While my pantry is overflowing with cookbooks and recipes, I do tend to find myself using the same three cookbooks over and over again. I seriously do need to clean them out, since the cookbooks have now filled the glass hutch of the pantry and are spilling out onto the space on either side of the microwave below.
If I were forced to downsize my collection of cook books, these are the three that I would save.
The New DoubleDay Cookbook by Jean Anderson and Elaine Hanna
Originally published in 1929 and then revised in 1975 and 1985 (and perhaps again), this cookbook has earned its place on the shelf, despite being large and bulky. A great cookbook for both the inexperienced cook and the seasoned veteran, it not only provides recipes but also step by step instructions for cooking tasks, such as cutting up a fryer chicken or folding phyllo pastry for boreks.
Betty Crocker’s Cookbook
The “Big Red Cookbook” has appeared in many forms and in many revisions. I have a hardcover (not spiral) version of this book, and I use it on at least a weekly basis if not more often. From chocolate chip muffins to glazed carrots, it is a good everyday cookbook that includes measurement conversions and general food cooking times.
Fix-it and Forget-It Cookbook
A hugely successful cook book that made the New York Times Best Seller List, this book has spawned numerous variations and knock offs, but the original, in my opinion is the best. If you have a slow cooker, you’ll want this book. I view many of the recipes as basic suggestions and have tweaked them over the years to suite my family and the whims of my ancient crock pots.
Do you have your own must have cookbooks? Please send me a message and tell me all about them.