What cookbooks have you bought lately? Springtime edition! [old]

[buttertart]

Hi all, so...spring has sprung (re "Sprummer", as greygarious so aptly put it, here in the northeast and parts north), the grass is riz (as are all the flowers that will no doubt fade quickly this year). I wonder what cookbooks have caught your fancy lately. Picks and pans, let's discuss.

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks roxlet, I did another search and finally managed to find it.

For those who may come here looking for it too:

NEW THREAD STARTED HERE:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/8480...

[Breadcrumbs]

Did we move to a new thread? I thought I saw one but it's not coming up in my search and I don't see a link here?

[roxlet]

Yes, there is a new one, but it hasn't been heavily posted on, so it probably sunk!

[buttertart]

Should we have a new thread or stay here?

[Gio]

I say New Thread...

[roxlet]

New thread, please.

[CindyJ]

Two more acquisitions this week: "Lucio's Ligurian Kitchen" by Lucio Galletto and David Dale is a book I swooned over at Kitchen Arts & Letters in NYC earlier in the week. Actually, it was the photos of Liguria, a region I've visited three times, that made me weak in the knees. The store was selling it for $79 (I have NO idea why so pricey; maybe because it's published in Australia?) but I bought it new on Amazon for $22.20. It just arrived here about an hour ago. The other book, newly published, is entitled "The Farm: Rustic Recipes for a Year of Incredible Food" by Ian Knauer. I think it's my eagerness for our local Farmers' Market to open that inspired that purchase. It's a beautiful book, with simple but delicious recipes that take advantage of every season's bounty.

[Breadcrumbs]

I hadn't heard of either of these books but both of them appeal to me immensely Cindy. I have a feeling they'll be in my cart before the night ends! I don't have any Ligurian books and I'm excited about the prospect of having one. Thanks for sharing!

[CindyJ]

I have to admit, I've never gone looking for a Ligurian cookbook. I was browsing the shelves at Kitchen Arts & Letters and there was a woman looking at this book and one other on Ligurian food, trying to decide on a gift for her husband. I asked her if I could look through this book and knew right away that I wanted a copy for myself. Fortunately, the store only had one copy (well, actually there was one other, but it had a torn cover, which I didn't want), and this woman was buying it. I say "fortunately" because I might have paid the $79 they were asking for it otherwise. (The book had no price printed on the paper cover.) There are SO many recipes I'm eager to try in that book.

As for "The Farm..." -- it just put me in the mood for summer produce. Let me know what you think of these books when you get them.

[buttertart]

KA&L is a lovely store but will not be oversold...

[roxlet]

My most recent haul from TGC has arrived, and so far I've perused two of the four oops I bought for $40 during their most recent sale. I think Martha's American Food is very nice, and I love that every single recipe has a photo. I like the book, and it has lots of classics, and there a quite a few things I'd be happy to cook. I also got Sarabeth Bakery, and that is also a lovely book with quite a few things I'd like to make. In particular, there is a recipe for a bundt cake with a tunnel of fresh raspberries and bittersweet chocolate, and a recipe for maple muffins. I also got the Jim Lahey My Pizza, and Cooking with Italian Grandmothers, which I am about to look at. Fun!

[Breadcrumbs]

Nice job roxlet!! I completely agree w you about books with photos, I definitely eat w my eyes and although I can imagine how a dish would taste once I read through the ingredients, a photo's worth a thousand words!

[rstuart]

Wow Roxlet.. when I read the words "bundt cake with a tunnel of fresh raspberries and bittersweet chocolate".. I went immediately to the library's website to reserve this cookbook!

[buttertart]

Now I want that one too!

[MsZin]

The Glass Pantry by Georgeanne Brennan and Mes Confitures by Christine Ferber. I have a very nice kitchen garden and there's an orchard not far from my house. Lots of u-pick strawberry and blueberry patches in the area, too. My culinary goal for this summer is to improve my preservation skills and to make some interesting and different jams, preserves, etc.

I also bought the Blackberry Farm book. I wanted to spend a weekend at Blackberry Farm, but the cookbook was more within my budget. I haven't tried any recipes yet, but it's a gorgeous book.

[Westy]

Have you looked at the new cookbook "Homemade"?

http://www.amazon.com/Home-Made-Yvett...

I just got it and am really impressed.

