The prestigious James Beard Foundation announced on April 26 its winners for books, broadcast and food journalism from 2015 at Chelsea Piers in New York City.
The foundation, which celebrates works that "foster a deeper understanding of our culinary culture," honored the year's best food blogs, documentaries and cookbooks in a TV Dinner-themed ceremony.
While all the nominees represent important contributions to the American culinary world, the winners are especially notable for their innovation and importance.
In the words of the James Beard Foundation, “Food is economics, politics, entertainment, culture, fashion, family, passion...and nourishment.” So check out all the cookbook winners below -- and don’t forget to watch for the upcoming Restaurant and Chef awards!
2016 James Beard Foundation Cookbook Winners
American Cooking
“The Beetlebung Farm Cookbook”
Chris Fischer with Catherine Young
Baking and Dessert
“Sourdough: Recipes for Rustic Fermented Breads, Sweets, Savories, and More”
Sarah Owens
Beverage
“The Oxford Companion to Wine”
Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding
Cooking from a Professional Point of View
“NOPI: The Cookbook”
Yotam Ottolenghi and Ramael Scully
Focus on Health
“Lighten Up, Y'all: Classic Southern Recipes Made Healthy and Wholesome”
Virginia Willis
General Cooking
“The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science”
J. Kenji López-Alt
International
“Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking”
Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook
Photography
“Near & Far: Recipes Inspired by Home and Travel
Heidi Swanson
Reference and Scholarship
The Jemima Code: Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks”
Toni Tipton-Martin
Single Subject
“A Bird in the Hand: Chicken Recipes for Every Day and Every Mood”
Diana Henry
Vegetable Focused and Vegetarian
“V Is for Vegetables: Inspired Recipes & Techniques for Home Cooks”
Michael Anthony
Writing and Literature
“Soda Politics: Taking on Big Soda (and Winning)”
Marion Nestle
Book of the Year
“Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking”
Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook