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The most popular Products mentioned in /r/CookbookLovers:
![Washoku: Recipes from the Japanese Home Kitchen [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61dxhYTmBPL._SL500_.jpg)
The most popular reviews in /r/CookbookLovers:
As a busy working mom I really like Keepers: Two Home Cooks Share Their Tried-and-True Weeknight Recipes and the Secrets to Happiness in the Kitchen: A Cookbook. These are easy, quick weeknight meals plus lots of tips throughout on planning, shopping, etc. They do a good job of keeping ingredient lists manageable, and ingredients relatively accessible, without the recipes being too boring. I have lots of other cookbooks for quick weeknight meals (I *love* Ottolenghi's Simple for example) but I think this one is the most accessible.
I like The Curry Guy by Dan Toombs. It's Indian food, but he's specifically trying to recreate the tastes of British Indian restaurants. He also has a website with the recipes. https://www.amazon.com/Curry-Guy-Recreate-British-Restaurant/dp/1849499411/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=the+curry+guy&qid=1623287267&sr=8-7
"Thirty Years at the Mansion" I got it from a guy who worked at the printing press when it was being printed. Now I realize some people don't like the Clintons but I don't mean this political. It features the Clintons and the Arkansas Governor's Mansion cook. It contains a lemon chess pie with cornmeal in the lemon stuff ... something my Grandma also made.
https://www.amazon.com/Recipes-Recollections-Photographs-Arkansas-Governors/dp/B006QW7M0M
I have one called “Amish Home Cooking with Elsa”. I got it for like a dollar at a yard sale.Here’s the US Amazon link. .
When I was a teenager my mom watched an Amish cooking show on Sunday after church. One of the things she made most was Onion Patties (onion fritters). I made some the other day using the recipe in that book and they were amazing.
Full disclosure- the book I’m recommending is vegetarian, not vegan, but A LOT of the recipes are either vegan or could be adapted to be vegan. I thumbed through a friend’s copy and it’s been on my list for a while! It’s called Vegetarian Chinese Soul Food by Hsiao-Ching Chou.
https://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Chinese-Soul-Food-Deliciously/dp/1632173336
Haven't cooked from it yet but the book has several recipes that come highly recommended Culinary Institute Breakfast/Brunch
Another good option - American Country Inn B&B cookbook
Hope this helps :)
So late, I’m sorry! This is it: https://www.amazon.com/Pizza-Ultimate-Cookbook-Barbara-Caracciolo/dp/1646430034/ref=asc_df_1646430034/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459685515341&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11557643154577788579&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt...
It says it’s out of stock but it’s at Barnes too. It’s a monster lol
To the Last Bite by Alexis deBoschnek! It’s a beautiful book, gorgeous photos. The recipes are straightforward and the theme of the book is reducing waste. So if you have leftover chives from one recipe there’s a footnote that tells you which other recipes in the book use chives. To the Last Bite
My favorite one for baking is Classic Home Desserts by Richard Sax
For Italian, I adore Whatever Happened too Sunday Dinner? By Lisa Caponigri
I would suggest Ratio by Michael Ruhlman. It goes into and kind of cracks the code of the ratios in basic recipes. I’m not explaining it as well as he does, but he was a writer before going through the CIA so he would be more knowledgeable about the food he writes about. It’s a game changer.
https://www.amazon.com/Ratio-Simple-Behind-Everyday-Cooking/dp/1416571728
The best cookbook I recommend to anyone and everyone getting into cooking is The Food Lab : Better Cooking Through Science by Kenji Lopez-Alt. I own it (and worked in the restaurant industry for roughly 15 years) and have bought it for multiple people as presents. Literally CANNOT RECOMMEND IT ENOUGH. It's super easy to understand and great for anyone at any skill level
Simply Organic is the cookbook of the Flea Street Cafe in Menlo Park CA. Good restaurant and cookbook...
I can’t recommend Six Seasons: A New Way With Vegetables enough! Vegetable dishes arranged by what’s in season, makes vegetarian cooking so practical.
