Cookbooks I Really Use Again and Again and Again
I have a condition called Food On The Brain. I make grocery lists to help plan for meals I crave and will create. I go on food hunts all over the city searching out the choicest ingredients for my foodie projects. I devote time every day to cooking family meals. And, for rest and relaxation, I read cookbooks! I work in a library and have access to thousands of cookbooks. I try to wade my way through most of the cookbooks in the library collection, even if only to glance at the Table of Contents and peek at the pictures. But, when it comes to getting my hands dirty in the kitchen and actually using a cookbook, I find myself connecting with and relying on only a select few. Which few? Here is my list, along with the reasons each of these speaks to me.
The new Moosewood cookbook / by Katzen, Mollie, 1950- The new Moosewood is really the old Moosewood with a much needed improved index. This is the book I can thank for teaching me to make really delicious Hummous, Babaganouj and Guacamole while I was a poor student living in the McGill ghetto. I still use these excellent recipes today. With charming illustrations from the hippy days the book was first published, this is a classic must-have for both vegetarians and non. Great salads and soups too!
Baking illustrated : a best recipe classic / The editors from the reliable Cook's Illustrated magazine bring us this trustworthy publication with the most carefully tested recipes imaginable. Not as visually flashy or glossy as is currently the trend in cookbooks, but a staple in my kitchen because of the quality of the recipes. I think I have developed a chemical dependancy on the Caramel Sauce. You must experience the Chocolate Truffle Tart at least once in your life time. The Banana Bread is everything you want this homestyle classic to be: moist and dense, full of fresh banana flavour and liberally textured with little morsels of walnuts. Lots of user-friendly savoury recipes too.
Muffins A to Z / by Simmons, Marie. One summer I had a stint as a baker at Annie's Bakery and Cafe in Fish Creek Park and this is the book of recipes we used to make gigantic, glorious, fresh muffins every morning. The banana Knock-Out Muffins are possibly the most delicious muffins I have ever eaten. There is an excellent recipe for Pumpkin Praline Muffins that will also knock you out. Vagabond Muffins are perfect for those days you are on the go and need a portable and nutritious snack. If you love muffins, this is the Bible. From decadently rich to hearty and healthy, you will find plenty here to satisfy all your muffin cravings with.
The best international recipe : a best recipe classic / Another fabulous cookbook from the editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine, featuring the great classic foods of the world. Awesome Chicken Enchiladas, Beef Goulash,Tabbouleh Salad, Samosas, Risotto, etc. The list goes on and you will never tire of the variety in this book. The many tantalizing flavours of world foods will find a happy home in your kitchen when you start cooking with this book.
The complete meat cookbook : a juicy and authoritative guide to selecting, seasoning, and cooking today's beef, pork, lamb, and veal / by Aidells, Bruce. I gave you a veggie-centered book, so this is for the meat-lovers. A very easy to use reference type cookbook with great ideas for meaty meals, plus wonderful sauces, condiments and side dishes to please everyone. Try some of the succulent spice rubs and the other flavour building tips. If you are tired of the same old meat and potatoes meals, this book will open your eyes to the surprising variety meat-based menus can contain.
Canadian living's desserts / by Baird, Elizabeth, 1939- Every Canadian household should own this book, with its well-tested recipes and its crowd-pleasing desserts. Everything you could possibly want in a dessert book is included, from cakes and cookies to pies and tarts, puddings, crumbles, crisps and souffles. Life is definitely sweeter when you use these recipes. I am a big fan of the comforting Cranberry Apple Crisp, which I will make later today, and the blissful Grand Marnier Nanaimo Bars, both very Canadian and very good.
Everyday Greens : home cooking from Greens, the celebrated vegetarian restaurant / by Somerville, Annie. This book details delicious ways to use vegetables, with stunning yet simple recipes for salads, soups, sandwiches, savoury snacks, pizza, curries, stews, casseroles, pasta, beans, grains, etc.! The Corn and Tomatillo Salsa and Moroccan Beet Salad both pack in big flavour and beautiful colour. Who knew eating your vegetables could be so much fun? Used along with the meat book and the dessert book, you have all your bases covered!