Web Extras: Best Cookbooks of 2009

Dec. 22, 2009— -- Only on ABCNews.com, 15 more great cookbooks to give as gifts this year!

From one of the most exciting new chefs on the New York scene comes this inspirational book with an Asian slant. It is also David's story of becoming a chef. A great read.

Unlike many cookbooks put out by spa properties and spa chefs, this is one you could actually learn from and use. The ingredients are all fresh and real (no fake substitutions here).

This amazing coffee table book captures the flavor of New Orleans in recipes, stories and photos.

All the details you need to know about throwing a party, from menu planning and estimating food quantities to napkin folding.

This book is indeed serious. If barbecue is your passion, Adam will take you to the next level. He is an amazing teacher.

From the chef who has brought some of the best Greek food to New York City comes this wonderful home cooking book with tasty stick to your ribs recipes. The stories that accompany the recipes are wonderful too.

James Peterson is the author of many definitive tomes on the subject of such topics as "fish," "soups" and "sauces." He admits that he is more of a cooker than a baker in the introduction to this book, and as another non-baker he really spoke to me. But this book is for everyone who wants to bake, from the simplest to the most complicated pastry.