Refreshing Recipe Books for Summer Cooking

From picnics and barbecues to pool parties and beach days, summer cooking is all about balancing the outdoor heat with savory meals and refreshing treats. If you’re looking to expand your palate and cooking expertise before the season ends, here are some recipe books that stand out: 

Salad Party: Mix and Match to Make 3,375 Fresh Creations by Kristy Mucci 

With its flip book design, say goodbye to decision fatigue by mixing and matching dressings, toppings, and bases to create 3,375 fresh variations of different salad combinations. Try maple and mustard vinaigrette over blistered tomatoes and shredded purple cabbage for a bright red and purple salad mix, or lemon-lime dressing on rainbow carrot ribbons and shaved summer squash for an ultra-fresh salad. For surefire delicious salad combos, there are also suggested combinations in the back. 

Sicilia: A Love Letter to the Food of Sicily by Ben Tish 

Tish dives into Sicily’s cultural and culinary influences from Europe and North Africa, presenting readers with vibrant Sicilian foods that are sure to excite your taste buds. The book is divided into categories based on different food types, with an eye-catching granita and ice cream section that could make a hot Brooklyn day feel as refreshing as a buttermilk and lemongrass granita on a Mediterranean island. 

Ed Mitchell’s Barbeque by Ed Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, and Zella Palmer 

Known as “the Pitmaster,” Ed Mitchell shares recipes passed down through the generations and explains the lesser-told history of Black Americans and North Carolina. Covering his signature whole-hog barbeque technique and other essential dishes, including cornbread, mac ‘n’ cheese, and slaws, Mitchell provides readers with the blueprints for the perfect summer barbeque.  

Speedy Juicing: 120 Healthy and Delicious Juices and Smoothies 

Juices and smoothies don’t get any easier than these straightforward and healthy recipes. Divided into five categories—revive, refresh, recharge, remedy, and relish—this book has a plethora of drink variations. You don’t have to worry about information overload because the longest part of the recipes is usually the ingredients list—simply blend them together in a juicer and enjoy. 

World Cocktail Atlas: Travel the World of Drinks Without Leaving Home by Olly Smith  

Taking drink inspiration from all over the world, Smith’s book gives readers the chance to sip on unique recipes in the comfort of your home. The visually stunning book with easy to follow recipes is perfect for hosting summer parties and trying something new. There’s a recipe for everyone, including non-alcoholic drinks sprinkled throughout the book. 

50 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant's Love Letter to the United States Through Pie by Stacey Mei Yan Fong 

Although pies have English roots, they’ve become a quintessential American staple, especially in the summertime. Pie by pie, Fong’s narrative paints a portrait of the United States and her journey as an immigrant. By pairing a different recipe with each of the 50 states, there’s an endless variety of options, including fruit and nut pies, custard and cream pies, and savory pies, plus a few extra recipes inspired by Fong’s childhood in Singapore, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. 

Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Check out BPL’s extensive cookbook catalog!