Favorite Cookbooks...

                                              Kathy's Favorite Cookbooks


I own close to 50 cookbooks, which cover all types of international food, culinary techniques, and basic kitchen knowledge. Some of these cookbooks I have had for over 30 years, such as my Betty Crocker cookbook. Others I have owned for a short time, such as Lulu's Provencal Table, which was given to me by my father on Labor Day weekend 2010, when I visited my parents in Bend, Oregon.


My last post was about inspiration, and these cookbooks are where much of my inspiration comes from for cooking and baking. In addition, the magazine "Fine Cooking" also offers a wealth of information, excellent recipes, stunning pictures of succulent dishes, and wonderful tips on all kinds of problems that may arise while in the kitchen.


Recently I picked up a used copy of Elizabeth David's Mediterranean Food, which is quite a find from a used book sale because it goes into the history behind the recipes. Originally published in 1950, this little book is a treasure trove of historical knowledge, mixed with the expertise of a renowned chef. Elizabeth David was England's revered culinary authority, who revolutionized British cooking in the 1950's.


Marion Cunningham (of Walnut Creek) has written many great cookbooks, one of which I turn to several times a month when looking for a recipe from the past.The title of this cookbook is Lost Recipes, and I have made Joe's Special, Vegetable Frittata, Popovers and many others that remind me of the things my Mom would make when I was growing up.


I cannot leave out mentioning the Cafe Beaujolais Cookbook, written by Margaret Fox (former owner/chef at Cafe Beaujolais Restaurant in Mendocino, CA.) The Black Bean Chile recipe (which is what Julia Child ordered when she visited this restaurant in the early 1980's) is excellent! The Pumpkin Muffin recipe and Sour Cream Waffle recipe are also some of my favorites from this cookbook.


Related to the Cafe Beaujolais Cookbook is the cookbook titled Morning Food by Margaret Fox published in 2006. This dogeared book focuses on food that will make family and friends jump out of bed to get to the breakfast table first! My favorite recipe from this book is Buttermilk-Cinnamon Coffeecake, which the restaurant was known for. In addition, there are a large variety of waffle, french toast, and omelet recipes-Blue Cheese, Bacon, Apple and Walnut Omelette being my favorite.

In honor of chef Alice Waters, of Berkeley's Chez Panisse Restaurant fame, I must include one of her many cookbooks titled Chez Panisse Cooking, published in 1988.This book is a reference book for me. I have never made a single recipe from this book, but I have enjoyed reading it for ideas over the years. My Dad loved the restaurant, and knew Alice Waters. I remember eating there once as a teenager with my family.

I would be doing a great disservice to Julia Child if I didn't include her Mastering the Art of French Cooking in my list of all-time favorite cookbooks. I have only made one recipe from this massive book...Boeuf Bourguignon (beef stew in red wine, with bacon, onions and mushrooms). This recipe is worth the price of the book!! Guests have always loved it. It was one of the recipes I made for my parents when they would come for dinner. 

Related to Mastering the Art of French Cooking, is Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home. This is a delightful book that is co-written by both chefs, with each of them
weighing in their tips and advice for each recipe. They had a wonderful friendship, and it shines through in the pages of this 400 page cookbook that is filled with beautiful full-page photos. I just got my hands on this book, and plan to try something from it soon.

~Kathy~