Cookbook Recommendation: Avec Eric: A Culinary Journey with Eric Ripert

Today’s last-minute gift idea is a cookbook. If you have a cook in your life who really relishes fresh ingredients, the process of cooking, and many different kinds of cuisines, I will say that you can’t go wrong with Eric Ripert’s book, Avec Eric. (The awesome TV show is also available on Hulu.)

I’ve mentioned his recipes before, and what I love about his style is that he is a chef who really knows about great cooking but manages to make it accessible to all. Recently, I tried his fabulous ratatouille recipe, and it’s one that I will go back to again and again. He offers you the idea of baking eggs on top for a vegetarian-friendly brunch dish, but he also mentions that it can be used as a side-dish. Simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and visually-appealing, it’s a great dish. But then again, all of his dishes are great.

In addition to the great recipes and his simple, accessible style, Eric Ripert is of course the chef and co-owner of Le Bernardin in NYC, so he has that added street cred for your star-struck foodie friend.

In conclusion: for a can’t-go-wrong cookbook for the food-nerd in your life, do check out Avec Eric.