Christmas Gift Ideas: Ten Books a Foodie Would Love

If your holiday shopping list includes a foodie who loves books, too, you have some wonderful options. Following are ten books that any foodie would love to find in his or her stocking this Christmas. These books are listed in no particular order.

1. The Happy Baker: A Girl's Guide to Emotional Baking; Erin Bolger; Harlequin Nonfiction

This book is part amazing baked goods and part chick lit. If you are a fan of Pioneer Woman, you will love this book. In this book, Bolger shares recipes such as My Mom Is Always Right Choca-Moca Squares and Me and My Cookies Are So over You between tips, such as "Get a cute apron; you have to look your best when trying to get over someone," and funny, relatable personal stories.

2. Skinny Cocktails; Jaclyn Wilson Foley & Ray Foley; Sourcebooks

If the foodie in your life believes that cocktails are their own food group and is constantly counting calories, this might be the perfect stocking stuffer. The first section of the purse- or pocket-sized book lists in common alcoholic beverages and mixers. The rest of the book contains lighter versions of popular drinks, from an Absolut Fuzzy Navel all the way to Zen Iced Tea.

3. The Sweet Potato Lover's Cookbook; Lyniece North Talmadge; Sourcebooks

Sweet potatoes are one of those things that Foodies either adore or abhor. If the foodie on your Christmas list loves these orange tubers, you cannot go wrong with this book. Talmadge shares over 100 sweet potato recipes from Sweet Potato Grits for breakfast all the way through to Sweet Potato Cake for dessert.

4. Chef Nancy's Kids' Club Cookbook; Nancy Russman; Butler Books

Perhaps you have a foodie in the making on your Christmas list. If so, you have to pick up this book. With its big, bright illustrations and simple instructions, this book begs to be perused and used. In addition, you can give this book to any child in good conscious, as all of the recipes are wholesome and healthful, such as GrahamCracker Yummies and Brain Food, a kid-friendly trail mix.

5. Jonathon's Bluegrass Table: Redefining Kentucky Cuisine; Butler Books

If your favorite foodie passes the time flipping through favorite cookbooks and drooling over the recipe photos, look no further, as this book is overflowing with "food porn." Chef Jonathon Lundy of Jonathan at Gratz Park in Lexington, Kentucky shares recipes for which he is famous in this sleek, beautifully illustrated book. You will find dozens of old southern favorites, such as Fried Green Tomatoes, and new ones, such as Goat Cheese Scalloped Potatoes.

6. A Feast for the Eyes: Recipes from America's Grandest Victorian Neighborhood; David Domine; McClanahan Publishing House

For the foodie who cannot decide whether to watch the Food Network or HGTV, consider giving this book. Stunning photos of historic Louisville homes share the pages with snapshots of mouth-watering recipes, such as Ron's Kentucky Spoon Bread and Pappy's Sweet & Sour Bourbon Meatballs. This book will be equally appropriate in the kitchen or on the coffee table.

7. Gifts Cooks Love: Recipes for Giving; Diane Morgan; Andrews McMeel Publishing

While the items in this book would be perfect to make and give to any foodie, your foodie might appreciate the ideas even more as she can use them to create impressive gifts from her own kitchen. Chapters including suggestions on basic gadgets, foods, packaging and techniques a foodie should have in a gift-giving kitchen as well as specific gift ideas. These are not your typical cookies and pie gifts, either. Recipes include Rustic Rosemary-Parmesan Crackers and Biscotti Christmas Tree. It also features ideas on how to package several treats together to make a boutique-worthy "kit."

8. The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-Free; Anne Byrn; Workman Publishing

Sometimes foodies face restrictions, such as a family member with a food allergy that prevents them from making all of the recipes they desire. For the foodie who requires gluten-free foods, this book delivers. Byrn uses gluten-free cake mixes from common brands, such as Betty Crocker and Whole Foods, to create dozens of delicious, gluten-free desserts.

9. ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS COMPLETE BOOK OF KNIFE SKILLS: The Essential Guide to Use, Techniques & Care; Jeffrey Elliot and James P. DeWan; Robert Rose, Inc.

Every foodie knows that the proper tools are essential to a great meal. If your favorite foodie carries a picture of his cutlery set in his wallet, this may be the book to give. Concise directions and detailed photos teach everything from the proper knife grips to cutting a chicken into eight pieces to scaling fish.

10. The Food Substitutions Bible, Second Edition; David Joachim; Robert Rose, Inc.

You decide to surprise your family with Grandma's pancakes for breakfast, but you do not have buttermilk. No problem, if you have this book on hand. Your foodie will love you for putting this under the tree. It features 1,500 substitutions for ingredients, equipment and more. Along with emergency substitutions, it offers healthy stand-ins, time savers and even vegetarian replacements.

No matter which of these books you give to the foodie on your list, prepare to hear lots of "Oohs," "Ahhs" and "Thank yous," as they will show the thought and care you put into selecting the perfect gift. Of course, you could snag a couple for yourself, as well!