It’s officially 2018, aka time to get started on all those resolutions you made. Maybe you resolved to eat healthier, learn to cook something new, or just learn to cook in general. Whatever your skillset is check out these five cookbooks to start your year off sizzling.
1. Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer & Marion Rombauer Becker
Throughout my childhood my family would always update our collection of cookbooks, adding new ones we found that we liked and donating the ones we didn’t end up getting much use out of. One that always remained though was Joy of Cooking. Originally printed all the way back in 1936, it has been updated continuously over the years, making it a staple in any kitchen. The book contains tons of basic recipes; if you’ve never cooked before this is the book to get you started. Get it here.
2. Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook by Kerry Diamond & Claudia Wu
This handsome cookbook is currently sitting on my coffee table. I received it as a Christmas present and I am already in love. The cookbook was assembled by Kerry Diamond and Claudia Wu, the duo who created Cherry Bombe Magazine. I always describe the magazine as a cross between Vogue and Bon Appétit and this new cookbook follows suit. It’s loaded with tons of good recipes – all from various female chefs – and some gorgeous photography. I’ve already made the cheeseburgers with maple thyme caramelized onions and I’ve got my sights set on the pink spaghetti with beet and ricotta sauce next. Get it here.
3. Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat
The title of Samin Nosrat’s cookbook refers to a method of cooking she learned over her years as a chef – all you need is salt, fat, acid, and heat to create an amazing dish. The book focuses on improvisation, and not necessarily following recipes exactly. Instead it encourages exploration and creation; you can see what you have on hand in your kitchen and use your knowledge gained from the cookbook to create something great. Perfect for any college student. Get it here.
4. The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook and Smitten Kitchen Every Day by Deb Perelman
Ok so these are actually two cookbooks, but they’re both some of my favorites. Smitten Kitchen actually started out as an online blog where Deb Perelman would post her recipes for some of her favorite foods, often taking recipes she had tried and tweaking them until they were perfect. Whenever I’m unsure about what to cook I always head over to the Smitten Kitchen website to browse around – unfortunately my actual cookbook is back home in New Jersey. But if you’re like me and enjoy having a physical book in your hands then check these guys out. And if you’re not sure what to make first, let me suggest the raspberry ricotta scones, they’re my favorite. Get the books here and here.
5. Zingerman’s Bakehouse by Amy Embering & Frank Carollo
If you’re from Ann Arbor it’s almost impossible to not know the name ‘Zingerman’s’. Even if you’re not from the area you still might be familiar with the place that has the Obama approved Reuben sandwiches. For those who don’t know, Zingerman’s is an incredibly popular deli in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan. While Zingerman’s is known for their fantastic sandwiches they also have two other amazing locations; Zingerman’s Roadhouse and Zingerman’s Bakehouse. This cookbook highlights some of the favorites from Zingerman’s Bakehouse, with recipes ranging from different types of breads to various pastries. If you love to bake and you’re looking for something new, this is the book to check out. Get it here.
Images courtesy of: Bestproducts.com, Amazon, Food52.com, Smitten Kitchen, and Zingerman’s Community.