Book Nook Cafe discussion

Here is the thread to share your favorite cook books with us.




Share your favorite cook books with us.

Loverly! Thanks, Alias.

I haven't really prepared for this, so thought i'd start at the beginning of my Books Read List, which was begun in the early 70s. I knew nothing about cooking, only that it ended in food. So, i began elementary, in some ways, explaining those first few. I still have 4 of the first 5 books. Only the library book never made it home with me.

The I Hate to Cook Book--Peg Bracken. We still have favorite recipes from this book. What i appreciated about Bracken's book (there was a second book, as well, btw), is that she didn't fret over cooking &/or entertaining. It helped a novice like me! I must add that i've read every other book of hers, as well. Particularly pleasing was one she wrote about her ancestors, A Window over the Sink: A Memoir

The Country Kitchen Cook Book: Formerly The wonderful world of cooking--Edward Harris Heth. I cannot recall a single recipe but it is one of those cookbooks which evoke a time & place, as much as well considered dining. It was my first of this type, read at the base library in Fort Eustis, Virginia, when DH was training there. Some days i'd just sit at a table & read, in hopes of learning how to cook.

Heloise's Kitchen Hints--Heloise. NOTE: the photo is NOT of the Heloise who wrote the book, but of her daughter, who turned her mom's work into an industry.
I cannot say that i retained a single recipe from this book. We tried them but were disappointed. However, her tips for cooking shortcuts was worth the time spent reading it. Twice, a decade apart.
I must also add that reading it will help a person realize how easy she has it. Few folks had dishwashers and there was no Teflon.

The simmering pot cookbook--Alice Devine Loebel. This was the first ecological-based cookbook, if you can call it that. She firmly believed in making your own stock and offered recipes for several types--beef, chicken, ham and fish. I still have this cookbook. My favorite recipe from it is Chicken Curry Soup.

Joy of Cooking--Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker and more of the family. While i cannot say i've read this cover-to-cover, it is a staple. Wanna know how to can gooseberries? It's in there! How to cook wild game? It's in there! How to scramble eggs? It's in there! Bulky as it is, it's the cookbook i gave my sister when she wanted a book that covers all dishes. Why? It's in there!

I will also add the NF about this book. Stand Facing the Stove: The Story of the Women Who Gave America The Joy of Cooking--Anne Mendelson is a biography of the mother-daughter team who created the original Joy, it is also a bio of the book itself. Mom never cooked. They were wealthy enough to have a cook. lol

Enough for now.

The Cake Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum

I think my mother has made more than half the cakes in this cookbook. All were delicious, but I loved the chocolate ones most, of course, being a chocoholic.

--The Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen: Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free Dishes from the Healthiest Region Under the Sun:A Vegan Cookbook by Donna Klein

I liked that all the ingredients are natural. No meat or cheese analogs. Also the recipes are fairly simple with a short ingredient list. I first got this from the library. Then I liked it so much I purchased it.

I don't buy cookbooks since the internet. However, I do enjoy looking at them in the bookstore or Target.

Alias Reader wrote: "--[book:The Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen: Meat-Free..."

I like cookbooks like this, Alias, healthy, uncomplicated food.

Madrano, I also have a copy of The Joy of Cooking. It's quite old. It was one of my first cookbooks and helped teach me how to cook.

Alias, The Mediteranean Vegan Kitchen sounds wonderful. I'll look for that in the library. Thanks.

Bella, your post reminded me of my favorite baking book: Dr. Oetker's German Baking. It's so old that it isn't on Goodreads (although the updated versions are). I've looked extensively over the years for a replacement copy but it's nowhere to be found. My copy is stained and the pages are loose; I've used it extensively over the years.

Recently, I'm intrigued with Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice & Aguas Frescas A Cookbook . The recipes are interesting and these would make great summer treats.

Petra wrote: "Recently, I'm intrigued with Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice & Aguas Frescas A Cookbook . The recipes are interesting and these would make great summer treats.

That does sound great for the summer. I've purchased those molds to make ice-pops. I wanted to make something like Fudgsicles.
However, buying the molds is as far as I've gotten.

There are a lot of Dr. Oetker cookbooks and baking books on Google, Petra. Have you looked there? I love German baked goods. In Switzerland, they sold a very popular cake called a Sweden Torte. Yellow cake with a filling, and mint green frosting. I never learned if it was German, Swiss, or Swedish, but I really miss it.

Good luck with the book. :-)

Bella (Kiki) wrote: "The Cake Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum

I think my mother has made more than half the cakes in this cookbook. All were delicious, but I loved the chocolate ones most, of..."

