In an endless sea of cookbook options, which are worth your while? You want to find the ones that are packed full of recipes that sound and taste delicious. Too often this isn’t the case. Many cookbooks only contain a handful of recipes that sound appetizing, so if you’re like me you write those down and then you’re left with a chunk of paper collecting dust.
Why is it that so many cookbooks involve crazy ingredients that you can’t find at your local grocery store? Or even worse, they require hours of prep! While that’s great for special occasions, I look for cookbooks that are a new spin on dishes I know I already like. I want to be able to make a new recipe and not have to go to the store because it calls for everyday ingredients everyone has in their fridge or pantry. Today I’m sharing with you my 5 favorite cookbooks and a few of my favorite recipes from each.
Simple Ingredients = Good Food
It makes me think of the Papa John slogan…did you hear it in your head? Better ingredients, better pizza. I’m not trying to start a pizza war about which is better, but this is a motto you should follow with your food. You should want to buy good quality, simple ingredients, that lead to great meals. You don’t want to have to add about 10 seasonings and sauces to make chicken taste good. At that point, are you even enjoying the chicken? Now you have to find room in your fridge to store those sauces you used once. That doesn’t bring us joy! Rather, let’s enhance the food we’re making and appreciate it for what it is. You know what’s a really good enhancement to anything and everything? Butter. But I’ll leave it to the experts…
The Kitchy Kitchen
What started it all. This is the first cookbook I found that filled the need I had for recipes with simple ingredients. These recipes are simplicity, elevated. You’ll find new and delicious food combos that you didn’t know you loved.
Favorite Recipes:
- Blue Ribbon Cookies – brown butter elevates the basic chocolate chip cookie.
- Mom’s Fried Egg Sandwich – so so gooey and good.
Damn Delicious
This book embodies amazingly simple recipes. In here you’ll find a lot of common recipes and a few different ones to experiment with. Everything is super tasty and I encourage you to give them a try. I found her through instagram and she has the CUTEST corgis you’ll ever see. If you don’t follow her for the food, follow her stories for the dogs @damndelicious.
Favorite Recipes:
- Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches – tender beef placed on top of bread with cheese, and the slow cooker does most of the work!
- One Pot Spinach and Tomato Tortellini Soup – comfort food at its finest and perfect for a cold day.
Magnolia Table Volume 1
Everything she makes is like happiness in your tummy. Like Winnie the Pooh after a pot of honey. This book provides a great list of those simple ingredients I was talking about. The ones everyone should have in their pantry at all times. Additionally, you’ll find a breakdown of kitchen tools that’ll make your cooking adventures easy. Don’t get caught up in all the kitchen gadgets you see these. This list includes the tried and true basics.
Favorite recipes:
- Curry Chicken Salad – an interesting twist on traditional chicken salad that is great as a chicken salad sandwich or with some crackers.
- Becki’s Mac & Cheese – I like to call this “adult” mac & cheese. Velveeta for oozy goodness, Guyère for an amazing flavor, and a crunchy panko topping. OMG.
Magnolia Table Volume 2
Yes really! They’re both so great and a staple for anyone’s kitchen. If I knew someone going off to live on their own, this is the perfect gift. This volume brings some useful knowledge to the table. In the front, you’ll find explanations of different commonly used herbs and seasonings. It breaks down which type of cuisines use each one, what each tastes like, and some of the notes of each (woody, floral, fruity, etc.) If you’re better informed about your food, you can begin to learn what you like about a dish and maybe spice up some other recipes in your vault.
Then there a whole section on homemade seasoning mixes. I have a wish list of spices I want to order so I can bottle these all up! From mediterranean, to poultry seasoning, or even everything bagel seasoning, you’re covered and should never need to by a seasoning mix from the store again. Money saving tip – save old spice containers, order your spices in bulk and make these! Or you can buy these mini mason jars and label them (this is what I do!) Lastly in the back they’ve included a handy chart for measuring conversions and other quick reference items. The bottom line is that this is a book that I reach for at least once a week. Can you say that about any you own?
Favorite recipes:
- Street Tacos – I couldn’t get through a cooking post without including a great taco recipe, 3 actually…chicken, steak, and pulled pork.
- Silo Cookies – they sell these at the Magnolia bakery and they are hands down, the best cookies I’ve ever had. Try not to eat them all…
Do you own any of these? Tell me your favorite cookbooks so I can share in the good food wealth!