Great Books that Inform and Inspire

November 21, 2020

Whether you're starting your holiday shopping this weekend or looking for an uplifting distraction from today's current events, here are some wonderful books to pick up right now!

I get a lot of books, and over the last couple of months, I've received several I know you'll enjoy - beautiful books filled with information, inspiration, and comfort. Among them, "Designing History: The Evolutionary Art & Style of the Obama White House" by Michael Smith, "Life in the Studio: Inspiration and Lessons on Creativity" by Frances Palmer, "Cooking in Marfa: Welcome, We've Been Expecting You" by Virginia Lebermann and Rocky Barnette, and photographed by my dear friend, Douglas Friedman, "Windcliff: A Story of People, Plants, and Gardens" by Dan Hinkley, and "Fruit Cake: Recipes for the Curious Baker" by Jason Schreiber. I love reading books like these - created by such talented individuals who are so passionate in what they do.

Enjoy these photos - and don't forget, my 97th book is in bookstores now - "Cake Perfection: 100+ Recipes for the Sweet Classic, from Simple to Stunning." And at the end of this blog, a surprise peek at my 98th.

: This cookbook, “Fruit Cake,” focuses on baked goods made with fruit. Author Jason Schreiber has done lots of work for me, my magazines, my books, and my television shows. I was honored and excited to write the foreword. Original and witty, this book adds a modern and flavorful twist to the versions we remember eating as children. (Photo by Ethan Calabrese)

: This is the Polenta Pound Cake with Spiced Mandarins. Serve it whole on the table, or plate it up individually – either way, it is sure to be devoured. (Photo by Ethan Calabrese)

: The Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake combines the delicious creamy texture of peanut butter with the perfect balance of sweet jam. (Photo by Ethan Calabrese)

: This is called Chocolate Caramel Banana Roulade – the ingredients speak for themselves. In this cake, Jason also adds two tablespoons of rum. It’s one you will make over and over. (Photo by Ethan Calabrese)

: This cake is Bim’s Yeast Cake made with blueberries. This is a gorgeous cake inspired by Jason’s grandmother who always baked with fresh yeast rather than instant. Fresh yeast, with its sweet aroma, can still be found in grocery stores – look for it in the refrigerated section. (Photo by Ethan Calabrese)

: Nectarine Kuchen is a soft, fruit-topped cake that can be dressed with nectarines or any stone fruit you like. (Photo by Ethan Calabrese)

: “Life in the Studio” is by Frances Palmer. I’ve known Frances for years – she is a renowned potter, gardener, photographer, and entrepreneur. I was so happy to open this book and see all the gorgeous photographs – most of which were taken by Frances herself. This book is about a lovely and unique artist, her passions, her expertise, and her best lessons for living a creative life. (Photo by Frances Palmer)

: Here is an image of Frances at her potting wheel. Frances has been a potter for more than 30 years. Her crafts have been featured in my magazines, on my television shows, and carried by countless retail shops.

: Among her works, Frances makes beautiful pieces painted with cobalt. She starts by penciling her designs right onto the clear-glazed pots before adding the paint and then firing in the kiln – the results are breathtaking. (Photo by Frances Palmer)

: This is Frances’ garden on an autumn morning with all the dahlias in bloom. In this book, Frances also shares her tips for growing these colorful flowers. (Photo by Frances Palmer)

: This is a view from the second floor of her barn studio overlooking some of her ceramics for sale. Frances places her pots on one large table, so customers can see the various one-of-a-kind shapes. (Photo by Frances Palmer)

: Frances also features some of her stunning floral photographs. She talks about the four main principles of photography – light, contrast, warm versus cool, and point of view. I love this collection of amaryllis, orange tulips, and bright pink hyacinths. The book offers pages and pages of inspiration. (Photo by Frances Palmer)

: Another book filled with striking images is “Windcliff: A Story of People, Plants, and Gardens.” Dan Hinkley and I have known each other for many years. He is an exceptional plantsman, garden writer, horticulturist, nurseryman, and friend – best known for establishing Heronswood Nursery, in Kingston, Washington, and his current garden, Windcliff on Washington State’s Kitsap Peninsula. Through these pages, one can see how Dan’s own garden evolved. (Photo by Claire Takacs)

: This garden shows Pittosporum tenuifolium, Phormium tenax, and other gorgeous and rare specimen plantings. The diverse collection holds its beauty through the seasons. (Photo by Claire Takacs)

: The garden is built on a bluff with spectacular views of Mt. Ranier in the distance. (Photo by Claire Takacs)

: The council ring is the heart of the Windcliff garden. Commonly known as a fire pit, it was built by craftsman Jeffrey Bales in 2002 – all the rocks and pebbles meticulously hand-selected and thoughtfully positioned. (Photo by Claire Takacs)

: Dan’s dogs are also featured. This is Henri walking over to greet Dan with a gift of a shoe. (Photo by Claire Takacs)

: This photo shows Agapanthus in late July. The darkest blue on the right is Agapanthus ‘Martha Stewart’ – named after me in 2013 when Dan and his husband, Robert, asked guests at their wedding to select favorite specimens among their blooming seedlings. I picked a most gorgeous flower. (Photo by Claire Takacs)

