“Homey and yet polished, this small gem delivers a flavorful journey through southern Arizona cuisine. Bright, vivid photos and rich context convey the unique culture and spark any appetite.  A glossary of pantry items, cheese, and most importantly peppers, round out this title, that while specific to a region, will be a pleasure to all. Barrio Sonoran Sourdough Bread with Pistachio Compound Butter is a treat. ”

CHICAGO — The CODES List, a committee of the Collection Development and Evaluation Section (CODES) of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), has announced the 2020 selection of essential cookbooks for public libraries. The CODES List: Cookbooks highlights titles for both avid home chefs and those just learning the rewards of making a meal. The list further supports those who appreciate the many joys of reading cookbooks, even if they rarely venture into the kitchen. As judged by librarians who cooked from them and hosted book groups about them, these are the cookbooks from 2020 that will meet this year’s unique needs and stand the test of time. They will become reliable favorites and nourish readers, today and for years to come. This juried list marks an initiative from CODES to help librarians identify works destined to become the backbone of our most popular collections, works that serve as sure bets for readers and standards of their genre. Look for more lists in the coming years addressing additional topics vital to public libraries. 

The list was announced Thursday, February 4, 2021 during the Book & Media Awards Virtual Ceremony.

Taste of Tucson: Sonoran-Style Recipes Inspired by the Rich Culture of Southern Arizona by Jackie Alpers. West Margin Press.

Visit ALA’s Site for the Full Lists