By Alesha Woods
Rowan Public Library

Now that spooky season has officially come to an end, it’s time to prepare for the next holiday as we give thanks and gather with family and friends. Whether you celebrate by gathering around the table or around the TV to watch the game, nothing says “give thanks” like cooking for your loved ones. A typical meal this time of year may include things like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and more. These holiday staples are delicious and familiar. However, if you are feeling more adventurous and would like to try making something new, Rowan Public Library can help.

Have you ever read a book that made a meal sound scrumptious? Perhaps reading about a particular treat in a book made you curious about the flavor. For instance, as a child when reading C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” I always wondered what Turkish Delight tastes like. RPL has a book that will help me find out. “A Literary Holiday Cookbook: Festive Meals for the Snow Queen, Gandalf, Sherlock, Scrooge and Book Lovers Everywhere” by Alison Walsh is a must check out for fans looking to make literary meals a reality. With recipes like Turkey Roulade and Jo’s Gingerbread from “Little Women” and Skillet Cornbread with Homemade Butter and Venison Pot Roast from “The Little House on the Prairie,” this cookbook is ready to help make your holiday literarily memorable.

If you are looking to make your holiday magical, check out “The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook” by Ashley Craft. Bring the magic of Disney’s holiday celebrations into your kitchen with 100 magical recipes of the best food items Disney’s celebrations have to offer. This cookbook is perfect for Disney fans who miss those familiar flavors in between trips or for fans who have never had the chance to visit the parks around the holiday season.

If you are looking for healthy vegan recipes to keep your table delicious and inclusive, check out Katie Culpin’s “Vegan Holiday Cookbook: Festive Plant-Based Meals and Desserts for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Table.” This book contains 75 vegan recipes designed specifically with the holidays in mind. Whether you have a new person at your table with vegan or vegetarian dietary preferences or you have been curious about trying a vegan recipe yourself, this book can help your table be merry and bright for everyone during the holiday season.

Gathering with family and friends during the holidays can bring lots of joy and lasting memories. Preparing for such a grand event can bring lots of stress as you plan. Rowan Public Library can help make the planning process of holiday joy easier and enjoyable with resources for everyone. For more holiday cookbooks with recipe ideas, go to www.RowanPublicLibrary.org and search the catalog to see what else RPL has to offer for your holiday plans and activities. You can also stop by your nearest RPL branch or call 980-432-8670 for assistance.

Alesha Woods is communications associate at Rowan Public Library.