Plano Reads: Summer Foods, Best Eaten Outside…

Here are some great cookbooks to help you plan delightful summer meals, just right for the warmest months of the year.

Asada: The Art of Mexican-Style Grilling by Bricia Lopez and Javier Cabral – “In millions of backyards across Southern California, an asada means a gathering of family, friends, great music, cold drinks, good times, and community—all centered around the primal allure of juicy, smoky grilled meat with flavors and spices traditional to Mexico. The smell of asada is a cloud of joy that lingers in the streets of Los Angeles. With Asada: The Art of Mexican-Style Grilling, Bricia Lopez and Javier Cabral provide more than 100 recipes that show you how to prepare the right dishes and drinks for your next carne asada gathering. Print 

Cook It Wild: Sensational Prep-Ahead Meals for Camping, Cabins, and the Great Outdoors by Chris Nuttall-Smith – For cooks and campers of every level, Cook It Wild turns outdoor mealtimes into a cause for celebration–and the highlight of every trip. Each recipe is divided into “at home” and “at camp” sections, so most of the cooking is done before your trip. Print 

Eat Cool: Good Food for Hot Days: 100 Easy, Satisfying, and Refreshing Recipes that Won’t Heat Up Your Kitchen by Vanessa Seder – Inspired recipes from Vanessa Seder’s new family-friendly cookbook focus on low- and no-heat techniques, make-ahead dishes served cold or at room temperature, smart seasonal ingredients to keep your body cool, and vibrant pairings of flavors, textures, and colors. Ideal for the very hottest weather! Print 

Feast by Firelight: Simple Recipes for Camping, Cabins, and the Great Outdoors by Emma Frisch – Emma Frisch is the owner of Firelight Camps, and here she offers a distinctive cookbook with beautiful photos and many elegant extras, adding flavor and flair to outdoor dining. Her easy recipes make cooking outdoors feel effortless and lots of fun. Print 

Flavors of Summer: Simply Delicious Food to Enjoy on Warm Days – This compilation of summer recipes could be the only cookbook you’ll need this season. It features over 150 delicious recipes and evocative images of sun-dappled dining, and offers all the inspiration you need to create memorable occasions in the warmer months of the year. Print 

Guy on Fire: 130 Recipes for Adventures in Outdoor Cooking by Guy Fieri – Food Network superstar, celebrity chef Guy Fieri takes it outdoors with this smart, practical, four-color cookbook filled with dozens of recipes for meals, drinks, holidays, bashes, and more. Print |eBook 

Mexican Ice Cream: Beloved Recipes and Stories by Fany Gerson – Mexico City native Fany Gerson has created a recipe book of authentic Mexican ice cream (including the classics as well as sorbets, or Nieves de agua). Readers will learn what exactly makes traditional Mexican ice cream so special (the specific milk, techniques, toppings, and ingredients) as well as regional varieties and specialties. Print 

The Outdoor Table: Recipes for Living and Eating Well by Alanna O’Neil – Whether you are hosting a picnic, a gathering with light appetizers, or have invited friends over for a full meal, this beautifully photographed and inspirational party-planning book is the toolkit you need for any wonderful summer occasion! Print 

Salt & Straw Ice Cream Cookbook by Tyler Malek – Cousins Tyler and Kim Malek founded scoop shop Salt & Straw in Portland, Oregon, and have become renowned for their inventive and sometimes controversial ice cream flavors, now sold in several Western states. This unique cookbook is a tribute to their creativity, seasonal flair, and the deliciousness of their fabulous ice creams. eBook

Summer: A Cookbook: Inspired Recipes for Lazy Days and Magical Nights by Marnie Hanel – This book provides menus for feeding a crowd and recipes that can be mixed and matched for every meal, some make-aheads to save precious vacation time, and others to eat on the go, with bonus tips on planning a long and lovely summer day.