I've heard of that but never looked at it. The cover photo cake is unusual. It almost looks as though you could serve a sauce in it.

Alias Reader wrote: "--..."

Sounds interesting, Alias.

Like you, i seldom purchase cookbooks any longer. The internet has almost every recipe i've searched for/wanted. Thankfully.

Petra wrote: "my favorite baking book: Dr. Oetker's German Baking. It's so old that it isn't on Goodreads (although the updated versions are). I've looked extensively over the years for a replacement copy but it's nowhere to be found. My copy is stained and the pages are loose; I've used it extensively over the years...."

I love those old, stained cookbooks. And those "mystery" stains! LOL

I've not heard of this cookbook but am intrigued. I can only think of two "German" cakes, German Chocolate and Black Forest. Sad me.

Petra wrote: "Recently, I'm intrigued with Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice & Aguas Frescas A Cookbook . The recipes are interesting and these would make great summer treats...."

What an unusual cookbook idea. It wouldn't occur to me to make ice pops & such. Neat.

Alias Reader wrote: "That does sound great for the summer. I've purchased those molds to make ice-pops. I wanted to make something like Fudgsicles.
However, buying the molds is as far as I've gotten..."

Sounds like me. I've actually donated such items, years later, having never used them. I would be curious to know how a homemade Fudgsicle would taste, though.

Bella's mention of a cake book reminded me of something. Near the beginning of our marriage, but after DH returned from Vietnam, i joined a CookBook of the Month Club. One of those "clubs" where monthly you are sent a cookbook, unless you tell them otherwise. Honestly, i really joined because i got four FREE cookbooks, just for joining. I think i had to buy one or two more, which wasn't an issue.

Well, one time i forgot to send in the "don't send" card, so received The Art of Fine Baking--Paula Peck. This link shows the butt ugly cover--https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

First of all, my husband doesn't like cake & never has. I tried two of the recipes from the book. One of them included cooking 4 or 5 egg yolks over water until thickened. A lot of work for a fairly standard cake. I cannot even recall the other recipe. Still, i didn't donate it or throw it away, it stayed on my kitchen cook book shelf over 20 years. Finally, i gave it to the library.

Three years after that my daughter was bitten by a dessert bug, up to the point of taking a baking semester at an NYC cooking institute. Her very first purchase was a copy of that same cook book, even with the ugly color. She says she didn't remember that i had it and it may be so, as she wasn't much interested in adventurous cooking.

I just found the coincidence amusing.

madrano wrote: "Bella's mention of a cake book reminded me of something. Near the beginning of our marriage, but after DH returned from Vietnam, i joined a CookBook of the Month Club. One of those "clubs" where mo..."

Funny that she purchased the same book you did not like. Your husband doesn't like cake? He's the first person I've heard of who doesn't like it. I know people who limit their consumption of it due to its sugar content, and I am one, and I know people who prefer pie, and I like them equally, especially fruit pies, but I've never known a person who doesn't like cake, period. What do you do on his birthday? On birthdays, I do allow myself a slice of chocolate cake. Well, it's usually chocolate. I have a brother who prefers white cake, I think.

Bella (Kiki) wrote: "There are a lot of Dr. Oetker cookbooks and baking books on Google, Petra. Have you looked there? I love German baked goods. In Switzerland, they sold a very popular cake called a Sweden Torte. Yel..."

Bella, I did purchase one of the new Dr. Oetker baking books but it isn't the same as my old one. The scope of recipes is different and smaller, with less variety of bakes. I may be prejudiced and spoiled by my old copy. LOL.

Petra wrote: "Bella (Kiki) wrote: "There are a lot of Dr. Oetker cookbooks and baking books on Google, Petra. Have you looked there? I love German baked goods. In Switzerland, they sold a very popular cake calle..."

I've been spoiled that way, Petra. My mother had a community cookbook with some unusual and delicious recipes in it that I couldn't possibly duplicate on my own. During a move, it was lost. I would really love to find it. Since it was a community cookbook, I can't replace it. So, I know how you feel.

The only cookbook I've ever used on a regular basis is The Absolute Beginner's Cookbook: or How Long Do I Cook a 3-Minute Egg?. I bought it in college and still have it.

I get most of my recipes from magazines, or even the back of packages of food. That's where I found one of our favorite dishes, on the back of a package of ramen

Denise wrote: "The only cookbook I've ever used on a regular basis is The Absolute Beginner's Cookbook: or How Long Do I Cook a 3-Minute Egg?. I bought it in college and still ave it."

