If you could own just one cookbook, what would it be? I get asked this question on occasion, and with my ever-expanding collection of cookbooks, this is a tough one to answer.
Would it be a recent Gordon Ramsay, or an old classic like Margaret Fulton? With so many cookbooks on the market these days, each book has a place and serves a different purpose. Donna Hay’s cookbooks I find are great for mid-week meals and are so beautifully photographed. Nigella Lawson books on the other hand are great for when you have a little more time on your hands to experiment. And then there are cuisine-specific cookbooks, like Charmaine Solomon’s Asian cookbooks.
One cookbook I own that covers a wide range of cuisines and occasions is Stephanie Alexander’s The Cook’s Companion
. This book is in its second edition, of which I had both (I gave edition one to my sister after I acquired edition two). The book is alphabetically arranged by ingredient, and for each ingredient there is information on varieties, season, selection, storage, preparation and cooking, as well as recipes and quick cooking ideas.
One of the features I love about The Cook’s Companion
Therefore, The Cook’s Companion
I would love to hear what your favourite cookbooks are, so please leave your comments!
I love The American Country Inn and Bed & Breakfast Cookbook. There are recipes from the finest Bed and Breakfast Inns from every state and Canada. Luscious desserts, wonderful breakfast and brunch dishes and delicious main courses.
I’d have to say my “how to cook everything” cookbook given to me when I got my first apartment. It’s a great resource and a good starting point for almost everything 🙂 Plus it’s so huge it also doubles as a little step when I can’t reach something in the high cabinets!
My favorite so far has been Jean Georges cookbook. His is the only one whose recipes I actually followed 🙂
I would have to say Bobby Flay(2 new signed) or Rick Bayless,- Tex-Mex or BBQ- they are the only ones I actually follow the recipes…
Wow, thanks for your comments – what a diverse selection! It’s so interesting learning what inspires people.
Pick just one? If I had to, it would be something basic like The Joy of Cooking since it is diverse, but I pray this would NEVER HAPPEN EVER!
For me, it would have to be Nigella’s How to be a Domestic Goddess! Savoury foods tend to be easier for me to cook naturally but sweets are my passion but I definitely need guidance 🙂
harold mcgee’s ‘on food and cooking’ is indispensible, although not a recipe collection as such.
michael ruhlman’s recently published ‘elements’ is a must-own for all serious cooks.
nice blog, by the way.
Thanks for adding your favourites, Joe de vivre, Lorraine E and CC. All different again!
I’m with you. Stephanie’s bible takes pride of place because it really suits the way I cook. It is a great reference/foundation to creating my own recipes. I also love David Thompson’s Thai and anything by Claudia Roden.
Hi Rachel, nice choices! A Thai cookbook I’m really enjoying at the moment is “Spirit House” (from the Yandina restaurant of the same name).