I’ve noticed my taste in cookbooks change over the past few years, moving away from fancy, fussy fare, and straight toward flavor and technique. This year—good God, this year!—when we’re all cooking all the time, that feeling holds fast. Our cookbooks need to help us make it through. If I am going to experiment, I want it to be worth the effort. As we head into the long winter, these six new books will help you make fantastic food. And when you’re ready to mix it up, there are suggestions for making yourself a nice drink, and even getting the kids involved. I’ll also begin by sharing my enthusiasm for what might be the most fun food on the planet.