For the obsessive foodie:

Bitter by Jennifer McLagan (Harper Collins)

The first thing you see when you open Bitter is a quote/manifesto stating “Bitter is the gatekeeper of adult taste.” McLagan is known for her dedication to less-than-approachable culinary subjects. Her previous titles include Bones, Fat, and Odd Bits—and turn the subject matter into immeasurably fascinating reads, with recipes that introduce the home cook to new tastes. More about McLagan.

Photo of Jennifer McLagan by Kevin Van Paassen for the Globe and Mail.

For the foodie who pulls no punches at dinner parties:

The Flavour Principle by Lucy Waverman and Beppi Crosariol (Harper Collins)

Two of the Globe and Mail’s biggest food writers, working together to help cooks understand what works where, how and why when it comes to matching food with beverages. Waverman writes cookbooks in a style that engages the reader, and gives them the confidence they need to try new flavours. More on the book here.

For the food geek and literary lover:

A subscription to Lucky Peach magazine. Published quarterly, this magazine is what happens when you take equal parts food writing, a lack of hubris, and a love of the long-form story. This award-winning journal has covered stories on everything from the lives of women who cook in Southeast Asia to how to cook venison penis—both told in great and luscious detail.

P.S.

• Editor’s Gift Guide 2014: part one
• Editor’s Gift Guide 2014: part two
• Check out our new Winter 2014 cover!