I love cookbooks. I blame my mother for this. She used to buy them and read them cover to cover, and then put them on the shelf, never cooking one single recipe.
I also collect cookbooks but on occasion I actually cook something that comes from one of them. I am trying to cook one recipe a week from different books, so I have pulled some of them down from my shelf. I have made a list of my Top 5 favorite cookbooks, so here they are, in no particular order:
1. Barefoot Contessa Family Style
I adore Ina Garten, I have for years. From her pretty house, to her fabulous garden, to her devoted husband Jeffrey, she is wonderful. You have probably seen her on TV on her own cooking show. Her food is elegant but simple, and any average cook can be comfortable using her recipes.
I have all of Ina's books, but this one is my favorite. Her Parmesan Chicken recipe is heavenly.
2. The Fannie Farmer Baking Book
This book has been a beloved classic for so many years. I would love to cook everything in it! There are recipes for pies, cakes, breads, cookies and more. The peanut butter cookie recipe is the one I always use. There is also a wealth of information about cooking and baking that is extremely helpful.
3. Alice Waters, The Art of Simple Food
Alice Waters is the queen of eating organic and local foods. I love this philosophy, even though it isn't always practical or affordable. But this cookbook is for all cooks, and all types of food. It really is simple to prepare and eat these wonderful recipes. Her roasted chicken and roasted root vegetables are so yummy, and the aroma of the chicken in your kitchen is a dream.
4. Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen.
Up here in the Seattle area, Tom Douglas is a famous name in the food and restaurant business. He has five restaurants at my last count, each of them different and special in their own way. His book is filled with many items you will find in his restaurants. I have eaten crab cakes several times at one of them, and they are super delicious. If you want a taste of Seattle, buy this book and try any of Tom's amazing dishes.
5. The Joy of Cooking
A gem of a cookbook, one that many of us learned to cook from. Originally published in 1931, there is an updated version that incorporates all of the new equipment and methods available for cooks today. From stuffing to cookies to beef stew, this cookbook can be the best source for good, old fashioned food, just like your Mom made.
I hope you like my Top 5 list, and I could have easily added more cookbooks to this list.
Do you have an absolutely favorite cookbook? I would love to know what it is.
Happy Cooking!
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