Great title ! :)

Bella (Kiki) wrote: "What do you do on his birthday? On birthdays, I do allow myself a slice of chocolate cake. ..."

He really likes pies. So, usually on his birthday we have a freshly baked pie. Often one that is a pain to make, such as Fresh Pineapple pie. Or, his absolute favorite, Key Lime.

As a result, my children consider me notorious because i baked the most lopsided birthday cakes for their parties. Did i notice? Nope, it was when my daughter was in her teens that she mentioned it, That would be the year i purchased a birthday cake for her. lol

Practice would have made perfect.

Petra wrote: "Bella, I did purchase one of the new Dr. Oetker baking books but it isn't the same as my old one. The scope of recipes is different and smaller, with less variety of bakes. I may be prejudiced and spoiled by my old copy. LOL...."

I get that, Petra. I would also miss my own notes next to recipes. Often a comment about "corrections" to the recipe or the instruction enhanced my regard of some older versions.

My old Joy Of Cooking book, with its broken spine (in 2 places) and spills galore will never be replaced with an updated version. Nor a paperback, which just seems impossible to hold all my favorites.

Bella (Kiki) wrote: "I've been spoiled that way, Petra. My mother had a community cookbook with some unusual and delicious recipes in it that I couldn't possibly duplicate on my own...."

Your post, Bella, reminds me of my late sister. She kinda collected community cookbooks over the years, only at rummage sales, i hasten to add. I'd send her some from our various homes across the US & she had a riot with them.

Some have terrific humor included, others fond memories from those donating the recipes "to the club" or whatever. I do not think she cooked from any of them, however.

As an aside, i must mention that the appeal of such cookbooks began the year she won First Prize at the Texas State Fair for her cinnamon rolls. All contest winners (& many with less-than="blue ribbon" status) gave up their rights to their recipe, so it could be sold in a community-style cookbook. Point Of Pride, i must add.

Denise wrote: "The only cookbook I've ever used on a regular basis is The Absolute Beginner's Cookbook: or How Long Do I Cook a 3-Minute Egg?. I bought it in college and still have it. ..."

This sounds perfect. When i started cooking (in my one semester of college, i hasten to add), i called my mother for every recipe and how to combine & cook it. Looking back on it, she was probably amused that the daughter who refused to cook with her (nor sew, while we are at it) was the one making such demands of her time.

Cooking boiled eggs was one problem for me, btw. Yes, for tuna sandwiches!!

Interesting point about recipes on packaging, Denise. I have a few favorites from them, too. Indeed, i clipped the recipe from the container & added it all to my homemade cookbook, made from a loose leaf binder.

Moving across the nation, as we did, meant sometimes a brand product wasn't offered in another state. This is how/when i learned to copy those recipes, too, lest i lose the option. Sweet memory, now that you mention it. Thanks.

Earlier this month, i dug my copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking--Julia Child because i was craving her "Potage Parmentier", Leek and Potato Soup.

The first time i made it, i served it cold, as Vichyssoise. And loved it. This time i didn't (as most times i make it), serving it warm. However, it fell flat. One of the things i loved about it was its very blandness. This time--too bland. I guess this is another of those "never again" dishes.

The book itself is one i got Free when i joined the above mentioned Cook Book of the Month Club. The paper cover has been gone for years, so the cover itself is browned, no doubt from being near the oven too often. It is also marked with bits of paper sticking out, as it seems that's how i kept tabs of what i'd tried.

To this day, our pork roast is always prepared using her "Roti de Porc Poele" (Casserole-roasted pork) recipe. The herb bouquet she used is perfect for many dishes. However, in my husband's family pork roast means that after cooking the roast 45-60 minutes, you add some chopped onion, a can of sauerkraut and some brown sugar, placing it under the roast to continue baking another hour (or however time is left). It is ALWAYS served with mashed potatoes, too.

This is one of my most used cook books, although i've never made any of the fancier dishes. I like the way the instructions are offered in one column, with the ingredients (including tools needed) in a parallel column. And occasionally there are drawings, to make certain the cook understands some processes, such as trussing a chicken.

A neat book to read about how this Masterpiece was created is in The Editor: How Publishing Legend Judith Jones Shaped Culture in America--Sara B. Franklin. Jones aided with the process and it was neat to see the problems overcome. (NOTE: Child is only one of a number of authors mentioned in this book about Jones.) Good one.

It's wonderful to have a favorite go-to cookbook. I don't have any Julia Child cookbooks. I'll have to see if the library has one to check it out.

