Carnivore

By Michael Symon

Clarkson Potter, $35.00

I love meat, which is why Michael Symon's Carnivore is my Christmas cookbook pick. Not only does it feature the standards (chicken, steak, pork), but it also includes "out-there" meats like elk and squab. A dish that caught my eye is Roasted Bone Marrow with Parsley Salad. Instead of serving the melty marrow inside the bone, as is traditional, the recipe calls for the bones to be sliced open, which allows the marrow to caramelize during roasting. You not only get the buttery soft marrow but also a slight crunch on top. Sounds like a great appetizer for Christmas dinner. Hopefully Santa will deliver it in time.