Child's acclaimed best-selling classic cookbook. Packed with sumptuous recipes, detailed instructions, and precise line drawings, this collection elevates your culinary skills. From historic Gallic masterpieces to the seemingly artless perfection of spring-green peas, these volumes are a stunning feat of cookbook literature and a must-have for any lover of French cuisine.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

7. "BIG HEART LITTLE STOVE: BRINGING HOME MEALS & MOMENTS FROM THE LOST KITCHEN by ERIN FRENCH

We're cooking show enthusiasts, and "The Lost Kitchen" fueled our fascination with Erin French's restaurant in Freedom, Maine. While waiting for our golden ticket to dine there, we're savoring her book "Big Heart Little Stove." Brimming with simple recipes from her family and restaurant, it covers everything from irresistible nibbles to show-stopping main courses. Discover joy and connection with every delicious dish.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

8. "BLACK GIRL BAKING: WHOLESOME RECIPES INSPIRED BY A SOULFUL UPBRINGING" by JERRELLE GUY

Indulge in the sensory journey of baking with Jerrelle Guy's "Black Girl Baking." From the nostalgic aroma of Honey Wheat Cinnamon Raisin Bread to the crackling surface of Bruleed Buttermilk Pie, each recipe weaves a narrative of Jerrelle's cherished memories. This cookbook, featuring 75 soulful recipes and vibrant photos, invites you to step away and immerse yourself in the art of baking — connecting with the simple pleasures of childhood through touch, smell, and sound. With a unique blend of soul food and therapeutic storytelling, "Black Girl Baking" is a culinary adventure to be savored.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

9. "COOK THIS BOOK: TECHNIQUES THAT TEACH AND RECIPES TO REPEAT: A COOKBOOK" by MOLLY BAZ

Even if the recipes in this book weren't great, which they are, "Cook This Book" would win us over on design alone. So dive into the world of culinary Molly Baz's expertise, where exceptional recipes meet insightful lessons in the art of cooking. Beyond the mouthwatering dishes, this book is a kitchen companion designed to answer your burning questions and unmask the mysteries of the culinary journey. Focused on teaching, it features QR codes to tutorials and offers practical tips on time management, ingredient prep, and the crucial order of operations, ensuring a seamless cooking experience. With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by home cooks, this cookbook is not just a collection of recipes but a guide that anticipates and addresses your every culinary query. Let the kitchen adventures begin.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

10. "SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT: MASTERING THE ELEMENTS OF GOOD COOKING" by SAMIN NOSRAT (AUTHOR) AND WENDY MACNAUGHTON (ILLUSTRATOR)

"Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" is a culinary game-changer, selling over 1 million copies and earning the New York Times bestseller title. Winner of the James Beard Award and multiple IACP Cookbook Awards, this masterpiece by Samin Nosrat transforms cooking into a visionary experience. Distilling decades of professional wisdom into four simple elements — Salt, Fat, Acid, and Heat — Samin's philosophy will revolutionize your approach to food. With over 100 recipes and 150 illustrations, this book is a must-have for anyone seeking to master the art of delicious cooking.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

BONUS BOOK:

11. "A TABLE SET FOR SISTERHOOD: 35 RECIPES INSPIRED BY 35 FEMALE ICONS" by ASHLEY SCHÜTZ

We love this marriage of two of our biggest passions — food and feminism. "Table Set for Sisterhood: 35 Recipes Inspired by 35 Female Icons" is the ultimate feminist cookbook, featuring over thirty fully illustrated recipes and captivating stories of iconic women and recipes inspired by them. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned cook, this colorful guide offers easy-to-follow sweet and savory options for every occasion. From breakfast to dessert, each dish pays homage to a feminist trailblazer, blending the art of storytelling with the joy of cooking. Some of the women featured include Frida Kahlo (Self-Illustrated Tortilla Soup), Malala Yousafzai (Cardamom Spiced Roasted Chicken), Aretha Franklin (Peaches and Biscuits), Amelia Earhart (Rich Hot Chocolate) and many more. Celebrate the spirit of sisterhood with this unique and empowering gift.

Get the latest price and buy now HERE.

Sign up for our mailing list so you don’t miss any of our upcoming gift lists including books, games & toys and arts & crafts and more all from women-owned businesses.