Local chefs are constantly finding inspiration — and expanding their knowledge — with cookbooks. If you’re gifting a home cooking enthusiast this year, check out this list of cookbooks the pros are pining over.

Josh Niland Collection (Fish Butchery, The Whole Fish Cookbook, Take One Fish)
Wished for by: Bruce Moffett, Moffett Restaurant Group
“It makes you look at fish in a whole new way. All the possibilities for utilization of the whole fish.”

The Art of Cooking Vegetables by Alain Passard
Wished for by: Sam Hart, Counter-
“He is the greatest vegetable cook who ever existed in my mind. Learn the most important skill from the best at it.”

Made In India by Madhur Jaffrey
Wished for by: Cat Carter, L’Ostrica
“I want to dive deeper into Indian cooking, particularly how to coax so much flavor out of every ingredient and layer them beautifully. My understanding is that this is considered an essential text reference.”

Eleven Madison Park: The Plant-Based Chapter by Daniel Humm
Wished for by: Sam Diminich, Restaurant Constance
“In a sense, as someone who is veggie-focused, it’s a completely new language in cooking. As it applies to the restaurant world, there are maybe six options for a main course. Follow me here; think of a tasting menu format or elevated dining: lamb, beef, game, poultry, and select seafood. With vegetables, it’s endless, and I’m so excited to see where he goes in this new chapter.”

Regarding Cocktails by Sasha Petraske
Wished for by: Justin Hazelton, Lorem Ipsum
“This book is one of my favorites because it’s a no-nonsense approach to cocktails where every aspect is detailed. There’s even a bookmark with a legend on it to help you navigate through the recipes.”