Seven Fires, by Francis Mallmann is an absolute gem for cooking with fire. The author is Argentinian, and the recipes are really interesting yet accessible. (Except for the entire half roast cow). I make the chapa bread and pork chops with mustard, sage, and prosciutto often. Gorgeous gift that’s different from the North America standards.
The best dessert cookbook I own is Bravetart by Stella Parks.
For a catch-all cookbook, I'm a big fan of the updated New York Times cookbook.
I got this one for my sister last Hanukkah, and the schmaltz Chex mix is baller as fuck.
I'll save you the trouble :D
https://www.amazon.com/COCINA-CRIOLLA-Spanish-Carmen-Valldejuli-ebook/dp/B00NWX1Z7O?
My favorite cookbook for the Philippines is 7000 Islands
I also buy cookbooks based on country to learn about and appreciate the cultures, experiences and people of places both near and far. I gravitated towards buying the Phaidon cookbooks because they are beautiful, and always keep an eye out for new books to add so that my cookbooks will span as many countries and cultures as possible. Embarrassingly enough, although I have an extensive collection of cookbooks themed by country, I haven’t actually cooked enough from them to tell you they are good. I have extensively cooked from 7000 Islands and both the food and the images of that book are very nostalgic for me if the times I travelled to that country.
I would like to recommend Mysteries At Treasure River. A SciFi Mystery Novel written from the 1st person perspective to preserve their memories of the incidents that took place last few days of the writers life.
<strong>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1YY79CP</strong>
Cookin’ With Coolio has excellent recipes.
Saveur: The New Classics Cookbook has a great mix of classics from all over the world
Michel Symon's 5 in 5. (five fresh ingredients + five minutes = 120 fantastic dinners) is what I bought for my son.
And, this is a long shot, if he's going out in the field, Steve Rinella's The Meateater (Recipes and techniques for every hunter and angler) While he probably won't be hunting it has recipes and things for cooking outdoors.
I have never regretted my investment in Chef Folse's tome....
You can probably find better...and those Junior League books hold a special place on my shelves...but this is a touchstone, for me:
https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Cajun-Creole-Cuisine/dp/0970445717
River Road Recipes: The Textbook of Louisiana Cuisine https://www.amazon.com/dp/0961302682/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_9FCHC3PWP1GV65NE714C
Talk About Good Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/0935032029/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_KJHEXN1P7ATZXV1449HZ
Someone gave me a set of 3 of Ina Garten’s cookbooks about ten years ago as a gift and they have become a go-to for lots of recipes in our house. (This one)[The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/0609602195/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1G0DKEEAMXQERAZD2J3N] is my favorite but I think she has released several newer ones in the last years which are probably great too.
I have a couple of these aprons. They have the cross back so nothing to tie or come loose. They are linen so get pretty wrinkled in the dryer. But other than that I've been happy. Chef Apron with Front Pockets, Japanese Style Apron, Unisex Bib Kitchen Apron, Soft Cotton Linen Apron, Perfect for DIY Project, Crafting, Cooking, Baking, BBQ ( H Strap Style-Beige) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073Y5YX6P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_P6R86QRZRP6BTJEENN7Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I’m a retired chef with a fairly large cookbook collection. I think you might find this one helpful: https://www.amazon.ca/Family-Meal-Cooking-Ferran-Adri%C3%A0/dp/0714862533. Step by step illustrations and basic recipes. Good Luck!
Take a look at the Americas Test Kitchen Cooking School Cookbook the book allegedly teaches fundamentals and recipes and includes 2 months of online learning in the cost of the book.
Cookbook Bookends, Sturdy Decorative Book Ends for Kitchen, Heavy Duty Metal Book Stoppers to Hold Recipe Upright on Their Own, Professional Cook Book Decoration (1 Pair of Black Dining Set) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092D1LGR2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6Z0EKPYEF6KAFVZ45188
Hotop, Book Ends Decorative Metal Bookends Supports for Book-Rack Desk Kitchen Book Shelf Holder for Shelves Distinctive Appearance Design Book Ends Metal Supports https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094JPG43Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q2N67SW7X0KP5NZCRSY3
This has some of what you might be looking for. Isn't strictly Chinese, but has many popular recipes that are found in "American-style" Chinese restaurants. Bonus: Also features some of the greatest hits from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. Everything I've tried has been dead on and really simple to make. Don't be put off by the gimmicky title, it's a really solid book.