One of my favorite, everyday cookbooks is The Good Friends Cookbook. It's out of print, sadly. Every recipe we've tried from this book has turned out well.
We use the rum marinade for pork recipe a lot. It's foolproof.

Interesting, Petra, i've never heard of it. How neat that every recipe you've tried has worked. I'm not so lucky.

Last night i found myself thinking of a kinda memoir cookbook i read two years ago, which i learned about when reading the book about editor Judith Jones, mentioned at the end of post #24. Jones aided many chefs/cooks in their publishing careers.

The Taste of Country Cooking--Edna Lewis is the book i read. She divided her story into Seasons, addressing special foods grown in her ancestral plot in Virginia. The descriptions include fish, garden plants and wild growth. I was charmed by her writing and the way the seasons unfolded.

Memoir, yes. Cook book, that, too.

madrano wrote: "Last night i found myself thinking of a kinda memoir cookbook i read two years ago, which i learned about when reading the book about editor Judith Jones, mentioned at the end of post #24. Jones ai..."

That looks good, Madrano. I love Southern food (all except the seafood), but much of it is not at all healthy. I love collard greens, hush puppies, chess pie, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, red velvet cake, sweet potato casserole, etc.

This has been one of my favorites: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

I'd love to eat at the restaurant, never have, probably never will.

And anyone who cooks or wants to cook authentic Italian food needs this: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Every Sunday in Italy, we cooked enough food for the entire village of Lucca. Everyone was invited over, and we spent the afternoon and into the evening with guests, eating and drinking and talking. It was always so relaxing and so much fun. There were almost always no leftovers, but if there were, people were free to take any, and we saved what was left for Monday. I love village get-togethers like that.

Bella (Kiki) wrote: "This has been one of my favorites: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

I'd love to eat at the restaurant, never have, prob..."

I remember looking at the Moosehead cookbook but nothing called to me. Still, it was a groundbreaking book. Between that & Laurel's Kitchen: A Handbook for Vegetarian Cookery and Nutrition--Laurel Robertson, the 70s began to look like we could change eating habits. And many did.

Once children arrived, many of us continued, while others dropped out. My route was a mixed bag, returning to favorites from my childhood, while still incorporating the better foods from whole food cookbooks, and vegetarian ones.

Thanks for that memory.

madrano wrote:
"I remember looking at the Moosehead cookbook but nothing called to me. Still, it was a groundbreaking book. Between that & Laurel's Kitchen: A Handbook for Vegetarian Cookery and Nutrition--Laurel Robertson, the 70s began to look like we could change eating habits. And many did...."

I had the Moosewood cookbook ! I don't think I ever made anything from it.

The first vegan/vegetarian one for many was Diet for a Small Planet: The Book That Started a Revolution in the Way Americans Eat--Frances Moore Lappé

madrano wrote: "Bella (Kiki) wrote: "This has been one of my favorites: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

I'd love to eat at the restaur..."

You're welcome, Madrano.

Alias Reader wrote: "madrano wrote:
"I remember looking at the Moosehead cookbook but nothing called to me. Still, it was a groundbreaking book. Between that & Laurel's Kitchen: A Handbook for Vegetarian Cookery and N..."

Some of the recipes can be a little too bland, but I still find many I like. I like the freshness in most of them.

31 Alias Reader wrote: "The first vegan/vegetarian one for many was Diet for a Small Planet: The Book That Started a Revolution in the Way Americans Eat--Frances Moore Lappé..."

Me! Over in the corner, here. I read that book, then ran out to purchase Recipes for a Small Planet--Ellen Buchman Ewald. The recipes were fine & perfectly fit to go with the "new" style of eating/cooking. However, they were not outstanding, More like "the First" to offer such things.

This link offers a look at some of her recipes.
https://www.thehenryford.org/explore/...

RE: Small Planet.
Thanks for the link, Deb !

A good basic cookbook is the Fannie Farmer cookbook.

Alias Reader wrote: "RE: Small Planet.
Thanks for the link, Deb !

A good basic cookbook is the Fannie Farmer cookbook."

I love that cookbook. I don't own it, but my sister does,

Bella (Kiki) wrote: "This has been one of my favorites: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

I'd love to eat at the restaurant, never have, prob..."

I like the Moosehead cookbook, too. I don't have a copy but have tried some recipes and enjoyed them. My sister-in-law has a copy and lends it to me occasionally. I do tend to spice them up a bit sometimes.
My vegetarian cousin is coming to stay with us in the Spring. I plan to use this cookbook as a reference.

I'm also making notes on the other vegetarian cookbooks being mentioned. These are going to be a bit help.

