This is very much a work in progress! At the moment it’s a (very incomplete) list of my cookbook collection.

THE STAPLES

Food Lover’s Companion — Not a cookbook but a great resource. It gives definitions of food terms and ingredients. It’s great for when you’re reading a recipe and have NO CLUE what a particular ingredient is.

Molto Italiano — I have a food crush on Mario Batali. I love his restaurants, I love Molto Mario and I love this cookbook. I’ll admit I don’t make a TON of stuff out of the book but the few staples I make are great. And it’s a pretty book.

The Whole Foods Market Cookbook – I like this book a lot BUT it’s inconsistent. There are a lot of misprints (consult their website for corrections) but if you can work around them the food is great. I’ve never made anything bad out of this one.

Barefoot In Paris — I’ve always enjoyed The Barefoot Contessa which was a huge influence when I ordered this book. There aren’t a lot of recipes in here but the ones I’ve made have been great. I’m partial to the coconut madeleins.

Mes Confitures — Oh how I adore this book! Christine Ferber is considered the fairy godmother of jam and this book is like a bible for her disciples. Beautifully photographed and excellent recipes.

Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook — This book deserves an award if it hasn’t won one already. THE most beautifully cookbook I’ve ever seen. It always makes me want to bake something elaborate. The few things that I’ve made have always turned out well but I tend to read the book like a novel.

Super Natural Cooking — My obsession right now.  Heidi Swanson is amazing.  The food is great AND healthy.  Plus she gives a lot of great information about using alternative flours, sugars and oil.  She really decodes the health food store without being preachy or condescending.

Everyday Italian – I bought this shortly after it came out and have used it steadily every since.  Very simple recipes with easy to source ingredients.  The one thing that drives me nuts is that it feels like there’s a picture of Giada on every page with her low cut top!

Moosewood Restaurant New Classics — I acquired this book fairly recently and never really used it. Until one day I was looking for new things and cracked it open.  LOVE THIS BOOK.  Every other page has something totally yummy on it.

Betty Crocker: The New Cookbook — I know, this is a very low brow choice but I really do check it quite often.  It’s pretty good for staples or general things when you can’t remember what kind of apples to use in a pie.

How To Cook Everything — I think everyone should have this book.  I haven’t necessarily made anything of this book but I use it for a reference all the time.