Cookbook Addict
When people ask me if I read non-fiction, I always give them a look that implies they've grown a third arm and enthusiastically tell them "no way!" I like to escape from reality, not immerse myself in it. Of course, one can't get through college and be a professional teacher without reading plenty of research material, but I don't consider that to be the real crux of the question. I hear it as "do you enjoy reading non-fiction?" And I don't.
Then it occurred to me that I have a very large collection of non-fiction that I enjoy immensely. I'll greedily read each one from cover to cover and drool over the illustrations. I eagerly seek out these particular non-fiction books and spend way too much money in hopes of finding new "research" that will tantalize my taste buds.
I'm a cookbook addict.
I've never served breakfast on my breakfast bar. I don't even have stools for it. Instead, it acts as my cookbook shelf. My mom commented that they were a nice decorative touch, but they are there for a more important reason--practicality. I use them all the time and need them within easy reach. I'm often told I'm a good cook, but really I'm just a cookbook devotee.
These are a few of my absolute favorites that I turn to time and again when I need to prepare a tasty meal, a simple dessert or a saucy side dish.
Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook
I received this book as a college graduation gift. Other than cash, this is one of the best used gifts I've ever been given. It has tried and true recipes for everyone--from the complete kitchen novice to an experienced cook. Just last week I discovered a new and improved pumpkin pie recipe that included a caramel pecan topping. Double yum!
This book has everything from the proper way to bake a potato to a complex beef Wellington recipe. It includes tips for cooking, emergency substitutions and many other features that make it an excellent standard for any kitchen. Unlike recipes that I find on the internet, none of these recipes have ever failed me. They have all turned out scrumptious and perfect, as long as I followed directions and didn't decide to take short-cuts.
Instead of traditional binding you can buy a three ring binder edition, which makes it very easy to keep your place while cooking. There are also plenty of full color pictures to explain both complex and simple kitchen procedures. I love it so much that I have given away several as gifts. Currently, a new pink edition is available with part of the proceeds going to fund breast cancer research.
The Border Cookbook by Cheryl Alters Jamison and Bill Jamison
If you are a fan of Mexican food, this is a must have book. I picked it up when I moved to Sweden, under the assumption that Mexican food would not be readily available. I was right. This book saved my taste buds from two years of bland boredom.
The recipes are authentic, which means you won't find recipes that call for canned salsa or enchilada sauce. Instead, you'll find several recipes for a variety of salsas, enchilada sauces, tortillas, and so much more. I use this book all the time and have found that I can hardly abide eating at Mexican restaurants anymore. Thanks to this book, my cooking is much better than the usual restaurant fare.
Any cookbook by Jamie Oliver
I often joke that Jamie Oliver, aka The Naked Chef, taught me to cook. I used to be addicted to the Food Network in general and Jamie Oliver in particular. He is famous for stripping down food to its bare ingredients, which means a lot of fresh food with fresh herbs and spices.
The recipes in his cookbooks are just as tasty as the recipes featured on his television shows. Whenever I need to serve up a flavorful meal to impress dinner guests, I pore over my Oliver cookbooks until I find the perfect dish. Many of the recipes are inspired by Italian and Asian cuisine, which is a type of cooking I never thought I would enjoy. Oliver's enthusiasm inspires me to try new things, and I have found very few of his recipes that I don't like.