I have a confession to make. I am a cookbook junkie. With over a few hundred books in my library, one might believe I am obsessed. My collection began over 3 decades ago. And yes, in case you’re wondering, I’ve read and used each book but not always for meal preparation. In addition to cooking and baking, I find them helpful for research, knowledge and recipe comparisons.
With any gift I give, I hope that it will be used and enjoyed. I tend to stay away from gifting cookbooks filled with gorgeous photographs of food that a person will most likely never create. The 4 books I recommend are not new releases but ones my friends are grateful to receive. Most of them have given the same books to their friends. I guess that’s an acknowledgement that I was successful in selecting something useful and appreciated. I hope you find my recommendations helpful.
You can purchase the books at Amazon’s website. Links are provided.
HOW TO COOK EVERYTHING by Mark Bittman
Best for: Everyone
This is my favorite go-to book for everyday cooking. The recipes are simple and the finished results always exceed my expectations. I’ve used this book so much that I am now on my second copy. With over 1,500 recipes, it contains all the basic dishes plus options to easily enhance for new creations. From amazing waffles (yes, they’re the best) to traditional roasts, vegetables, desserts and everything in between, there is something for everyone.
THE FLAVOR BIBLE by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
Best for: Anyone that enjoys testing out new flavor combinations. This is the book you didn’t know you needed until you actually have one.
A must have reference manual for anyone that frequently cooks. It will become the book that is left on the counter for creative kitchen inspirations. It quickly identifies seasonings and food combinations for a variety of ingredients. I find it inspires me to create new recipes and meal courses that I wouldn’t have considered on my own.
This book is organized in alphabetical order by ingredient. Suggested cooking techniques are provided, followed by a list of potential food and seasonings that enhance and compliment the featured ingredient. They take it a step further by bolding text on recommendations that are considered top flavor combinations. Additionally, flavor affinities are listed that show a few potential options to further stimulate your own concepts. If you’re like me, you will want to try many of the suggestions. I never knew peaches and ginger work well together!
KITCHEN EXPRESS by Mark Bittman
Best for: Anyone that wants a quick 20-minute dish and people that hate following recipes.
Yes it’s another Mark Bittman’s book. Honestly, I find his style and recipes are easy to follow and the dishes are always delicious. This is a book I give to many people, including my friends that dislike cooking. Each recipe is a paragraph long with about 5 sentences or less. There are no ingredient lists or detailed processing steps. The instructions are similar to a discussion you’d have with a friend when explaining a meal you made the night before. Very simple to follow yet interesting and sophisticated dishes.
There are over 400 recipes organized by season. Even though I’ve made many, I am still excited when I try something new. The results are surprisingly delicious and so simple to make. How can this be?
THE 4-HOUR CHEF by Timothy Ferriss
Best for: People that like to read and be entertained by a cookbook. And, for those who don’t buy cookbooks.
This is a fun and informative book with tons of photos and illustrations. Timothy takes the process of learning how to master just about anything in the kitchen and outside of the kitchen. From the perfect poached egg to cashew pesto and juicy steak, you’ll love the recipes. I’ve tried many and quite a few have become family favorites. Additionally, I can now make pond water drinkable and understand the steps to learning Japanese fast. You never know when you might get stranded in the wilderness of Japan without your water bottle.
Even if you hate cooking, you’ll learn how to become skilled in almost anything in record time. His step-by-step techniques for learning are simple and they work. This is a book that I’ve read many times and I know you will too. Someday, I hope to have the motivation to follow his steps for preventing fat gain when I binge.
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