11 food (and food-adjacent) books from Minnesota authors to scoop up

“Zoë Bakes Cookies,” by Zoë François. François’ ode to the ultimate handheld dessert shares the recipes, stories and lessons that paved her way from humble beginnings (she started with a cookie cart) to bestselling author, creator of awe-inspiring desserts and wielder of kitchen torches. It was a pivotal experience for François as she dug deep into family recipes, turning the book into much more than a love letter to cookies. She also takes the opportunity to teach us the finer points of baking with the Baking Academy chapter, how to make a cookie our own in the Cookie Lab chapter, and defends the inclusion of bars. “In the pastry world, we always talk about texture, flavor, contrast and balance. A bar has it all,” she told the Star Tribune ahead of the book’s release. “It’s the perfect food group. The bars are to be revered.” (Ten Speed Press)

“The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book,” by Lee Svitak Dean and Rick Nelson. A sequel to the 2015 edition, the book chronicles the first 20 years of the Star Tribune’s Holiday Cookie Contest, which was started by the two retired Taste staffers. “This book also gave us an opportunity to tell personal stories, to have sort of a personal signoff on the contest,” Svitak Dean told the Star Tribune. “It’s sort of our legacy.” But don’t think this is just a holiday cookie book. While many recipes lend themselves to winter (Snowball Clippers and Hot Cocoa Cookies), there are plenty that deserve year-round status (Almond Palmiers, Strawberry Margarita Gems). The cookie contest proudly carries on and is as popular as ever, thanks to the foundation set by Nelson and Svitak Dean. (University of Minnesota Press)

“A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France” by Steve Hoffman. This memoir from the accountant/award-winning food writer is topping many national “best of the year” lists (and mine, too). The book chronicles the six-month period he and his wife, Mary Jo — whose book “Still” is also making waves in literary circles — moved their family across the globe to immerse themselves in a new culture. It’s a story of a husband and father wanting his family to share his love of France, and how the adventure changed their dynamic — and their futures. Both riveting and relatable, by the end of the book you’ll be ready to embark on a journey of rediscovery, or at least track down wines from France’s Languedoc region, which Hoffman writes about so beautifully. (Crown)

“River Language,” by JD Fratzke. We love seeing a different side of the people we have come to know through restaurants. And this book of poetry by the chef and hospitality pro is a great example of that, yet perhaps not a surprise to those who remember reading his evocative menu descriptions. Billed as “an autobiographical testament to a reconnection with the ancient waterways that run through the deepest parts of all of us,” Fratzke does indeed write about rivers and waterways, foundational for the Winona native, but also restaurants, mullets and wildlife. Even if you’re not a poetry expert (guilty), the poems are a window into both Fratzke and, after a little time, yourself. (Liquid North Publishing)

“The Wisdom of the Sausage Sister,” by Cherie Peterson. Fans of the Minnesota State Fair know the Sausage Sisters and their Food Building stand well. In this book, Peterson tells the story of how she and her sister Merry got their sausage start (carrying on a craft started by their father), and their journey from creating recipes and starting the Weenie Wagon, taking it to the Minneapolis Farmers Market and, finally, debuting at the fair in 2002. They instantly became a perennial favorite with offerings like the popular Twisted Sister to this year’s 3 Piggy Pals On-A-Stick. You’ll read about family traditions, entrepreneurship and, of course, sausage. There are recipes, too. This book slipped by us in 2023, but it’s a meaty addition to this year’s list. (Wise Ink)