As someone who has been collecting cookbooks for many years and is trying to limit the number to bring into my home, I find the way I go about selecting them has changed over the years. It used to be primarily baking books, but now I find myself gravitating to cookbooks that introduce me to cultures and cuisines that I’m not familiar with. I tend to rely on a visceral reaction when I open the book to guide me, but generally I am looking for copious head notes and writing with a strong voice and photos that transport. Having said all this, ‘Gateau’ is one of the few baking books on my list that I’m considering shelling out money to buy.
Great choices! I have all of these except Diasporican which I am definitely planning to get. Agree that the illustrations were the way to go in Aleksandra’s lovely book. Highly recommend her almond-flour yogurt cake variation. My checklist also includes Table of Contents to see how recipes are organized — often very creatively in ways that help the author tell their unique approach to cooking. And I am also fascinated by kitchen sections where authors share their essential pantry staples and favorite tools and how they use them.
I appreciate your cookbook recommendations, Anne. I’ve been trying to hold to my resolution not to buy any more until I get rid of a few, but I’m failing. I’ve bought several, including two after reading your newsletter. Most recently is “Gâteaux,” which I simply couldn’t resist. I love the illustrations, writing, stories, and of course the recipes. I just made the delectable Quatre-Quarts (pound cake), the lemon curd variation. OMG! Délicieux! Can’t wait to try the savory bakes!
I'm eagerly awaiting Ina Garten's new book later this month. I'm never disappointed with anything I make from her books. I'm also really drawn to Tieghan Gerard's Half Baked Harvest blog and cookbooks. Her take on food and recipes seems new and exciting and I enjoy trying her recipes. Molly Yeh is also an interesting new person to watch. I'm going to a book signing of hers later today. I'm also looking forward to Deb Perlman's new Smitten Kitchen cookbook. Blogs are powerful and it seems to be the way we're being introduced to new writers.
I made The Red Truck’s Summer salad with grilled Halloumi cheese. Not only did my family love it but I made it again for my coworkers. I am not lying when I say it put a smile on their face and they deemed it almost better than my cheesecake which is high praise indeed. The mix of flavors is incredible and it will be my summer go to. I also just made Chiqui’s creole dip from Cooking Up a Storm for Sunday football. Again, totally devoured. I’ll be making your chocolate pound cake this weekend for a bake sale. I’m loving life in the kitchen.
Thank you for introducing me to four books I had not heard of. Those of us who like to cook like to explore. :)
As someone who has been collecting cookbooks for many years and is trying to limit the number to bring into my home, I find the way I go about selecting them has changed over the years. It used to be primarily baking books, but now I find myself gravitating to cookbooks that introduce me to cultures and cuisines that I’m not familiar with. I tend to rely on a visceral reaction when I open the book to guide me, but generally I am looking for copious head notes and writing with a strong voice and photos that transport. Having said all this, ‘Gateau’ is one of the few baking books on my list that I’m considering shelling out money to buy.
Great choices! I have all of these except Diasporican which I am definitely planning to get. Agree that the illustrations were the way to go in Aleksandra’s lovely book. Highly recommend her almond-flour yogurt cake variation. My checklist also includes Table of Contents to see how recipes are organized — often very creatively in ways that help the author tell their unique approach to cooking. And I am also fascinated by kitchen sections where authors share their essential pantry staples and favorite tools and how they use them.
I made this stew yesterday. I had a honey baked ham bone on hand and threw that in after I took the chicken out. Everyone loved it
I'm the person who collects cookbooks but tends to use the same ones over and over again.
That stew looks delicious.
I didn't realize there were two Smithfield towns claiming the ham origins.
I appreciate your cookbook recommendations, Anne. I’ve been trying to hold to my resolution not to buy any more until I get rid of a few, but I’m failing. I’ve bought several, including two after reading your newsletter. Most recently is “Gâteaux,” which I simply couldn’t resist. I love the illustrations, writing, stories, and of course the recipes. I just made the delectable Quatre-Quarts (pound cake), the lemon curd variation. OMG! Délicieux! Can’t wait to try the savory bakes!
I'm eagerly awaiting Ina Garten's new book later this month. I'm never disappointed with anything I make from her books. I'm also really drawn to Tieghan Gerard's Half Baked Harvest blog and cookbooks. Her take on food and recipes seems new and exciting and I enjoy trying her recipes. Molly Yeh is also an interesting new person to watch. I'm going to a book signing of hers later today. I'm also looking forward to Deb Perlman's new Smitten Kitchen cookbook. Blogs are powerful and it seems to be the way we're being introduced to new writers.
I made The Red Truck’s Summer salad with grilled Halloumi cheese. Not only did my family love it but I made it again for my coworkers. I am not lying when I say it put a smile on their face and they deemed it almost better than my cheesecake which is high praise indeed. The mix of flavors is incredible and it will be my summer go to. I also just made Chiqui’s creole dip from Cooking Up a Storm for Sunday football. Again, totally devoured. I’ll be making your chocolate pound cake this weekend for a bake sale. I’m loving life in the kitchen.
Love your recommendations!
I felt the same way about Brian Noyes’ cookbook. That cover drew me in.
Good guidance, Anne. I’m baking from Ballymaloe this Fall.
Another coolio issue!