Classic Home Desserts by Richard Sax isn’t arranged in difficulty order, but it goes into detail on simple and complex techniques/recipes.
Bitteris an interesting concept; focuses on an oft-overlooked flavor profile. Jennifer McLagan, the author, has a couple more interesting books worth checking out, too.
Although I much prefer encouraging my local bookstores, my jaw dropped when I saw that Joy of Cooking was 15$ on Amazon (Canada)! Sharing for anyone who's interested :
Joy of Cooking: 2019 Edition Fully Revised and Updated https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1501169718/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_0XK1P3JQ4A93NNT5FM5J
You can’t go wrong with “The new basics” we’ve been using this for 32 years. I had to buy a new copy a few years ago because the pages were falling out. https://www.amazon.com/New-Basics-Cookbook-Sheila-Lukins/dp/0894803417/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=15WVQ0VYX00K2&keywords=the+new+basics+cookbook&qid=1637411284&qsid=137-1344502-2615930&sprefix=the+new+bas%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1&sres=0...
Ps: The recipe for barbecued spareribs on page 553 is the only way I’ve cooked ribs for the last 30 years
Diana Kennedy is probably the foremost (English-speaking) authority on traditional Mexican cuisine. Maybe start with "The Art of Mexican Cooking" She's in her nineties now, but spent the better part of four decades meticulously documenting historical recipes from Mexican home cooks. Equal parts cookbook and anthropology textbook.
Can I share a story about this one? Shortly after it was published, I checked out the Zuni Cafe cookbook and the Cafe Boulud Cookbook from the library. I would've been 12 or 13, starting to take over most of the cooking for my family after my mom went back to work. I didn't try any of the recipes at the time because my family just didn't cook that way - lots of casseroles and canned veggies for us - and I knew I lacked the skill, but I spent a lot of time flipping through them and fantasizing about learning to make stock or the French mother sauces. To me it all sounded as enchanting as a potions class at Hogwarts. Those books sparked an ~~obsession~~ interest in learning how to make everything from scratch that I never shook, even if I couldn't pursue it then. Anyways, the Zuni Cafe cookbook is one of the first I bought for myself as a young adult, and it's even better than 12yo me could've imagined.
You might give these a look:
Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes: A Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/162336681X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PE3F3FBK9D1RTENVAQRP
Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.: Quick-Fix Recipes for Hangry Athletes: A Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/1635651913/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_B4C2JR0A0WGXNNG5FAQX
I haven’t read them myself, but they were NY Times best selling from Olympian authors.
ATK just prereleased a cooking science book for young cooks
I was curious enough that I preordered it for myself lol.
If you can wait until Oct 13 this Icelandic cookbook would likely make a very beautiful gift.
Lebanese Home Cooking: Simple, Delicious, Mostly Vegetarian Recipes from the Founder of Beirut's Souk El Tayeb Market https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1631590375/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_RH978FQEHAXNFFPW9ZG9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Well it is great gardening with your kids, and my wife was able to garden while she was pregnant, (we were never "a woman in your condition" types) so it was the same as anything, shopping, cooking, working in Manhattan commuting home. Don't let on, but get a copy of. this and leave it around, see if he doesn't think gardining with you isn't his idea. https://www.amazon.com/First-Tomato-Voyage-Bunny-Planet/dp/0803711751/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=First+Tomato%3A+Voyage+to+the+Bunny+Planet+Book&qid=1628864652&sr=8-3
I'm shocked no one has mentioned Maangchi's big book. She has a blog and a YouTube channel, but this book is where it's at. I prefer it over koreatown. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1328988120/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_46ZFTRG9SFEQ26D7JKZE
I'd also add Bravetart, and Japanese home cooking. Dessert person is also phenomenal.
