NEW ENGLAND INVITE, a wonderful collection of recipes + entertaining tips written by local author Kate Bowler, known for her ever-popular blog “Domesticated Life” and instagram – “@domestikateblog”

ALL ABOUT CAKE, newest book from Christina Tosi of Milk Bar, originally in NYC . We confess a major girl-crush on her and are addicted to her “crack pie” – She is opening a Milk Bar bakery here in the Boston area (Cambridge) sometime in the next few months…dangerous dangerous…Her new book arrived this week and we obsessed…!

PLATTERS + BOARDS – Gorgeously photographed, filled with delicious ideas for creating your own feasts, organized by time of day…get inspired

Here are our TOP 3 FAVORITE TREATS for Summer!

Bee Raw Honey – Single varietal raw honey from apiaries around the US – Flavors include Maine Blueberry, Washington Buckwheat, Georgia Tupelo and Colorado Sweet Clover.  The company donates a portion of their proceeds to the Save the Bees Foundation.

COMPARTES Chocolate – Super fun blends, made in their flagship store in LA. Our favorites include Birthday Cake and California Love (chocolate + pretzels)

Brooklyn + Vermont-based Morris Kitchen creates delicious flavored cocktail syrups! Whip up a Margarita Pitcher on a hot sunny afternoon! Grapefruit Honey is our Summer Pick!

Any of you who have wandered around Shake knows how much we love to cook (and eat!) so, of course,  we wanted to share some of our new favorite cookbooks with you! From “clean” eating to global tastes, here are our top picks:

MYERS + CHANG at HOME…all the deliciousness from local stars Joanne Chang and Karen Akunowicz from their must-try restaurant in the South End. This book is especially close to my heart because I was one of their team of at-home recipe testers, trying the recipes, giving feedback etc…while the book was in production!

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 COCKTAILS…continuing on the global tasting trail, this one is for the traveling, experimenting home bartender, blending new flavors from around the world!

BOWLS is a big staff favorite because it’s filled with easy to follow  combinations of grains, veggies and protein, with each component individually seasoned!  Delicious delicious and delicious!

GOOD CLEAN EATS is filled with healthy recipes written by a health coach specializing in Integrative Nutrition. Perfect for winter detoxing…

Lastly..WHOLE 30.. Not the prettiest book ever but seriously one of my favorites…great recipe ideas if you are either doing the strict “Whole 30” diet regimen or are just looking for high protein, low sugar, low carb    flavorful meals!

Are you a Do-It-Yourself Crafter of Holiday Gifts? Is someone on your Holiday List a Maker at heart?

Check out our favorite inspirational books! Food Gift Love is written by Maggie Battista, creator of the online shop – Eat Boutique, featuring small batch products, and the creative force behind local foodie pop ups! Her recipes will inspire you to get into the kitchen and lovingly create your own holiday treats!

The Maker, by Tamara Maynes, is a beautifully illustrated insightful entry into the world of makers. Get inspired!