: As you know, I love traveling to Marfa, Texas, a small desert city in West Texas, known largely as a center for minimalist art. The town, about three hours from El Paso and an hour from Big Bend National Park has a population of about 2000 and is a mix of old and new, classic and modern – with vintage cafes, contemporary art exhibits, historical architecture, and some of the most stunning desert landscapes. This book, by Virginia Lebermann and Rocky Barnette, talks about Capri, a restaurant, an art installation, and a wonderful place to gather. The photographs are all taken by my friend, Douglas Friedman. When asked what inspired the book, the authors said, “Douglas Friedman was the impetus and inspiration for us all to come together to propose this project to Phaidon. He loves The Capri, the wildness, beauty and theater coming out of the kitchen. We thought he was wonderfully mad when he shared the idea. But now we have “Cooking in Marfa” to document a magical moment in time at The Capri.” (Photo by Douglas Friedman)

: In a chapter entitled “Smaller Dishes,” Capri Crudites combines a tasty assortment of the freshest vegetables of the season. Here – carrots, celery hearts, pomegranate, avocado, cauliflower florets, scallions, cucumber, asparagus tips, and more – all served over a bowl of crushed ice. (Photo by Douglas Friedman)

: Recognize this combination? This is Jenny Laird’s Texas Caviar, an appetizer at The Capri inspired by our own Kevin Sharkey who loves serving Fritos Corn Chips with the finest caviar. I love it too – have you tried it? (Photo by Douglas Friedman)

: This is the Capri Steak – made with the finest quality Akaushi beef, a distinct breed of wagyu, or Japanese cattle. The steaks are incredibly tender and flavorful. (Photo by Douglas Friedman)

: Who can resist a bowl of Chocolate Ice Cream? This one is made with the simplest and purest chocolate and made even more decadent with couveture, chocolate made with extra cocoa butter to give it a high gloss. (Photo by Douglas Friedman)

: Tamarind is the fruit pod of a tree native to Asia and northern Africa. Mexico is known for its tamarind candy. These are Tamarind Ice Pops. The Capri serves them with a spicy salt mix made with — grasshoppers, which are commonly eaten in certain areas of Mexico. (Photo by Douglas Friedman)

: This cocktail is a Hibiscus Margarita – made with hibiscus flowers, agave, lime, lemon, orange, and Reposado tequila – a light and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed on warm Texas evenings. Douglas, who lives in Marfa, said this about working on the book. “I jumped at the opportunity to barter my photography services for free meals at The Capri. In all seriousness, I was looking for a reason to work with Virginia and Rocky. It was an excuse to spend time in my dusty little town drinking tequila and eating with my friends.” (Photo by Douglas Friedman)

: “Designing History” is by internationally renowned decorator, Michael Smith. He wrote this book with Margaret Russell and the foreword was written by former First Lady, Michelle Obama. (Photo by Michael Mundy)

: Here is Michael standing in the Yellow Oval Room of the White House. This book is for anyone who appreciates the art of decorating – design enthusiasts, political aficionados, and students of Americana, and more. It is an extraordinary book showing Michael’s collaboration with President and First Lady Obama on decorating the White House, one of the most celebrated residences of the United States. (Photo by Michael Mundy)

: This room was the Master Bedroom, decorated with furniture from the late 18th century, Larsen raw silk, and wallpaper by Gracie. Everything is impeccably designed. (Photo by Michael Mundy)

: The Family Dining Room was originally a storeroom, then a bedchamber, a master bedroom, and even a music room before Jacqueline Kennedy renovated the space and designated it as the family’s dining room. (Photo by Michael Mundy)

: A private dining room for small presidential meetings or lunches, shows an 1868 painting of a Civil War peace negotiation. It is George P.A. Healy’s “The Peacemakers.” (Photo by Michael Mundy)

: For more relaxed evenings, the First Family used this Sitting Room which overlooks the South Lawn. The painting is Sean Scully’s ONEONEZERONINE RED, which was lent to the White House by the National Gallery of Art. (Photo by Michael Mundy)

: The Solarium features a color palette of earthy tans and browns mixed with touches of deep red. This room has gorgeous views of the south that include the Washington Monument. (Photo by Michael Mundy)

: If you haven’t seen it yet, this is my 97th book. And I assure you, you’ll want to make each and every one of the cakes in “Cake Perfection.” We worked very hard to make this book different from all the rest. It’s filled with stunning photographs, great ideas, and helpful baking techniques for making beautiful and flavorful cakes. (Photo by Lennart Weibull)

: This Pistachio Cardamom Bundt Cake can be made any day of the week – fragrant and flavorful, this bundt cake is decorated with Sicilian pistachios and dried rose petals. And in my book, I provide the easiest solution for getting a bundt pan out in one piece. (Photo by Lennart Weibull)

: This is our mouthwatering Mile-High Salted-Caramel Chocolate Cake. This one is for chocolate lovers – it is made with rich salted caramel, layers of chocolate cake, and dark chocolate frosting. (Photo by Johnny Miller)

: It’s hard to resist our Berry Layer Cake – look at all the gorgeous deep colors of the blueberries, black raspberries, blackberries, and varying shades of burgundy frosting. This recipe packs fresh fruits in the dough and sweet black raspberry jam into the meringue buttercream. (Photo by Mike Krautter)