Cookbook Love: A Wishlist

 

My heart beats hard for few things in life.  My three guys top the list, books and all forms of the written word come in second and food runs a close third.  That's right,  I would choose books over food if I had to, but thankfully I don't, and I'm able to enjoy a life enriched by both eating and reading. 

The great thing about my two passions is that there is no need for them to be separate from each other. This means I can read about food, eating and cooking and that makes me a ridiculously happy person.  I love all forms of cookbooks and I used to gravitate to those with large glossy photos and fanciful foods.  Now, I prefer those which are well written and ooze of simple, rustic edibles. But most importantly I love the ones that I can also learn from.

I keep a book "wishlist" in the small notebook tucked inside my purse.  Some people carry around a shopping list or a to-do list but I keep track of the books I want to read, buy or give to someone else.  I have a page devoted to novels, one to kids books and a third to cookbooks.  Here is what is currently on my little list:

I have yet to cook anything from the Barefoot Contessa's collection of recipes that wasn't fabulous. Most of her foods are butter-rich and calorie high but oh.my.heart.  They are so, so good.  I've seen a progression to healthier foods over the course of cookbooks and I'm excited and hopeful to get this one soon. 

I'm somewhat ashamed to say that I don't have a great amount of knowledge on the subject of Quinoa.  I know all about it's healthy benefits, and I do enjoy it, but I'm not very creative in how I use it.  I'm hoping this collection of recipes will expand my repertoire and teach me more about this grainy superfood.

                     

I love Melissa Clark's writing.  As soon as I read a few words of whatever she's written I'm immediately transported to a place where I can taste the food she's sharing.  I have no doubt this book will be just as brilliant as anything else she's written, and I know it's just the sort of book I've been known to cozy up and read in bed on a Sunday night.

                               

Those who know me well are astutely aware of my penchant for all things French. This affinity was fostered by the time I spent living in France and there is very little about the culture that I don't adore.  Their food is at the top of the list, and what could be better than reading about and cooking French food as written by Dorie Greenspan.  If I end up with this book at some point, you can be sure it will find a place on my coffee table and not just on my bookshelf.

 

I was fortunate enough to catch a sneak peak of this book while I was out at a meeting last week and it's a gem.  Packed full of tips, information, games and so much more (including recipes!) I can't wait to get a copy on my bookshelf.  Family dinner has become the most important part of my day, for it's the time I'm really able to talk with my kids.  And let me tell you, once they start they don't stop(which is a good thing).  I'm just hoping this book has some tips on how not to choke on your food when your kids decide to ask those burning "birds and bees" questions while you're chewing.

What books are you enjoying?  Any good ones on your wishlist these days?

Comments

[Rachel]

I have seen the Dorie Greenspan book come up several times as a recommendation so I may need to add it to my wishlist as well. Lately I've been hunting for slow cooker and casserole type recipes and cookbooks - great items for winter cooking! I'm always game for dessert books though.

[Emily]

That Dorie Greenspan book is great. The chicken recipes, cod roulades, and chocolate mousse are all great.