You cannot go wrong with a copy of “The New Basics” cookbook. https://www.amazon.com/New-Basics-Cookbook-Sheila-Lukins/dp/0894803417/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+new+basics+cookbook&qid=1628849783&sprefix=the+new+ba&sr=8-1 And a subscription to “Cook’s Country” magazine. I just bought my wife another copy of the new basics because the original 30+ year old copy was all tattered and had food stains on most of the pages so I thought it was time to replace it. When she saw it she said “Why? I already have a copy of this” I said look at it. You can hardly even read the recipe for Asian baby back ribs (p. 553)
This is our favorite book. The New Basics. Especially the Asian baby back ribs on page 553. Just remember to take a paper towel and peel off the membrane on the underside of the ribs before cooking it makes all the difference in the world.
(EDIT) Last year I bought another copy of this for my wife, as the 30 year old copy was falling apart and the pages were all stained.
This is one of her other books:
Modern Jewish Cooking: Recipes & Customs for Today's Kitchen (Jewish Cookbook, Jewish Gifts, Over 100 Most Jewish Food Recipes) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1452127484/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RV61X39Z7KP5EPVPZ1PR
I don’t know the dividing line between traditional and modern. When I look up potato latkes she says >“…I have tried to stay true to my mom’s basic latke-making methodologies. Why mess with perfection? But when it comes to toppings, I believe there is room for experimentation.”
And she has a recipe for “classic challah” and such.
The CIA has a text on healthy cooking
I’ve never read it but it would be a good source to check. One thing to watch out for in their books is that these are written for commercial scale rather than home cooking in many cases.
I am a huge fan of French Feasts by Stéphane Reynard. The book is amazing it’s way more than just a cookbook. It’s one of my all time favorites.
A Treasury of Great Recipes, 50th... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1606600729?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This has great insight into the history of food in general. It’s recipes for fine dining during the convenience food era.
I’ve heard good things about the following books but own neither
Mexico: the cookbook https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mexico-Cookbook-Margarita-Carrillo-Arronte/dp/0714867527
They are both on my wish list but haven’t read either yet
This is an older book but excellent. I've made many recipes from it over the years and they were all great! https://www.amazon.com/Yan-Can-Cook-Book/dp/0385176066
This is a gorgeous bread book, although I’ll be honest I haven’t tried any of the breads yet, just the pizza crust. The thin crust pizza was good.
Bread Illustrated: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Bakery-Quality Results At Home https://www.amazon.com/dp/1940352606/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_6cmZFbHTZRS8V
Stella Parks is my favorite baker right now, so I would buy her book as a gift for anyone interested in American desserts.
https://www.amazon.com/BraveTart-American-Desserts-Stella-Parks/dp/0393239861/
She is on reddit--mostly on r/seriouseats, and also writes for seriouseats.com.
Here is one of her recipes from Serious Eats:
https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2019/07/epic-new-york-cheesecake-from-bravetart.html
It seems a lot of these recommendations, while possibly very good books, might seem overly daunting for someone who already doesn't like to cook, especially without a stocked kitchen on hand.
Something like The 5-Ingredient College Cookbook: Easy, Healthy Recipes for the Next Four Years & Beyond by Pamela Ellgen seems like it might be more suited.
The 5-Ingredient College Cookbook: Easy, Healthy Recipes for the Next Four Years & Beyond
I have not actually cooked it yet, but my game plan for thanksgiving 2020 is to cook the feast from:
The Friendsgiving Handbook: (Thanksgiving Recipe Cookbook, Friendsgiving Gift) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1452176949/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XzoKFbB5W0PZW
I like that it tells you an exact timeline. Make this 3 days in advance. Make this 2 days in advance. Here is the timing for the oven. Hopefully it works!
One of my favorite cookbooks that I ever purchased was a secondhand copy of this one put out as a charity project by Habitat for Humanity. It's very nicely done and has some recipes from a few famous people, including Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter, but most of the recipes are ones submitted by regular people across the country who have either volunteered or received a home from Habitat for Humanity. Tons of amazing home style recipes, from all across America.