User post: Favorite Cookbooks

From the Community…

• 
  Posted by Habanero♥™ Wed Aug 12, 2009 12:51pm PDT

  Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961) by Julia Child

  Larousse Gastronomique

  The Joy of Cooking (1931) by Irma Rombauer

  The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book (1896) by Fannie Merritt Farmer

  El Cocinero Puerto - Riqueño 1859

  Fannie Flagg's Original Whistle Stop Cafe Cook Book

  In The Kennedy Kitchen by Neil Connolly

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Wookieecat Wed Aug 12, 2009 1:18pm PDT

  The Joy of Cooking was my first favorite cookbook. I had a paperback version I wore out, then I found a beautiful brand-new hardbound one at a yard sale for 50 cents! Major yard sale score! Whenever I have a cooking question, I can just go to it and look up the answer!

  I prefer the older versions to the newer ones. There was an update at one point by another editor that added some "healthier" recipes that weren't as good as the originals.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Habanero♥™ Wed Aug 12, 2009 1:35pm PDT

  Wookie: My first was the Betty Crocker cookbook. That is where I learned the basic. Then The Joy of Cooking and ultimately..... Mastering The Art of French Cooking.......by the beloved Julia.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Wookieecat Wed Aug 12, 2009 1:53pm PDT

  Love your Autumn post, Habanero!

  My mom had the Betty Crocker book, and that was her basic reference. It had all these glossy color pictures of 50's era recipes that were just amazing. Mom didn't teach me how to cook, though, so when I went to college, it was the Joy that was in our dorm kitchen.

  Someday I will work myself up to Julia!

  I also really loved the first version of "Laurel's Kitchen".

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Mark Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:06pm PDT

  This probably sounds stupid coming from a guy, but The Junior League publishes some really good cook books with old family recipes. I alter them slightly, but they can give you a really good idea on how to make some great dishes.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by simfelicity Fri Aug 14, 2009 2:34am PDT

  i dont have a cookbook.. it's easier for me to follow it manually....

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by tpol Fri Aug 14, 2009 5:53am PDT

  The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook. It's simple to use. Every recipe has been delicious and is 'real-life' for family cooking. Very easy to substitute low-fat versions of many ingredients as well.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Habanero♥™ Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:31am PDT

  Wookie; Thanks.

  In 1979 I bought my sister (vegetarian) Laurel's Kitchen. Great recipes.....I forgot about that book.

  Mark, some of my favorite recipes have come from The Junior League cook books.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by V.H Fri Aug 14, 2009 1:00pm PDT

  Good old Better Homes and Garden Cookbook with the red and white checkered cover. Can't beat a classic! But I find most of me recipes from surfing the net and using Grandma's old box of recipes that she cut from the paper and gathered from friends over the years. I would love to find a good raw eating cookbook.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by VS Fri Aug 14, 2009 2:45pm PDT

  if you love yummy desserts that are also cholesterol, dairy and egg-free, (vegan) you will love this pretty and fun book-- sweet utopia.

  Report Abuse