My Favorite Cookbooks

I have a ever-growing cookbook library, so I thought I'd make a list of my favorite and most used cookbooks for those of you looking to increase your library. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a list of highlights.

• The Joy of Cooking. My go-to cookbook when I'm looking for a way to use ingredients around the house and the place I always look first for a new recipe. It doesn't give you the most authentic ethnic recipes most of the time, but it's a great reference book and place to start.

• Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. Another great classic "reference" cookbook. I have two copies, one a fairly recent edition and one that is a reproduction of the 1953 edition. Everyone should have this cookbook.

• Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1 by Julia Child, Simone Beck, and Louisette Bertholle. With the recent release of the Julie and Julia movie, I'm sure sales of this book have skyrocketed. Even if you balk at being part of large trends, as I do, it's definitely worth having if you are interested in French cuisine.

•  Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan. A quintessential reference for Italian cuisine. 

• On Food and Cooking by Harold McGee. This isn't a cookbook, but a scientific explanation of the chemistry of cooking. Not for everyone, but essential for scientist cooks and those who want to understand the fundamental science of cooking and baking. 

• The All-New Complete Cooking Light Cookbook. In addition to wanting to eat delicious food, I do like to eat healthy. I am a subscriber to Cooking Light magazine and this cookbook provides many delicious recipes made more healthy.

 

• The New Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen. Mollie Katzen is one of the best resources for an vegetarian cook, or someone like me who just wants to get more vegetables into their diet in delicious and creative dishes. One of my, my husband's, and my dad's favorite desserts, maple walnut pie, comes from this cookbook.

• The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The Original Classics and The New Classics. I may not be a big fan of Martha Stewart the person, but I do like Martha Stewart the brand, despite my best attempts not to.

•  Jacques Pepin's Complete Techniques. An absolute classic that can help a burgeoning cook or experienced chef hone their kitchen techniques. I highly recommend this book to anyone just starting to learn their way around the kitchen.This book is an updated combination of La Technique and Le Methode.