[MsZin]

I haven't, but thanks for the suggestion. I'll take a look at it. I keep telling myself "no more cookbooks," but my self doesn't listen.

[Breadcrumbs]

oh don't I know that feeling MsZin!! If you haven't joined EYB yet, you might want to check it out...I feel more justified in adding books to my shelf since I know I'll actually be able to use them now (they index cookbooks so you can search your own library for recipes!!)

The Glass Pantry looks lovely btw!

[dkennedy]

I have The Blackberry Farm Cookbook too. Love leafing through it, almost feels like a vacation. Haven't cooked out of it yet so report back with your findings.

[Caitlin McGrath]

I'd love to hear of any successes you have from the Glass Pantry. I've had it for a number of years, but the only thing I've made from it is the vin d'orange (which is a lovely aperitif, and which I should make again if I can just get around to saving and drying the orange peels).

[buttertart]

I caved on the sale...
Sinfully Easy Delicious Desserts
United States Of Pie
Couture Chocolate
The Passage of Power (not a ckbk, Robert Caro's new -- 4th -- LBJ volume, for M primarily although the excerpt in the NYer on the Kennedy assassination was amazing, as is The Power Broker, one of the best books I ever read)
2nd copy of Martha's American Food (sending to M's mom, got this in the last goaround and really like it...very cute front page, will hit those of us of a certain age where we live in the nostalgia department).

[Gio]

My most recent CB purchases...all from Amazon re-sellers:

>The Skinny: How to Fit into Your Little Black Dress Forever/Melissa Clark, Robin Aronson
>Williams-Sonoma Collection: Mexican/Marilyn Tausend
>The Big Book of Noodles: Over 100 Delicious Recipes from China, Japan, and Southeast Asia/Vatcharin Bhumichitr
>The Food of Spain/Claudia Roden
>Daisy Cooks: Latin Flavors That Will Rock Your World/Daisy Martinez
>A Proper Tea: An English Collection of Recipes/Joanna Isles

[greedygirl]

I just got The Skinny too as I am on a continual mission to drop those cursed ten pounds! I think I might have to adapt the advice slightly to take into account the fact that European serving sizes are somewhat more restrained!

[nomadchowwoman]

Before I pulle the trigger on my TGC bundle, can anyone tell me whether they have/like the Nina Simonds Simple Asian Meals?

[buttertart]

Have it, don't like it at all. Hope not too late!!!

[nomadchowwoman]

Nope--in fact, I had forgotten to pull the trigger. But I made it, cart sans Simonds, so you saved me ten bucks. I ordered the new Medrich dessert book, The Cheesemonger's Kitchen, Mozza,and My Pizza.

[MsZin]

Can you tell me what's wrong with it? I've been looking for a basic Asian cookbook to add to my collection. I want something that has flavorful recipes that aren't overly complicated. I'd considered Simple Asian Meals, but maybe I'll re-think that idea.

[LJS]

Beat This! Cookbook, Ann Hodgman-- re-released, updated, with a foreward by Elizabeth Berg (2011).

Not sure if she has already been mentioned in this thread, but always worthwhile picking up anything by Ann Hodgman.

I am making her Perfect Roast Chicken from the original Beat This! CB yet again tonight. And I am determined to try her recipe for Croissants someday soon, about which she says "This recipe is longer than Gone with the Wind and extremely bossy"- thats how she rolls! Love her sassy attitude, and her imaginative ideas.

[buttertart]

I love her too, v funny.

[Rella]

Just ordered The New Spanish Table from Amazon (prime - will be here May 1). I think this book will be an alternative May COTM.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Spanish-Tab...

[buttertart]

The Good Cook bundle sale is on again!

[herby]

I received an email too - do not have anything on my "must have" list at the moment:)

[roxlet]

This was the first time I succumbed since January, which is pretty good for me! I bought the new Martha Stewart American cooking, My Pizza, recipes of Italian Grandmothers, and one more whose name escapes me at the moment. Clearly, it's time for bed :).

[buttertart]

Same here, but I haven't hit the trigger yet. Free shipping thrown in today.

[Breadcrumbs]

I have an oddball mix to report on!

mr bc had to go to Costco and while there he picked up "Martha's American Food" for me. I know there are folks here who aren't fans of Martha but she rarely disappoints me and I'm delighted w this book. It's full of appealing American classics with lots of enticing photos to boot.

