The World Games are in Birmingham this month! In honor of having so many people from across the world in the Magic City, here are some international cookbooks that you can check out at the Homewood Public Library. Use the World Games as an opportunity to explore world cuisine, and stop by the library today!

Cooking

Mi Cocina, Rick Martinez –

Highlighting the diversity, richness, and complexity of Mexican cuisine, he includes recipes like herb and cheese meatballs bathed in a smoky, spicy chipotle sauce from Oaxaca called Albóndigas en Chipotle; northern México’s grilled Carne Asada that he stuffs into a grilled quesadilla for full-on cheesy-meaty food euphoria; and tender sweet corn tamales packed with succulent shrimp, chiles, and roasted tomatoes from Sinaloa on the west coast. Rick’s poignant essays throughout lend context–both personal and cultural–to quilt together a story that is rich and beautiful, touching and insightful.

The World in a Skillet, Christopher Kimball –

To liberate the skillet from commonplace fare, we share what we’ve learned from our travels and from cooks in more than 35 countries. We drew inspiration from the East African islands of Mauritius and Réunion for Shrimp Rougaille, based on a Creole tomato sauce that reflects European and Indian influences. To make it easy to find the recipe you need, we organized chapters by cooking times (an hour or less, 45 minutes, and under 30 minutes) as well as sections for side dishes, pastas, grains, stir-fries, pan roasts, and skillet-griddled sandwiches. And because the cooking is limited to one pan, the techniques are straightforward and the clean-up is easy.

Everyday Paleo Italian Cuisine, Sarah Fragoso –

Sarah has perfected the art of Italian cooking for the Paleo or gluten-free family—all 100 amazingly delicious, truly authentic recipes are grain-, dairy-, and legume-free. The recipes are drawn from Sarah’s travels throughout Italy, where she spent time learning from—and cooking with—top chefs, home cooks, and local farmers. As an added bonus, Sarah shares tips for anyone planning a trip to Italy: learn the best ways to navigate the country and stay Paleo and gluten-free during your travels. Grab your passport, pack your suitcase, and join the Fragoso family on a mouth-watering Paleo adventure in Italy!

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook, America’s Test Kicthen –

There’s a reason why people in the Mediterranean region are among the longest lived in the world–their diet, which focuses on olive oil, vegetables, healthy grains, and seafood, has been proven to be extremely beneficial for weight reduction, blood pressure control, and overall well-being. America’s Test Kitchen has taken these ingredients and produced innovative, delicious, and foolproof mains, sides, and appetizers that comply with this increasingly popular way of eating.

Chinese Soul Food, Hsiao-Ching Chou –

Chinese Soul Food draws cooks into the kitchen with recipes that include sizzling potstickers, stir-fries that are unbelievably easy to make, saucy braises, and soups that bring comfort with a sip. You’ll find approachable recipes and plenty of tips for favorite homestyle Chinese dishes. You will also find helpful tips and techniques, such as caring for and using a wok and how to cook rice properly, as well as a basic Chinese pantry list that also includes acceptable substitutions, making it even simpler for the busiest among us to cook their favorite Chinese dishes at home. Recipes are streamlined to minimize the fear factor of unfamiliar ingredients and techniques, and home cooks are gently guided toward becoming comfortable cooking satisfying Chinese meals.

Chetna’s 30 Minute Indian, Chetna Makan –

Taking inspiration from the eclectic tastes of Indian cuisine, these tempting recipes can all be on the table and ready to eat in less than 30 minutes. Featuring fabulous salads, traditional fast snacks, imaginative toppings for toasts, delicious dals, comforting veggie, fish and meat curries, all-in-one rice dishes, surprising raitas and dips as well as indulgent desserts, there are speedy options for every occasion. No complicated methods, just delicious, vibrant and varied food that the whole family can enjoy every single night of the week and in little to no time at all.

Baking

Classic German Baking, Luisa Weiss – German baking is legendary and informs baking traditions the world over: Christmas cookies, coffee cakes, delicate tortes, soft seeded rolls, and hearty dumplings all have their origins in Germany (and Austria). In addition to the pillars of the German baking tradition, Weiss includes overlooked gems to create the resource that bakers across the world have long wanted.

French Pastry Made Simple, Molly Wilkinson – Master base recipes like 30-minute puff pastry, decadent chocolate ganache and fail-safe citrus curds, and you’re on your way to making dozens of iconic French treats. You’ll feel like a pro when whipping up gorgeous trays of madeleines and decorating a stunning array of cream puffs and éclairs. This go-to guide shows you all the tips and tricks you need to impress your guests and have fun with French pastry

The Cardamom Trail, Chetna Makan – Whether it’s a sponge cake with a cardamom and coffee filling; puff pastry bites filled with fenugreek paneer; a swirly bread rolled with citrusy coriander, mint and green mango chutney; or a steamed strawberry pudding flavoured with cinnamon, Chetna’s Indian influences will transform your baking from the familiar to the exotic, from the ordinary to the extraordinary.