Updated 12 Feb 2021
Since the spring, we've been cooking a lot at home and have gotten some use out of our cookbook collection, and I suspect it will be getting even more use this winter as we hunker down over the next few months. Although there are so many amazing online resources and recipes available these days, and while we still go to Pinterest and other places for recipes (we love Food52 and Cook's Illustrated), I still prefer to use cookbooks. It's similar to reading a paper book instead of an e-book - there's something nice about not having to look at a screen when working in the kitchen. I also love supporting the authors as well as seeing the beautiful photos and covers on our shelf. Cookbooks also make great, practical gifts!
I've listed the cookbooks that we have used and enjoyed below, as well as some I've come across that we might invest in down the road.
General
Mastering the Art of French Cooking: This is an essential for anyone who enjoys cooking. Everything we've tried has been great, although my favorite will always be her beef bourguignon. If you don't own this book and plan to cook at some point in the future, you need to get it now.
Joy of Cooking: This is another timeless classic. There are basic recipes for everything you could imagine, and is a great resource.
Canelle et Vanille: This is a fairly recent addition to our bookshelf - I've always loved following Aran Goyoaga, her photos and recipes are stunning. I'm excited to try more recipes out of this one.
Super Natural Every Day: I've been following Heidi Swanson and her blog since college. Really great, simple, and tasty recipes.
Gatherings: This book is by Flora Shedden, who was on the Great British Bakeoff. I admire her style and the recipes are great! She recently opened a bakery in Scotland that I hope to visit one day. I have her other book, Aran, on my wish list.
Love and Lemons Every Day: This is another recent addition - I've heard a lot of good things about the first Love & Lemons cookbook (below) and thought I would give this one a try. Tons of great veggie recipes, salad dressing, pasta dishes, etc. I can see this as a staple in our house going forward.
Malibu Farm Cookbook: My aunt got this one for us a few years back and we've really enjoyed it. There are some really interesting flavors and dishes we've had fun experimenting with.
Ottolenghi Simple: Another one with some great, classic & interesting recipes. Perfect for skimming through when you aren't sure what to make!
Salt Acid Fat Heat: Cary has really enjoyed this one and The Food Lab because there is a lot of explanation as to why certain recipes work. While I'm not as interested in those details, they are perfect for those who like to dig into the science of cooking.
The Food Lab: See above
Beautiful Salads: My cousin got this one and Beautiful Boards for me this past year and we have really enjoyed them. This one has a ton of great salad ideas and all of the ones we've tried so far have been great. I tend to end up eating the same things over and over so this is really great for adding some diversity into our meals.
Beautiful Boards: I love to host, especially for meals or game nights, so I'm really excited to use this for ideas for boards and snack platters when we can finally host parties again!
Barbecue
Serious Barbecue & 2. Charred & Scruffed by Adam Perry Lang: Cary swears by these BBQ books and pretty much uses them exclusively when he cooks on the grill. The BBQ sauce recipe is so good that I could eat it with a spoon.
Baking & Desserts
Water Flour Salt Yeast: I got this book for Cary when he was really into making bread - it's regarded as one of the top bread making resources, and he really enjoyed learning from it and making the recipes.
Paul Hollywood's Bread: If you like to make bread you have to have Paul Hollywood's bread book! He has a lot of interesting recipes from around the world and some great basic techniques.
The New Way to Cake: This is another book from a former Great British Bakeoff contestant, Benjamina Ebuehi. I've made a few of the recipes and they've all been great.
Small Plates and Sweet Treats: This is my other book by Aran Goyoaga, focused on small plates and desserts. It's lovely and I would highly recommend, especially if you are gluten-free!
Other Great Options
1. Aaran // 2. Nothing Fancy // 3. Dining In // 4. The Cooking Gene
5. Love and Lemons // 6. Soul // 7. In Bibi's Kitchen // 8. Cook's Illustrated Cookbook
This post is not sponsored or in partnership with any of the aforementioned brands but the article contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.