I read these a decade or more ago. So I can't be specific. I can only see my rating in my journal. Maybe see if your library has them.

-VB6: Eat Vegan Before 6:00 to Lose Weight and Restore Your Health . . . for Good--Mark Bittman

I don't recall if I made anything from this one. However, I gave it a 4/5 rating. I did think the concept was interesting. The title refers to vegan before 6PM. Of course this wouldn't work for an true vegan.

The Whole Foods Diet: The Lifesaving Plan for Health and Longevity--John Mackey
Rated 4/5
Mackey is the co-founder of Whole Foods Market. The book does contain some recipes.

Alias Reader wrote: "RE: Small Planet.
Thanks for the link, Deb !

A good basic cookbook is the Fannie Farmer cookbook."

I have never seen one of those in person. In several books i've heard mention of it, though.

Petra wrote: "I'm also making notes on the other vegetarian cookbooks being mentioned. These are going to be a bit help..."

For me, the key to good vegetarian recipes is using herbs wisely. Or, if you haven't already, enter the world of "ethnic food", such as Thai, Mexican (Tex-Mex?) or Middle East. They seem to know how to create delicious vegetarian dishes.

Have fun with it, too.

Alias Reader wrote: "I read these a decade or more ago. So I can't be specific. I can only see my rating in my journal. Maybe see if your library has them.

[bookcover:VB6: Eat Vegan Before 6:00 to Lose Weight and Res..."

I made a few recipes from VB6, as he keeps it rather basic. Or, possibly, i only selected basic recipes. One was a combo of mushrooms and white beans that i really liked. And serve often, but not on toast, as suggested.

madrano wrote: "Petra wrote: "I'm also making notes on the other vegetarian cookbooks being mentioned. These are going to be a bit help..."

For me, the key to good vegetarian recipes is using herbs wisely. Or, if..."

Indian food also. Often vegetarian and wise use of spices. It can range from completely mild to seriously spicy

I was interested in getting this one. But some noted the high salt/fat content of the recipes. :( That's too bad as I do like the TV show when I catch it on occasion. I think I saw it awhile ago at some discount store, maybe BJ's. But I didn't get it because I seem to recall some mentioning the binding broke easily and the pages fell out.

The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook by America's Test Kitchen

I just borrowed this one from the library.

How to Cook Everything VegetarianHow to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for Great Food by Mark Bittman

Completely Revised Tenth Anniversary Edition (How to Cook Everything Series Book 3)

Ten years ago, this breakthrough cookbook made vegetarian cooking accessible to everyone. Today, the issues surrounding a plant-based diet—health, sustainability, and ethics—continue to resonate with more and more Americans, whether or not they’re fully vegetarian. This new edition has been completely reviewed and revised to stay relevant to today’s cooks: New recipes include more vegan options and a brand-new chapter on smoothies, teas, and more. Charts, variations, and other key information have been updated. And, new for this edition, the recipes are showcased in bright full-color photos throughout. With these photos and a host of recipes destined to become new favorites, this already classic vegetarian cookbook will continue to be more indispensable than ever.

Denise wrote: "madrano wrote: "Petra wrote: "I'm also making notes on the other vegetarian cookbooks being mentioned. These are going to be a bit help..."

For me, the key to good vegetarian recipes is using herb..."

There's something in most Indian food that I cannot stand. It even makes me feel ill to go inside an Indian restaurant. I don't know what the spice is, but it's something kind of musty smelling.

Alias Reader wrote: "I was interested in getting this one. But some noted the high salt/fat content of the recipes. :( That's too bad as I do like the TV show when I catch it on occasion. I think I saw it awhile ago at..."

The cover is very appetizing! I love fresh tomatoes.

Denise wrote: "Indian food also. Often vegetarian and wise use of spices. It can range from completely mild to seriously spicy..."

True.

I'm a mild sauce person, so control that factor as i cook. Often i will offer a side dish with warmer spices to add, for those who prefer.

Alias Reader wrote: "I was interested in getting this one. But some noted the high salt/fat content of the recipes. :( That's too bad as I do like the TV show when I catch it on occasion. I think I saw it awhile ago at..."

I guess the authors prefer to get the flavor from salt more than other options. It's a shame, as it looks appealing.

Alias Reader wrote: "I just borrowed this one from the library.

How to Cook Everything Vegetarian[book:How to Cook Everythin..."

I certainly appreciate it when cookbooks offer photos or drawings of techniques which are not "every day" ones. I hope the book is as good as it sounds, Alias.