Naturally, I'm always ten steps ahead...and so I bought a cookbook as an engagement present to me. I didn't know what I was doing..I didn't know how to discern a good cookbook from one that was out of my range of skills. But who cares, it was on sale, it had a pretty picture on the front, and I would use it eventually right? (notice a trend?) Never mind that cookbooks are one of the top five bridal shower presents next to Pyrex.
Well several years later, it is the best cookbook I own. Mind you, I haven't made all of the recipes; but its the one that sits on my counter most evenings when I am attempting a new treasure or an oldie but goodie in the kitchen.
Whats to follow are my favorite books so far, the ones that in my first year of marriage saved our weekly dinners from my lack of creativity - and helped me make many of my firsts in a way that wowed even my "pie-snob" of a husband as my sister lovingly named him.
1. My first and best: The Bride and Groom's First and Forever Cookbook
8-1/2 x 10 in; 272 pp ; 40 color photographs
Hardcover
Published in April, 2003
ISBN 081183493X
ISBN13 9780811834933
Hardcover
Published in April, 2003
ISBN 081183493X
ISBN13 9780811834933
This cookbook is pretty incredible. It starts beautifully with Kitchen Basics: a section for how to fill your kitchen with the right equipment and accessories; next is the Global Pantry: a section about what essentials to stock up on, herbs and spices and more; whats to follow are stepwise sections on different basic recipes, classic recipes for each meal of the day, special occasions, appetizers, desserts and quick on the go meals. My favorite recipes are the: Classic Lasagna (wow does my husband love it), Pie Crust, Pizza Dough, Chocolate Chip Cookies and that's just a start.
See their blog for some recipes from the book, if you feel like trying them out first.
http://maryandsara.com/blog/our-books/the-bride-groom-first-and-forever-cookbook/
2 to 4. Better Homes and Gardens Books: Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook / Anyone Can Cook / Anyone Can Bake
I received all three of these books at the same bridal shower. I was tempted at first to return at least one of them as they were all by the same publisher. But I decided to open them all and what I found was an amazing exposition of cooking/baking and general food knowledge that I lacked. So I kept all three and haven't looked back. If I were to recommend a single purchase, it would be the largest book (500+ page binder) which encompasses both baking and cooking recipes: the New Cookbook (see below).
These cookbooks are great for several reasons. The two Anyone can...books look closely into cooking techniques and baking tips. They each have detailed pictures that take you step by step through the recipes, share links back to other pages for how best to handle ingredients in each recipe or how to perform a certain technique in food preparation. If you are a visual learner, these two books are for you. The large New Cookbook has so many sections, its almost overwhelming. But the book is separated into so many great sections, its so easy to navigate. There are favorite recipes, varieties of different desserts, a grilling section, a section for meats and a section for poultry to name a short few. Its the book I go to once I've purchased a cut of beef at the grocery store, but have no idea how best to accentuate its flavor and ensure that it cooks perfectly. The large book has tonnes of recipes, but not as many pictures-which is why I keep all three-they compliment one another.
Now.
Do you have any favorites? Please do share!
I love cookbooks, I would buy oh so many if I had unlimited funds. But if I can't do that, I'd love to know what ones you recommend and why :)
The Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book is my favorite cookbook EVER! I bought it during my first year of university. It provided some great recipes for the dorm mates, inspired a "pie week" that lasted for almost a month, provided great recipes to impress the fiance, and has kept married dinners new and exciting.
ReplyDeleteAs for a recommendation, a free online resource that I use often is allrecipes.com where you can review many different recipes, make comments and post your own recipes to share. Any "Company's Coming" cookbooks are also easy to follow, but don't provide many pictures.
~Tanya Delleman~
Hey Christine :)
ReplyDeleteI got my BH&G cookbook as a shower gift as well, its awesome!!! I have to admit, I'm a bit of a 'Ooohhh.... Shiny....' when it comes to cookbook purchases. I'm probably more addicted to cookbooks than chocolate bars. Which is really saying something for me! As I look at my bookshelf I'm finding it hard to pick a favourite. That said, my kitchenaid Best-Loved Recipes cookbook is pretty awesome and currently at the top of my list. The recipes turn out just as they are supposed to - which is always helpful.
When that fails me I tend to raid Food&Wine magazines and my Grammies scary disorganized drawer of her infamous recipes that I grew up with.
Thanks for linking this cookbook post in. Have a good one
ReplyDeletePS I am now following your blog on Google Reader. It would make my day if you followed Carole's Chatter – or are you already?
Pps If you would like email reminders of future Food and/or Book Linkys, just pop by and comment and include your email - I won't publish it - and the reminder will be by bcc so it will remain private