Cookbooks from the library! And other foodie reads.

There is nothing that holds more sweet (or savory) promise than that of opening a new cookbook. What joys there are to be found! What meditative cutting and dicing and gentle stirring you will do directed by its pages. What jazzy playlists will stream through the kitchen, dancing through the delicious steamy scents of onions and garlic (there’s no better scent than those; wait, newborn baby breath.). And if you know this joy, than you also know the disappointment when you open one with such high hopes to find maybe one, maybe two recipes that will take a coveted spot in the line-up. You know those cookbooks. And so I say, no more! No more purchasing cookbooks before thoroughly vetting them lest they take up a dusty spot on the shelves. In that vein, here’s my favorite revolutionary-to-me tip…Get them out at the library first!

I click, click, click into my library website from my home and place holds on the cookbooks I’m hearing buzz about (among lots of other books; trying to purchase less of everything lately, including books. Though, I do think that purchased books and supporting authors is a very worthy thing to put ones money towards, for what it’s worth). When I get the email notification that they’re available, I practically skip into the front desk to request my hold. A cookbook to appraise! I bring it home and flip through peering at the pages and determining how many might make the list. A thorough glance at the ingredient list usually tells me. Here’s a few that are really passing the test lately (and, a few on this list were already vetted by my friend Rachael–checking out her favorite cookbooks in her Vermont home is becoming a favorite pastime):

Dinner: Changing the Game

This is one I bought. Happily. There’s at least 10 things I can see myself making in it, and with more exploration, maybe 10 more. Melissa Clark is quickly taking second place right behind Ina in my favorite chefs lineup.
Already made and loved: Thai Lettuce Wraps
Up next: Ginger Pork Meatballs

Six Seasons: A New Way With Vegetables

This is so beautifully photographed, and that alone makes it a fun read. It’s divided by seasons–I headed straight for fall. Eating seasonally is how, I think, we’re supposed to eat. Author, Josh McFadden, helped manage the Four Seasons Farm and worked extensively in the restaurant business in San Francisco. Basically, he’s had his hand in food (and, more specifically, produce) for a long time. I haven’t made anything yet, but there are several recipes (without strange, difficult-to-procure ingredients) I want to make.

Up next: Gratin of Brussels Sprouts, Gruyere, and Prosciutto

My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life: A Cookbook

A reader recommended this to me when I said I loved reading cookbooks. It was a good recommendation. It’s Ruth’s memoir about the closing of Gourmet Magazine when she was editor. It’s how getting back into the kitchen really saved her, complete with some of the recipes she made during that dark time. Beyond reading actual recipes, I like reading food stories. What food means to people, and the community that it brings. I haven’t made any of the recipes in it, but it’s fun reading nevertheless.

Favorite Recipes from Melissa Clark’s Kitchen: Family Meals, Festive Gatherings, and Everything In Between

Once I went down the Melissa Clark rabbit hole, I wanted to find other things by her too. This was the book that had the short ribs recipe in it and for that I will be forever grateful. Like Ina, none of her recipes are overly fussy, but unlike Ina a lot of them have an Asian element to them–calling for things like sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce–and that is perhaps my favorite flavor profile everrrrr.

Already made and loved: Chile Coconut Braised Short Ribs

Bread Toast Crumbs: Recipes for No-Knead Loaves and Meals to Savor Every Slice

I’ve been hearing about this book for quite some time–a lot of praise from those people who always make their own bread (she says disdainfully wishing she were one of those people). Alexandra Stafford began as a blogger, posting other recipes but not posting the recipe for the bread also pictured. That vegetable soup looks amazing, thanks for the recipe, but oh what about that bread up there peeking out of the corner? Can we have that recipe? It was her mother’s secret recipe but the internet wanted to know. Finally, with her mother’s permission, she shared it. And I made it! More than once! And it’s easy! And delicious!

Finally, for the kids…

Fanny at Chez Panisse: A Child’s Restaurant Adventures with 46 Recipes

This is for the kids, and it’s so worth checking out at the library. Also recommended to me by a reader–thank you! It’s written by Alice Waters, in the voice of her seven year old daughter Fanny. It’s quirky and cute and charming and pulls back the curtain on what the restaurant business looks like to a sweet, young child. And farm-to-table restaurant, even better. The boys really enjoyed it. It’s a little longer. I think we read it over the course of two nights, and they looked forward to it each night. And so did I. Then, you could keep Fanny’s adventures alive by making a few of the recipes!

Tell me, what are your favorite cookbooks or foodie reads?

Favorite top lately: c/o Everlane