Just this weekend I received three different requests for cookbooks I’d recommend for holiday gifts. What fun it’s been to reflect on the favorites from my own pantry, and visit my wish list for those I’m hoping make their way under the tree this year.

I hope you’ll add to this list in the comments section – what are your favorites, and what are you wishing for?

On my wish list:

Super Natural Every Day: Well-loved Recipes from My Natural Foods Kitchen

What I love most about skimming through this book (many times at the bookstore!) is the simplistic, yet delicious recipes within. Making meals from scratch doesn’t mean 20+ ingredient lists or hours in the kitchen, and this book supports that concept.

Cooking for Isaiah: Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals

This beautiful book has been on my wish list since we removed gluten and dairy from my son’s diet. The only reason we haven’t purchased it is because I’ve been in denial. It’s now time for me to learn how to make the meals we love with ingredients that are healthy for all of us.

The America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook: A New, Healthier Way to Cook Everything

I love books that help me cook traditional favorites a little more healthy, and I’ve read that this is one of the best.

Some of my favorites:

The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time

There’s so much to love about Laurie David’s book – from the recipes and stories that reinforce the importance of family dinners, to the table activity suggestions she sprinkles throughout. I met Laurie this year and love her passion to help families figure out mealtime togetherness.

Lunch Boxes and Snacks: Over 120 healthy recipes 

We’ve loved all of Annabel Karmel’s books since our oldest was eating solids but this is an all-time favorite that we still use. Mummy’s Ramen Noodles is a frequently requested dinner around here, but my kids love all her recipes – and I love that they’re healthy and please an adult palette.

The Whole Family Cookbook: Celebrate the goodness of locally grown foods

Michelle Stern and I have been friends for years and am so proud of her amazing book about enjoying locally grown foods. There’s easy ways to get kids involved in preparing food based on her What’s Cooking with Kids program. The recipes are fun, healthy and tasty. Don’t miss the Baked Apple Puff -for breakfast or dessert.

Toddler Cafe: Fast, Healthy and Fun Ways to Feed Even the Pickiest Eater

If you want to avoid raising a picky eater, or it’s too late and you’re feeding one – this is the book for you! Jennifer’s got great ideas for everyone!

 Kitchen Playdates: Easy Ideas for Entertaining 

I love these fun recipes that we can make with even our little ones. It’s a fun gift for any family with toddlers that wants to share time together in the kitchen.