I used to read a lot of cookbooks, especially at night. I have three shelves full but don’t refer to them often. They are there for reference. This winter I’m hoping to rectify that situation and keep a stack nearby to reacquaint myself.
My friend Joanne just sent me an article 25 Most Influential Cookbooks of the last 100 years.
I have just four from the list in my possession. I’ve had a few others but who knows where they disappeared -Moosewood, Silver Palate and the Marcella Hazan Italian Essentials were a few I’ve had I my collection.
I use cookbooks almost daily. My Moosewood is one of my favourite.
A classic.
A friend just commented on FB that Moosewood was her savior for entertaining a group when in college. She mentioned Moosewood’s Mushroom Stroganoff over Egg Noodles. Sounds delicious.
Moosewood has saved the day for me many times as well. The recipes never let me down.
Cookbooks often feel like old friends, don’t they? Even if they’re not used daily, they hold memories, inspiration, and a sense of comfort. Reacquainting yourself with your collection sounds like a wonderful winter project! And those influential titles—like Moosewood and Marcella Hazan—are true classics worth revisiting. Happy cooking (and reading)! 📚🍳
Yes like old friends worth getting reacquainted with.
I do use cookbooks occasionally, especially seeking out new pie recipes. I have roughly 12 pie cookbooks plus all the “usual” cookbooks Mary has collected.
You are a pie master, Rob.
I refer to mine all the time
Thanks Sheree.
I have shelves of cookbooks too. I never use them. When I want a recipe, I look it up on Google.
I recently offered a cookbook to my granddaughter and she said she uses Google too.
I use both Google and cookbooks, but prefer the books. I also limit my collection to one shelf in my kitchen. pam
Yes I was looking over my collection. Considering which ones to donate. Thanks Pam.
I’m sure a lot of wonderful recipes came out of those books.
I am realizing I cook a lot less with a longtime empty nest
I still use cokbooks and buy them!
Your blog photos make my mouth water! You put those cookbooks to great use. ❤️
I have lots of cook books. Two you showed. Julia Childs and Joy. I also use the computer when I’m short on time. I also enjoy reading them.
I used to read recipes like fairy tales to my kids.
I enjoy reading cookbooks and looking at the pictures. I definitely need the inspiration. Currently I am going through my cookbooks, if there are several must make recipes I keep it. If not, I donate it – streamlining. gcr
I’m looking at mine and am finding it difficult to purge! But I’m keeping at it.
Love cookbooks, but tend to search online, or from the bloggers I follow and newsletters.
I have three of the mentioned cookbooks. I don’t use many of my huge collection, but I love to read them and get some inspiration. My old Joy of Cooking (1973) has a burn mark on the back cover in the shape of the stovetop burner …. hmmmm … a little too close to the cooking! And lots of stained pages in that book because it was my only cookbook for many years and the one I used to teach myself to cook. JB
And you and your list inspired this post!
I have an entire bookcase full of cookbooks, and I still use several of them often.
I gave away most of my cookbooks, though I scanned my favourite recipes for future reference. I kept my Joy of Cooking, though!
That’s a great reference.
Yup, I’m old school and still use cookbooks and paper recipes placed in 3-ring binders.
We will get to recipes in cards and binders soon!!
I love this idea of reacquainting yourself with your cookbook collection—there’s something so comforting about flipping through a well-loved cookbook and rediscovering recipes. It’s like a little treasure hunt in your own home!
That list of the 25 Most Influential Cookbooks sounds fascinating. I’d love to know which four you still have—such classics! Moosewood and Marcella Hazan are definitely on my list of all-time greats too (though, like yours, some of my copies have mysteriously wandered off over the years).
This post has me inspired to dust off my own cookbooks and try something new this winter. Any ideas for what you’ll cook first
I often promise myself to try a recipe from one of my cookbooks at least once a week, but I rarely succeed. My favourite cookbook used to belong to my great-grandmother. There were a lot of blank pages in the back and she added a lot of recipes by hand or cut-out from newspapers.
How nice to have your great-grandmothers book with those recipes she saved.
Thanks so much for your post and link to the article on cookbooks. I basically use my cookbooks for inspiration. I have several of the ones mentioned such as Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. I was amazed that so many I had never heard of.
I have found interesting slips of paper in my cookbook rereading – a recipe, a clipping, a guest list and menu. Cookbooks are inspiring. Thanks for your visit and nice comment today