My list of food books this year is very different than last year. The main reason is because my priorities have changed. I don’t have much time in the kitchen with my new little boy ( he is one now) and have really been looking for quicker alternatives.
I was inspired to make a list this week after reading my friend Nurit’s post from 1familyfriendlyfood.
I am not going to note books only from this year because I haven’t bought that many books this year. Another reason is because I really like to refer to my classics and I am sure it would be more useful for you to know which books I love. Here is a list of mostly new books.
Book Number 1: My number one book this year, without a doubt is Molly Weizenberg’s book, ” A Homemade Life“. All I can say is that if there is one book that you should cuddle up in bed with, it’s this one. You will be inspired. Read my post here
The rest of the books in random order.
Book Number 2: “Cooking and Screaming” by Adrienne Kane. This story about a woman who is hit by a stroke and manages to cook her way to recovery will leave you in awe. Just a reminder, to make the best of your life.
Book Number 3: “Hungry Monkey” by Matthew Amster -Burton. If you have kids or plan to, you will love this book. Read my thoughts here
Book Number 4: “Too Many Cooks” by Emily Franklin. Read about the food adventures of a mom with her kids and how to make sure your kids learn about different foods.
Book Number 5 : Julia Child ” My Life in France”. Legends are legends and the romantic story of Julia is one we can all connect with.
Cookbooks:
Book Number 6: “The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook” by Jaden Hair. This is where the transitition from mom takes me to another place. Although I love long recipes and taking my time, getting dinner on the table is a challenge. I usually chop onions with Baby E tugging at my leg and screaming. Blogger Jaden of Steamy Kitchen managed to put together a book of extremely easy Asian recipes. A must for the busy mom and anyone else who likes Asian Recipes that are great for dinner or entertaining.
Book Number 7: ” The Flavor Bible“ by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenberg. Not from this year but a must- have for the experienced foodie or anyone looking for more experience
. I love using this as a reference when developing new recipes. Read about my Seattle food blogger event with them here
Book Number 8: “The Art and Soul of Baking “ by Cindy Mushet. Every recipe is described in detail. Learn all the basics of baking. I also love her book for kids ” Baking Kids love”. Her daughter Bella has a sweet personality and creative ideas. The ideas in the book are perfect for a rainy day with the kids.
Book Number 9: “Fields of Greens” by Annie Sommerville. The ultimate vegetarian cookbook. Since I am very much of a healthy eater this book offers vegetable ideas like no other. Every recipe combines versatile flavors using the healthiest of ingredients.
Book Number 10: Memorable Recipes by Renee Behnke. First I will say that I received this book at the IFBC conference. It took me a really long time before I actually cooked something from the book. The reason is because I am not one to use a collection of recipes. Most of the books that I read have a theme such as vegetarian recipes, or Italian or whatever. You could say that I am a snob because I am not interested in cooking what would be someone else’s collection. Once I started making recipes from this book, I was really surprised. Every recipe that I tried came out really well. The flavors are interesting and there are flavors from all different cultures. The book also tells you which recipes go together which makes planning a menu easy.
Giveaway: I hope you enjoy my list. I think I will make another list soon since there are so many more books that I would like to mention. I am giving away a copy of “Memorable Recipes“ so just leave me a comment here and tell me what your favorite cookbook is and I will ship it to you. I will choose the winner at random on Monday the 28th.
Do you know about the writing class with Rebekah Denn?
franticfoodie.wordpress.com 
12 responses to “A list of Cookbooks, Food Books and a Giveaway”
I keep meaning to pick up the flavor bible….
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“The Flavor Bible” needs to be in everyone’s bookshelf, and thats my choice.
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I like: Chez Panisse Cooking by Paul Bertolli with Alice Waters. But, I don’t have a favorite cookbook at the moment.
For food book, I really enjoyed reading: The Soul of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman.
=)
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Thanks so much for the list – love getting book recommendations. Favorite cookbook (for fast during the week meals) is Cooking Light’s Superfast Suppers – it makes it possible to avoid take-out during the week.
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For actual “I cook from this book” reading, I’d say Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything and Cook’s Illustrated’s The New Best Recipe–they are my reference and Joy of Cooking.
But cookbooks I love: Ruth Reichl’s Garlic and Sapphires, Matthew Amster-Burton’s Hungry Monkey. Fabulous writing AND reliable recipes; I’ve cooked from both and neither has let me down yet.
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you won
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My favorite cookbook is the one that provides the most recipes that I use over and over again and always come out great… that would be the Herbfarm Cookbook by Jerry Traunfeld.
The herbed foccacia bread, olive oil crackers, chicken with herb cream sauce, lemon verbena ice cream… the list goes on and on.
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My go-to cookbook is always Cook’s Illustrated, both the bound annual versions and the Best Recipe – love the science behind the final product.
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This is probably a cheat, but the cookbook with all my grandma’s and mom’s recipes.
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not a cheat at all, best place to look is right under your nose!
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Thank you all for all the ideas. I am so raiding the bookstores with your suggestions.
The winner is Tamiko, please contact me and send me your email. Have a great new year.
Keren
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That’s quite the cute chubalicious little guy you’ve got there:)
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