FOOD WITH FRIENDS: The Art of Simple Gatherings (Clarkson Potter) and TASTING HYGGE: Joyful Recipes for Cozy Days and Nights (Countryman Press/Norton)

Leela Cyd is a photographer and food writer based in Santa Barbara, California. To date, she has lent her unique photographic vision to numerous cookbooks, including KACHKA: A Return to Russian Cooking by Bonnie Frumkin Morales with Deena Prichep (Flatiron); THE KITCHN’S BASICS COOKBOOK (Clarkson Potter); A MOUTHFUL OF STARS by Kim Sunee (Andrews McMeel); FOOD & WINE’S AMERICA’S GREATEST NEW COOKS COOKBOOK (Food & Wine); SWEET CRAVINGS by Kyra Bussanich (Ten Speed Press); and THE CHEESEMAKER’S APPRENTICE by Sasha Davies (Quarry Books), and has shot and written for such magazines and newspapers as Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Kinfolk, Anthology, Conde Nast Traveler, Edible Portland, Portland Monthly, and the Chicago Tribune. Her first cookbook of her own, FOOD WITH FRIENDS, offers easy recipes for casual gatherings, inspired by her experiences cooking alongside top chefs and home cooks in Southern India, Spain, Vietnam, and Turkey and in various cities on the coasts of the U.S. What do these diverse cultures have in common? Little snacks to be shared among friends, usually accompanied by a cup of tea or a nip of something stronger.

In her second book, TASTING HYGGE, Lela shares simple recipes that elevate everyday meals into very special occasions. Good food makes everyone feel warm and cared for, which is the very essence of hygge, a Danish way of life that Americans are increasingly embracing.

Leela has also developed a devoted online following, blogging for the home-cooking megasite TheKitchn.com for more than 5 years. Her personal blog, Tea Cup Tea, embodies her sensibility and has been recognized as one of Saveur Magazine’s “Sites We Love.” Her photos are relentlessly joyful, characterized by painterly light, and are luscious to behold. Her recipes and writing style are exuberant, fun, and easy to follow.