I would get them this. Way more exciting and original than the stuffy stuff which they probably already have

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baking-yesteryear-b-dylan-hollis/1142960962

If the recipient is also into baking, Dessert Person by Clare Safitz is one we have gifted a couple times.

Joy of Cooking all day every day and twice on Sunday

Can’t go wrong with anything by Diana Henry, Ottolenghi or the River Cottage books.

As mentioned upthread, Le Sud is a gorgeous book; enjoyable to read and the photos are luscious. I actually prefer the recipes in her previous cookbook, A Table. I just found them a bit more accessible. But both are fantastic.

Cooking with Shelburne Farms

The New Best Recipe by Cooks Illustrated.

Reduces cooking to a science. Every recipe I’ve tried has been excellent.

Anonymous wrote:I dont own a lot of cook books (hello internet) but I received the americas test kitchen complete something or other for 900000 seasons and it is so great! It would be intimidating for a new cook, but for an experienced cook it could be really fun.

Huh—I got this, too, and it is so attractive but I haven’t really liked any of the recipes.

French Laundry Cookbook is great.
Also a fun blast from the past is the original Moosewood Cookbook. Not as slick looking as newer cookbooks but every single recipe is a gem.

Simply in Season - great recipes and creative ways to use vegetables at the height of their season

Or pay for all access to Cook’s illustrated (America’s test kitchen)

Ottolenghi Flavor: A Cookbook revolutionized the way I cook. It makes a great gift to anyone beyond the novice stage who gets joy from learning new things, trying new ingredients, etc. It's not an efficiency cookbook. The recipes usually have at least one unique ingredient and take some time to come together. It's wonderful for people who love the process not just the outcome of cooking.

I dont own a lot of cook books (hello internet) but I received the americas test kitchen complete something or other for 900000 seasons and it is so great! It would be intimidating for a new cook, but for an experienced cook it could be really fun.

Recipe Tin Eats ~ Dinner. This has been one of my favorite gifted cookbooks of all time! All her recipes are truly divine, just an exceptional book, highly recommend.

Alison Roman - Dining In
Deborah Madison - the Greens cookbook
Nigel Slater - A Cook’s Book

Mimi Thorisson's cookbooks are stunning.

Would second Marcella Hazan. Ive gotten heavy use of Alison Roman's cookbooks.

Marcella Kriebel's beautifully self illustrated cookbook - local DC artist!