Searching for recipes online is great — we have thousands for you to browse — but there’s just nothing like the feeling of propping open a real ink-and-paper cookbook, getting down to business and staining the pages as you work through your favorite recipes.

And there’s nothing like giving or receiving a present.

To that end, consider giving the gift of soul-satisfying Mexican cooking with any of Rick’s cookbooks. Here’s a quick “cheat sheet” (written by Rick!) to help you pick the right one. Buy from our online store and you’ll get a signed copy.

Authentic Mexican: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico My first book: a snapshot of what folks were cooking in every part of Mexico in the ‘80s.  I spent 5 years living in Mexico while writing it.  A true reflection of the culture. Buy here 

Mexican Kitchen: Capturing the Vibrant Flavors of a World-Class Cuisine I spent a decade cooking at Frontera & Topolobampo, then came out with this master-class book of traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine. Hard-won knowledge gained from cooking everyday in the restaurants. Buy here

Salsas that Cook Wanna know a handful of salsas (perfect for making in large quantities and freezing or canning!) that can be used to flavor all kinds of dishes? Paperback, unexpected fun. Buy here

Mexico One Plate at a Time Mexico’s most well-known classics, each with a contemporary variation that most cooks find really intriguing.  Lots of test kitchen notes! Buy here.

Frontera Margaritas, Guacamoles and Snacks A small book that explores loads of recipes for two of our most important food groups. Great gift for drinkers and dippers! Buy here.

Mexican Everyday Simple, lean, quick dishes with vibrant Mexican flavor.  Great “get started” cookbook; lots of “riffs” are included to encourage improvisation. Buy here.

Fiesta at Rick’s: Fabulous Foods for Great Times with Friends Like throwing big, blow-off-the-top parties? This is the book for you. Step-by-step recipes, cocktails, even some of my favorite party playlists make this a go-to manual for your next fiesta. Buy here.

If you’re looking for more gift ideas, don’t forget the brand new(ish) line of Rick Bayless cookware (featuring all sorts of cool Mexican kitchen essentials), DVDs of past seasons of Mexico: One Plate at a Time, gift cards to our restaurants and a whole bunch of products from Frontera Foods. The “Rare Specialties” line of small-batch sauces, olive oil, jams and the incredibly tasty Aztec chocolate sauce makes an excellent present for the gourmet cook.