Cookbook Classics that You Should Have
I have a tendency to acquire cookbooks. Anyone else? I saw my cookbook shelf grow a few inches over the holiday season, and there are few things that make me happier. Here are my top five that I just can’t get enough of:
My favorites (Photo: Kristy McCarron/DC on Heels)
On Food and Cooking
by Harold McGee
On Food and Cooking has been suggested to me by nearly every serious chef I’ve come across. It is an encyclopedia of food knowledge: the scientific breakdowns of every food and cooking technique, the whys and hows of the kitchen. It reads more like a textbook than a cookbook, but is an absolute must-have for the serious cook.
Joy of Cooking
by Rombauer, Becker & Becker
For the homeowner. What else is there? Admittedly, I don’t use this classic as often as my other books, mostly because it’s a bit dated, but I like its suggestions for party dishes and themes. Call me old fashioned, but I still think it makes the perfect wedding gift.
The Homemade Pantry
by Alana Chernila
For the do-it-yourselfer. Reading The Homemade Pantry just makes me happy. Alana Chernila’s wholesome welcome into her kitchen and her style of cooking is engaging, informative and heartwarming. What’s best about this book, is that it covers the basics that we’re all guilty of buying: ketchup, mustard, Cheez-its, pasta, Pop-tarts and mayo. The perfect book for a friend who likes to make their own goods, this book will have you rethinking what you’re bring home from the grocery store.
Entertaining
by Martha Stewart
For the party planner. Okay, so this may be a bit old school, and Martha has released about a hundred books in her lifetime, but this is incredible. Her descriptions of how she goes about planning a party, down to every last detail (of course) is a joy to read through and an inspiration!
Nourishing Traditions
by Sally Fallon
For the food politician and traditional eater. I was turned on to Nourishing Traditions by a group of smart, hard working women — some of whom are in the raw milk battle, others working on farms and another, a 65 year-old delivery woman. They challenged me to reconsider our food system as well as every single food that I eat, and Nourishing Traditions is how they did it. Part textbook, park cookbook, part food Politico, Nourishing Traditions describes the change in our food system, and the need to go back to a more traditional approach to eating. I can’t recommend it enough. Just be prepared to start eating lard.
What are your favorite cookbooks?
