Happy National Book Lovers Day! That’s right, today is a national holiday that everyone should celebrate. Whether you’re a fan of mystery, thrillers, sci-fi, or historical fiction, there’s a book for you… Or if you’re like me, a lover of all things food, there’s even a [cook]book for you! Everyone should celebrate National Book Lovers day.
In honor of the holiday, I want to share my top 6 FAVORITE cook books. I use cookbooks for different purposes, sometimes to cook a recipe exactly as outlined, sometimes for inspiration, other times just for the writing and pictures, and in some cases just out of pure enjoyment.
I have a LOT of cookbooks, some I’ve never even cooked from, BUT here are my current top 6! I encourage you to check them out.
#1: Americas Test Kitchen The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook
Why I Like It: Where do I begin? Well, first of all, my sister and brother-in-law gifted me this book right after I got engaged. I love any cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen and I would highly recommend any of their books. The reason why this one is my favorites is because all recipes are only TWO servings. Most recipe books are for four or more people. Because I like having something different for dinner every day and because we don’t take leftovers to work very often, this is a perfect book for a family of two. The recipes are test kitchen evaluated to perfection. Hands down, my favorite cookbook.
My Favorite Recipe: Kung Pao Shrimp
Where to Buy:
- Americas Test Kitchen: https://shop.americastestkitchen.com/8da852d4663a41e4f978fa433e89f0ef.html
- Crate & Barrel: https://www.crateandbarrel.com/the-complete-cooking-for-two-cookbook/s204574
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Cooking-Two-Cookbook-Everything/dp/1936493837
ISBN: 9781936493838
#2: Martha Stewart’s Dinner at Home
Why I Like It: This is yet another cookbook that was gifted to me and it is one of my favorite gifts. This cookbook has 52 quick FULL menus that are divided into seasons. Recipes that incorporate fresh ingredients that are available in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each menu has at least a main dish, side and dessert. It also shares a preparation schedule for each menu item so that your entire meal comes together easily. I recommend this book for people who have trouble bringing together an entire meal or those that want great menus for dinner parties.
My Favorite Recipe: Fall Menu #11 – Pork Chops with Sauteed Apples and Onion, Shaved Fennel-Celery Salad, Mustard Mashed Potatoes, Maple Custards
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewarts-Dinner-Home-Friends/dp/0307396452
- Target: https://www.target.com/p/martha-stewart-s-dinner-at-home-hardcover-by-martha-stewart/-/A-11675852
- Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Martha-Stewart-s-Dinner-at-Home-52-Quick-Meals-to-Cook-for-Family-and-Friends/10904140
ISBN: 9780307396457
#3: Chelsea Market Cookbook
Why I Like It: This cookbook was actually a gifted to me by a coworker a few years back. This book is one of my favorite because they are recipes created by some of the best chefs in America. These recipes are ones you can find being cooked at New York’s premier indoor food hall, Chelsea Market. I can’t say that these are “easy to make” or “simple finds” but I can promise that every single recipe is not only perfect looking, but amazing to eat.
Favorite Recipe: Thai Chicken with Holy Basil (Pad Gra Prow)
Where to Buy:
- Shop Chelsea Market: https://www.shopchelseamarket.com/collections/kitchen/products/chelsea-market-cookbook-100-recipes-from-new-york-s-premier-indoor-food-hall
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chelsea-Market-Cookbook-Recipes-Premier/dp/1617690376
- Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-chelsea-market-cookbook-michael-phillips/1115918527
ISBN: 9781617690372
#4: The Bob’s Burgers Burger Book
Why I Like It: This New York Times Best Seller is once my favorite books on my shelf. My husband loves the show Bob’s Burgers. I’ll admit it, I like the show as well. I’ve always been hesitant to watch “adult animation”shows, but this show is one of the good ones. I like this cookbook because it’s cute and funny. You can watch the show and make burgers from the episodes. The hamburger is tied as my #1 favorite food (along with pizza) so I love that this book is nothing but burgers.
Favorite Recipe: The Garden of Eden (Edumb) Burger
Where to Buy:
- Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Bob-s-Burgers-Burger-Book-Real-Recipes-for-Joke-Burgers/47481142
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Burgers-Burger-Book-Recipes/dp/0789331144
- Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bobs-burgers-burger-book-loren-bouchard/1122416535#/
ISBN: 9780789331144
#5: Table Life: Savoring the Hospitality of Jesus in Your Home
Why I Like It: I am a HUGE fan of hospitality. Not just having people to my house and providing them with a meal, but also making sure my guests feel special and welcome. This cookbook is more than just recipes. Table Life is a book about transforming the meaning of what “the table” really means. This book shares practical applications about life, but also shares a some great recipes for entertaining.
Favorite Recipe: Wedding Punch Slush
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Table-Life-Savoring-Hospitality-Jesus/dp/1592984533
- Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/table-life-joanne-thompson/1113770036
- Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Table-Life-Savoring-the-Hospitality-of-Jesus-in-Your-Home/19402168
ISBN: 9781592984534
#6: Moleskine Passion Journal – Recipe
Why I Like it: Although it’s “technically” not a cookbook. It IS a book and it’s my own personal cookbook. This recipe journal has has pages outlined specifically for recipe creators and food lovers to create their own recipes.
Favorite Recipe: All of them, because they’re my own
Where to Buy:
- Moleskine: https://us.moleskine.com/passion-journal-recipe/p0415
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Passion-Journal-Recipe-Large/dp/8862933150
- Target: https://www.target.com/p/moleskine-153-recipe-journal-large-black-hardcover/-/A-51967070
ISBN: 9788862933155
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15 responses to “National Book Lovers Day: My Favorite Cookbooks”
There’s some really good options here! I have a lot of cookbooks myself too, but since you mentioned that the first one was a gift, I thought about my bestfriend who’s getting married soon! This would definitely be a great gift idea!
I think it a perfect wedding or shower gift. I always struggled with cooking for smaller portions considering so many books are set to feed 4-6.
Whoa, I didn’t know about the Moleskine Passion Journal! That looks amazing and I love the idea! I usually don’t have any cookbooks around, but as it’s technically not really a cookbook I can probably make an exception. 😉
It’s a great concept. Moleskine actually has quite a few different passion journals.
I definitely want to try the cookbook for two, I have a hard time making smaller meals.
I’m a huge fan of Americas Test Kitchen cookbooks and this one does a great job with the portion sizes. Definitely check it out.
Nice list of books! I think I might need to get that Bob’s Burgers book and try out a few recipes! How fun! xoxo
They have some fun recipes in the book! Check out instagram.com/PinchPlateParty to see a video of me making the Garen of Eden (Edumb) burger!
I like the Bobs Burger cookbook! My grandmother gives me a new cookbook every year for Christmas! I’d love to mention this to her!
This would be a great gift. Especially if you’re a fan of the show.
You can’t go wrong with ATK or Martha! These are nice choices and I’m glad to see Bob’s Burgers make the list.
I want that Cooking For Two book!! I love Cravings and Love Real Food.
Nothing like having a stack of cookbooks to look through when you need some meal inspiration!
These are great options, I think I should get the cookbook though and learn to cook haha!
Kasey Ma
thestylewright.com
I love anything from America’s Test Kitchen! They are an awesome group! I have never heard of Table Life, but think it sounds like an amazing resource!