Chou, Hsiao-Ching & Meilee Chou Riddle. Feasts of Good Fortune: 75 Recipes for a Year of Chinese American Celebrations, from Lunar New Year to Mid-Autumn Festival and Beyond. Sasquatch. Dec. 2024. 256p. ISBN 9781632175182. pap. $30. COOKING

During the height of the pandemic, cookbook author, and mom Chou (Chinese Soul Food) saw what she lost when she was unable to share her table and traditions, and the inspiration for this book was born. Teaming up with her teenage daughter in this book, she reflects on the importance of holidays big and small to celebrate family, culture, and food. A robust introduction guides readers through pantry, technique, and even the lunar calendar know-how with narrative and graphic elements. The book is equal parts practical cooking advice and instruction and also an introduction to their Chinese American culture. Readers will learn about each holiday and the dishes that accompany it. Detailed recipes include an effort rating, comprehensive guidance, and helpful hints in the “Mom Says” sidebars to ensure kitchen success. Dishes are traditional but are interpreted for the modern kitchen and deliver both flavor and comfort. Clare Barboza’s photography shines and is as warm and inviting as the narrative. With rich text and delicious feasts, this cookbook supplies the tools to create family traditions. VERDICT Rarely does one find a cookbook that combines nostalgia, family, and tradition with thorough culinary instruction. This mother-daughter duo has done just that with their ode to passing on cooking skills and culture through generations with mouthwatering dishes.—Sarah Tansley

★Stewart, Martha. Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen. Clarkson Potter. Nov. 2024. 304p. ISBN 9780593139202. $40. COOKING

If cookbook authors were like famous musicians and published greatest-hits albums, this would be Martha Stewart’s. Great care has been taken to collect her personal favorite recipes to include in her 100th book, which is full of the wisdom and charm readers have come to treasure from the domestic icon. Her dependable writing style and encouraging tips are employed in this overview of her life and career that is sure to please her most ardent fans and newcomers alike. With a can-do casual approach, Stewart offers dishes for every style of meal, every occasion, and shares how they are connected to her own story, travels, and life. Sprinkled throughout are personal photos from her childhood, early modeling career, beginnings as a chef, and familiar food creations that jump off the page. Also included are basic recipes for multiple versions of stock, doughs, and a list of basic kitchen tools she recommends for every kitchen. This is definitely a career-spanning tribute to Stewart, but also a loving thank-you to those who have followed her story and career. VERDICT This cookbook offers home cooks a complete collection of treasured recipes and a glimpse at a storied culinary journey.—Ron Block