I’ve read a few cookbooks in my day – and brought most of them home, my husband likes to point out. For me, cookbooks are more than a collection of recipes. They are the classics of comfort food, the resources of creativity, and the novel ideas for imaginative new dishes. And, should you find them taking over the bookshelves, they do double duty as decorative accessories
– an artfully arranged stack of them can elevate a lamp to new heights.
– an artfully arranged stack of them can elevate a lamp to new heights.These are just a few of my favorite cookbooks. They are wonderful for gift-giving, reading, and even cooking! So many new books come out every day that it is difficult to keep up with all of them − and I’m just one woman! Bookstores are a great source for checking out cookbooks, especially if they have comfy chairs and great coffee to encourage you to browse before you buy. Yard sales are the best place to find older books that may be nostalgic or even collectible. And, used book stores often have a nice selection at bargain prices. Recently though, one of my favorite sources is Amazon.com used books. I’ve gotten some out of print books and recently released books in excellent condition, for a fraction of the original price.
For my personal recommendations, check here every now and then for a growing list of good books for cooks, inspiring gifts for new cooks, or for something to savor when you hunger for a good read.
SOUTHERN LIVING ANNUAL RECIPES 1979- 2005
Every year, Southern Living publishes a collection of the many, many recipes and food features from their magazine. These have become highly prized sources for the best of Southern home cooking and entertaining – some of the finest eating there is! A new edition comes out every year around Christmas, but the older copies, dating back to 1979, can be found at used book stores, Amazon.com, or yard sales. They even offer a composite index to make searching multiple editions easier.
BAREFOOT CONTESSA COOKBOOKSThese days, there are lots of people cooking on TV and then writing cookbooks – a little something for everyone, I guess. My favorite though, has to be Ina Garten and her Barefoot Contessa series of cook books. She cooks and writes just like she appears in her TV show – like someone you would love to have for a neighbor and friend. If you were intimidated by Martha, then you’ll love Ina. She provides simplified recipes for great food to nurture and comfort family and friends – not to instruct or intimidate. If you want to enjoy cooking, entertaining, and also spend time with your guests – these are simply the best cook books to have in your library.
The Coastal Living CookbookI love this cookbook – especially for summer! It is another gem put out by Oxmoor House, the same group who publish the Southern Living and Coastal Living magazines. You don’t have to live on the coast though to appreciate this incredible collection of recipes. Seafood is, of course, the major focus of the book, but there are also lots of great recipes for appetizers, salads, sides, and even desserts. Most recipes are in a menu format for everything from cocktail parties to brunch. The pictures will make you long for a beach vacation, but the recipes will satisfy wherever you are cooking.
FRANK STITT’S SOUTHERN TABLE
I first heard of Frank Stitt from Pat Conroy’s recent cookbook. Conroy is such a fan that he wrote the Forword for his friend Stitt’s book. Mr. Conroy waxed so poetic about the Birmingham, AL restaurant, Highlands Bar and Grill, where Stitt creates his wonderful dishes, that I was forced to seek out this collection of recipes. WOW! Southern food taken to the next level with a touch of French influence. Beautiful pictures, charming stories, and mouth-watering recipes! I’m planning a trip to Birmingham just to check out Highlands Bar and Grill, but until then, I may just invite some friends over for a batch of Frogmore Stew by the pool.
