As the recession takes its toll, more and more people are turning to their homes and their own kitchens for comfort. Cookbooks follow trends and this year's books fall into two broad categories.
The “cook at home” books have lots of tips and techniques, with recipes that are easily accessible but may be time-consuming.
The personal books are more intimate and sometimes self-indulgent, as David Chang, Nigel Slater, Jamie Oliver and others tell you more about themselves, their food and their attitudes so that their personalities come through.
This year, there are fewer large, cheffy books, which somehow feel out of place in this economy.
Here are my picks in no particular order, divided into home-grown and foreign categories.
