The Upper Midwest has a rich culinary heritage, and some of the most creative voices in food are right here in Madison and nearby Minneapolis. From Indigenous ingredients to plant-based plates, this collection of cookbooks reflects the region’s deep connection to land, community, and flavor. Whether you’re craving comfort food, exploring sustainable eating, or just love a good kitchen story, these authors have something inspiring to offer. Dive into this curated list of cookbooks from local talents and discover new recipes, ideas, and the stories behind them—all rooted in the vibrant food culture of the Midwest.
- Madison Chefs: Stories of Food, Farms, and People
- Author: Lindsay Christians
- Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press
- Description: Profiles nine Madison chefs with 28 recipes, offering insights into the city’s culinary scene.
- Find out more: https://uwpress.wisc.edu/Books/M/Madison-Chefs
- Wisconsin Field to Fork: Farm-Fresh Recipes from the Dairy State
- Author: Lori Fredrich
- Publisher: Globe Pequot
- Description: Showcases Wisconsin’s agricultural bounty through stories and chef-driven recipes.
- Find out more: AmazonAmazon+1Midwest Book Review+1shop.wisconsinhistory.org+5Star Tribune+5Amazon+5Channel3000.com+3Midwest Book Review+3Amazon+3
- The Blue Plate Diner Cookbook
- Authors: Tim Lloyd & James Novak
- Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press
- Description: Features recipes from Madison’s beloved Blue Plate Diner, accompanied by retro illustrations.
- Find Out More: https://uwpress.wisc.edu/Books/T/The-Blue-Plate-Diner-Cookbook
- Manna Café and Bakery Cookbook
- Author: Barb Pratzel
- Description: A memoir-style cookbook preserving over 150 recipes from Madison’s cherished Manna Café.
- Find Out More: https://roomofonesown.com/product/manna-cafe-and-bakery-cookbook
- Grounded: Conscious Plant-Based Cuisine
- Author: Lauren Montelbano
- Description: Offers plant-based, gluten-free recipes with a focus on mindful eating.
- Find Out More: Channel3000.comChannel3000.com https://www.amazon.com/Grounded-Conscious-Plant-based-Lauren-Montelbano/dp/B08QW8QYJ5
- A Healthy Balance: In Life and In the Kitchen
- Author: Shannon Burrs
- Description: Combines inspirational quotes with health-conscious recipes.
- Find Out More: https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Balance-life-Kitchen/dp/1662821158
- The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen
- Authors: Sean Sherman with Beth Dooley
- Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
- Description: Celebrates Native American cuisine with a focus on Indigenous ingredients and techniques.
- Find Out More: WikipediaWikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Star Tribune+2
- Original Local: Indigenous Foods, Stories and Recipes from the Upper Midwest
- Author: Heid E. Erdrich
- Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press
- Description: Explores Native American culinary traditions through recipes and narratives.
- Find Out More: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Local-Indigenous-Stories-Recipes/dp/0873518942
- The Forager Chef’s Book of Flora
- Author: Alan Bergo
- Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing
- Description: Guides readers in cooking with wild plants, emphasizing root-to-flower cuisine.
- Find Out More: https://foragerchef.com/the-forager-chefs-book-of-flora/
- The Perennial Kitchen: Simple Recipes for a Healthy Future
- Author: Beth Dooley
- Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
- Description: Highlights sustainable ingredients like Kernza and hazelnuts in everyday cooking.
- Find Out More: https://www.upress.umn.edu/9781517909499/the-perennial-kitchen/
- The Good Berry Cookbook
- Author: Tashia Hart
- Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press
- Description: Focuses on Indigenous ingredients, especially wild berries, in over 70 recipes.
- Find Out More: https://shop.mnhs.org/products/the-good-berry-cookbook?_pos=1&_sid=9b93c5c85&_ss=r
- 100 Afternoon Sweets
- Author: Sarah Kieffer
- Description: Offers a collection of baked goods perfect for leisurely afternoons.
- More Info: https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/100-afternoon-sweets?srsltid=AfmBOoo4ZI81RQqLZzU9nBthaSXXobPV2ofbhPA35AZdLyVJ5JFYA0vt
Crowley Station Community Garden 