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The Kitchen Table

Are there any cookbooks/authors that you just have to have?

16 years ago

My must-have cookbooks are the Barefoot Contessa's. I really like her cooking and have all her books. I like a number of the chefs on tv, but hers are the only books I have.

Just for kicks and giggles, I want to try and find Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in used bookstores.

The movie made her book popular again, and I know they are in print again. One of our local stores is selling the hardcover for $60.

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Comments (20)

Marilyn Sue
16 years ago
Not that I can think of. If I see a book I think I would like at a rummage sale, and the price was right, I would buy it.

Sue
azzalea
16 years ago
This is going to sound really egotistical, I guess.

I have a broad interest in books by various authors, and my collection contains many different books, from different eras and authors--very eclectic and not overly weighted with any particular recipe writer. EXCEPT that the only cookbooks/cooking mags I always have to buy are those that have my recipes in them. If it's a book I don't have yet, I always 'have' buy a copy to put on the shelf with the rest of them.
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Jasdip
Original Author
16 years ago
Azzalea, are you saying that you have personal recipes that are published??
azzalea
16 years ago
Some--yes.
Linda Wayman
16 years ago
My favorites are the ones from churches and organizations where the recipes are submitted by various individuals. I love the Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks and those from The Telephone Pioneers. Oh yes, there are the Southern Living yearly cook books too. I can't forget the ones published over the years where all the recipes are from my co-workers. I just love cookbooks. I've already gotten rid of a few hundred and still have an ample supply.
Georgysmom
16 years ago
When I was remodeling my kitchen I threw away two Betty Crocker cookbooks....one from the fifties, and one from the seventies. I really wish I hadn't. I have had to call a friend numerous times and borrow hers. Dottie
Rudebekia
16 years ago
My long-time favorite (from the 70s I think) is "The Vegetarian Epicure." Everything I've prepared from it is delicious!
maryanntx
16 years ago
It's been years since I bought a cookbook, but I did buy the Pioneer Woman's Cookbook recently and it's awesome. I also bought copies for my DIL and DS and they both love it.
marlingardener
16 years ago
Jacques Pepin--I love the way that man handles food! And like mcsippy the "local ladies" cookbooks are wonderful. I collect them, and one of my favorites is Cane River Cuisine from Louisiana.
Jasdip, try alibris.com which is a site that sells used books in good condition. Child's French Cooking should be available at a much reduced price. I have a copy and use it regularly. She's great on technique!
lindyluwho
16 years ago
The Pioneer Woman. I love her recipes and DH loves to cook from her book.

Linda
cynic
16 years ago
I like the locally produced cookbooks. Especially if there's info in there about the area. I've contributed to several of them. Although you wind up with 50 duplicate recipes there's always something different in there - at least almost always.
glenda_al
16 years ago
My old standby is Good Housekeeping cookbook from the early 60's. Received it as a wedding present.

Falling apart, I have to keep it in a plastic bag.

My favorite of all coobooks!
nodakgal
16 years ago
IMO the local cookbooks are the best! The ones put out by the church ladies,VFW's, daycares, hospitals. They have what we like, good everyday food recipes. I'm considered a good cook by my family, but I don't do fancy recipes, they think fancy is Chicken Fettucini! LOL
I **might** buy the Pioneer Womans cookbook if I saw it. I wouldn't find it in my town though I know that.
Georgysmom
16 years ago
Jacques Pepin forget about his cooking. I could listen to him talk all day!

Dottie
dilly_dally
16 years ago
The Best of Everything Cookbook - Eleanor Graves - 1971

If you already know how to cook and understand the fundamentals............ this is the book for you. It contains a compilation of the best recipes in every genre.

Here is a link that might be useful: Book
trinitytx
16 years ago
I have a cokbook binder that I ordered many years ago. It is full of plastic sleeves. When I find a good recipe, I put it in there. All of my favorites.

Authored by friends and relatives.

My SIL has put together 2 different books from the family and gives them out at Christmas. Love those cookbooks!!

Trin
Terri_PacNW
16 years ago
I like Nigella Lawson...I use my old Betty C from the 70's..a lot...

Well and AnnT from the Cooking Forum...many many of her tried and trues are in my kitchen repertoire.
sweet_betsy No AL Z7
16 years ago
This is the website of a local woman with step by step
directions for many southern favorites. She has a cookbook
in production and sends out an e-mail newsletter several
times a week. It is always fun to read.

Here is a link that might be useful: southern plate
orie
16 years ago
I'm a cookbook fanatic. The one I have enjoyed the most is by Emilio and Gloria Estefan called Estefan Kitchen. Yes, they are the Cuban musicians and have put out a Cuban cookbook that, in my opinion, is phenomenal. I love it because the recipes are simple and every recipe reminds me of my moms cooking. Check it out when you can. I think you will find it.... great!!!!!!!
Lindsey_CA
16 years ago
"I want to try and find Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in used bookstores.
The movie made her book popular again, and I know they are in print again. One of our local stores is selling the hardcover for $60."

Just bought a brand new one today in Costco for $25.

"I **might** buy the Pioneer Womans cookbook if I saw it. I wouldn't find it in my town though I know that."

You can find a LOT of her recipes on her web site The Pioneer Woman. And you can buy the book from Amazon.

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