It’s first day of fall, can you believe it? This summer season flew by so fast, I barely had a chance to breathe in the summer air! Thinking back on it, I actually only went to the beach twice and only once did I even get in the waters. That’s summer for you when you work 14 hour days at a restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard. But for those of us that want summer around forever, you can hold on to it by cooking from these summery cookbooks – all year long (or as long as you can still find fresh produce around!)

The Summer Shack Cookbook by Jasper White

The foremost authority on fish in America, Jasper White is a force to be recognized with and this cookbook makes his expertise shine. Approachable and tasty recipes await you, along with techniques on how to shuck oysters, filet fish, and crack crab and lobster claws. It guides you through setting up a fully stocked pantry for your summer vacation, which is what everyone on vacation needs. The recipes are quick, because who wants to spend all day cooking on hot summer days? Recipes that called my attention include Seateamed Black Sea Bass with Ginger and Scallions; Conch Salad Bahamian-Style; and Chilled Maine Shrimp with Cabbage and Peanuts, Vietnamese-style.

Summer Cookbooks 01

Lobster Rolls of New England by Sally Lerman

Follow Sally, also known as The Lobster Gal, through her adventures of discovering the best lobster roll in New England. A regional dish, each state says to make the best (although living on the Cape and Islands, I’ve got to say that the best lobster rolls are on Martha’s Vineyard), and the battle is real. Whether you’re a warm-buttered lobster roll lover or a more cool mayo-based lobster salad roll lover, this book has it all for you. A perfect gift for your lobster loving friends and a great idea for a road trip one summer!

Summer Cookbooks 02

The Coastal Table by Karen J. Covey

Inspired by the farmlands and seaside of Southern New England, this book was one I could not put down. Having moved to New England only four years ago, I am still in love with the food all around us. From the fresh markets and the freshest seafood, to the pantry staples every New Englander must have, I am in love with the region. Also loving how her book is layer out, with basic New England summer activities like brunch, from the garden, picnic, cocktail hour, from the grill, from the sea, and more. Her Yankee Pot Roast and Chourico Stuffed Pork Loin are on my list of recipes to make this fall.

Summer Cookbooks 03

Beach House Baking by Lei Shishak

With this cookbook, you can basically pretend you’re in a beach house all winter long and bake away, forgetting the chilly snow outside. Also perfect for stocking a REAL beach house, this book is a must. Because honestly, when on vacation you need not only food but sweet treats to snack on throughout the day like her Beach Blondies, Panko Cookies, and Cranberry at Scones.

Summer Cookbooks 04

Disclaimer: Thanks to the generous publishers for sending these books along, free of charge. I was under no obligation to write about them, but like everyone else, I am holding on to summer hard and these books are helping me! 

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