Set the Table! Here are the Year’s Top Cookbooks

If there’s one thing that all parents can relate to, it’s the feeling of dinnertime burnout. Coming up with a creative recipe that’s healthy and well-received by picky kids can be impossible. Restaurant closures due to COVID-19 have made this kitchen exhaustion even more common. For many parents, the saving grace for kitchen conundrums comes […]

If there’s one thing that all parents can relate to, it’s the feeling of dinnertime burnout. Coming up with a creative recipe that’s healthy and well-received by picky kids can be impossible. Restaurant closures due to COVID-19 have made this kitchen exhaustion even more common. For many parents, the saving grace for kitchen conundrums comes in the form of a brand new cookbook.

With so many parents in the kitchen turning to cookbooks, it is interesting to think about which cookbooks are the most popular. Tracing these trends may indicate different generations’ tastes, health goals and culinary aptitude. Luckily, new data from Joybird reveals which cookbooks have been the most popular in the U.S. through 2020 so far. The study, which explored search data for cookbooks from Barnes and Noble, included some interesting insights.

FIrst, the data shows a wide range of favorite cookbooks differing state by state. Parents might understand why this actually makes a lot of sense. From the farm to the grocery store to the table, food offerings vary greatly geographically. So it makes sense that cookbooks offering specific recipes and cooking techniques would succeed differently state by state.

For example, in Tennessee, the No.1 cookbook was Franklin Barbecue, which has hopefully provided parents with some tasty, tangy recipes to satisfy their families’ Southern palette while the state’s famous barbecue eateries remain closed.

Another local-pleasing cookbook was Trejo’s Tacos, the No.1 book in California. California, a state that many Mexican-Americans call home, would definitely be a prime market for a taco cookbook. Plus, in the state where movie stars abound, actor Danny Trejo’s name on the cover might be especially popular.

Another trend from the data is that family-friendly cookbooks were popular across the whole country.

One of the most popular books, Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Table, which was the No. 1 cookbook in a chart-topping three states, follows the Magnolia brand’s family focus with classic comfort food.

Other recipes great for parent chefs include books with recipes from kids’ favorite movies, like the Binging with Babish cookbook or books, like the Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook. With fun recipes inspired by stories, parents can try something new in the kitchen with their kids while they recreate iconic dishes.

Finally, some other cookbooks on the most popular list are perfect for parents looking to channel a night out…without a babysitter. The top book in Maryland, Tequila Mockingbird is perfect for parents looking to try new cocktails while nostalgically remembering their favorite books. Meanwhile, Massachusetts’ most popular cookbook, Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook can help parents imagine they are at a Mediterranean villa, even if their kids are howling over cartoons in the next room.

Overall, the variety of the most popular cookbooks absolutely proves that parents can disrupt kitchen habits by exploring new recipes. And, the family-friendly books on the list will absolutely satisfy children and grown-ups alike. Now, to figure out the boredom of online summer vacation.

You can see data with all states’ favorite cookbooks here.