2008 - The Year’s trends in books

December 27, 6:49 AMBoston Food ExaminerJacqueline Church

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Books, Jacqueline Church

Looking over trends of 2008, I’ve selected a few of my favorite books that represent them and can take you forward through the new year. Foodies of any stripe will find something on this list.

Sustainable seafood - Very important issue for me and for all of us. One of the leading food trends on everyone's list from Gourmet to Star Chefs.

• Fish Without a Doubt - is a terrific fish cookbook, great for anyone who would like to make more healthy and sustainable cooking part of their regular rotation.
• Sustainable sushi is an idea whose time has come. What is it? Trevor Corson, the sushi concierge, has the basics: The Story of Sushi: An Unlikely Saga of Raw Fish and Rice (P.S.)  
• Casson Trenor’s book has the how-to guide.  Sustainable Sushi: A Guide to Saving the Oceans One Bite at a Time. (mid January)

Baking - home cooks are rediscovering the joy of baking. When you can make homemade breads and cakes for a fraction of the cost of store-bought, and you can control what goes in them, it's a no-brainer.

Art & Soul of Baking - This new book by Cindy Mushet is for any baker in your life. It is nearly encyclopedic in what it covers. With explanations of the science, the techniques that will make your baking successful, this is a terrific book for food geeks and cooks who may still be exploring the “cook” versus “baker” divide.

Ethnic Food
660 Curries - Ethnic foods will become increasingly important to the food lover, food writer, food critic. Look for Indian food to become more sophisticated and diversified much in the way that Italian fare has grown as our tastes and comfort levels grew. This book gives you basics, how to’s and recipes for many familiar Indian dishes and introduces the reader to regional cuisine, too.

Travel writing
Everything but the Squeal -  Mark Kurlansky meets Peter Kaminsky meets Bill Bryson. Funny stories about travel which is focused on eating every part of the pig but the squeal, in Spain.

Cocktails- Everyone is enjoying the resurgence of interest in spirits and cocktails. What could be better than insider's guide to the cocktails of New Orleans?
In the Land of Cocktails - a charming book, part history, part family secrets, part pure indulgence kind of book

Finally, if you’re one of the many people who this year or this time of year, decide it’s time to start eating more healthfully, or more frugally, here are a couple of fun options:

• Raising the Salad Bar - Catherine Walthers
• Organic Marin - Porter & Wong Kinglsey - take a recipe-driven tour of the heart of organic foods.
• Casserole Crazy - Emily Farris

click image for good books & remember: books make great gifts!