A friend at work brought in "Indian Grill" by Smita Chandra for me. This looks like a lovely book!

and finally, at a book sale:

The Big Book of Noodles by Vatcharin Bhumichitr - lots of quick and easy, delicious-looking weeknight meals in here

Chicken and Egg by Jancie Cole - I know nothing about this one but for $5 it was cheaper than a magazine and provided for an engaging read on my commute home tonight. .

[buttertart]

I'm getting that Martha from the Good Cook sale, ordered it ages ago. Her recipes work and dare I say it, had she been a man, I doubt she would have been so zealously prosecuted.

[rstuart]

Or a Wall Street financier.. ahem.
I do love my copy of "Martha Stewart's Cookies", and have gotten several other for my mother (pies and tarts I think..found at Winners!).

[flourgirl]

buttertart, I couldn't agree more. And I really like Martha's books - they rarely disappoint. I have most of them.

[roxlet]

I like Martha too, though despite the fact that I have several of her books (and always want the newest one!), I am not sure that I have ever cooked from them. Isn't that funny? I just realized that! I was looking through the recipe index on EYB, and it looks very comprehensive. Though Martha is not always well-loved (even by people who know her), she is someone I admire tremendously. She is one of the few women who have built an empire. That insider trading thing was pure nonsense, imo.

[buttertart]

Yes, she is a force onto herself. You go, Martha! I've baked a bit from her books but don't have any of the cooking ones, looking forward to this one. Is tonight the night?

rstuart: the new Pies and Tarts has a fabulous chocolate pistachio tart...

[rstuart]

I should tell my mother that.. pistachio is her favorite...

[nomadchowwoman]

Her "Quick Cook" was one of my first cookbooks once I started taking cooking seriously. The recipes were easy and always impressed, and most of them hold up well today. And I use her (first) Pies and Tarts all the time.
Likable or not, the woman sure is talented. And I think lots of men (and women) can't stand how successful she is. And, yeah, pretty ironic how MS went to prison for a rather insignificant transaction, but in the real financial debacles . . . well, anyway, she came back even stronger, still baking alll the way to the bank.

[nomadchowwoman]

Indeed.

[Rella]

I saw at Costco the "Martha" book. Whatever they say about Martha, you can't discount her "Macaroni & Cheese." Made per instructions, it is the best mac & cheese I've ever had - and I'm not a big fan of mac/cheese - just don't make it or order it out, but I had to make her receipe; unforgettable!

[roxlet]

Which of her recipes did you use for the Mac and Cheese? I quite like the Best Recipe one.

[herby]

I am on a look out for very good Mac & Cheese but have not come accross the ONE yet:)
Roxlet, which the Best Recipe book is the you like?
Rella, which Martha's book is your mac & cheese from?

I used to have a few Martha's books and over the years made quite a few recipes but not many repeats. They are solid recipes just not very exciting to me. The ones I remember making over and over are blue chees covered grapes and ricotta stuffed chicken breasts from her old Entertaining book. It's been many years since I made either one and not sure how I would like it know. We change, our food experiences expand, the world changes...

[Rella]

Here it is.

http://www.marthastewart.com/271998/p...

I followed all of her admonitions and made it 'exactly' as prescribed. Perfect!

I've not included other links, but there are several other links for this exact receipe on the internet.

Gather your cheeses:-))

[herby]

Thanks Rella! I will give it a try.

[buttertart]

Elizabeth Gilbert (by whom I have only read her very good first novel) is coming out with a memoir on her great-grandmother's cooking... http://www.amazon.com/Home-Range-Marg...
Talk about positioning yourself for another roll in the (pecuniary) dough!

[CindyJ]

My most recent cookbook/food-related book purchases are "The Brisket Book - A Love Story with Recipes" by Stephanie Pierson and "Blood, Bones & Butter" by Gabrielle Hamilton.

[dkennedy]

I recently bought The Brisket Book too. I have loved reading through it but haven't cooked from it yet. Would love to hear what you think of it wince you try out the recipes, CJ!

[CindyJ]

The book is a fun read, with quotes from Chowhound sprinkled throughout. It's funny about brisket, though. It's one of those things where just about anyone you ask will tell you that he/she has the best-ever brisket recipe. I put myself in that camp, too. I love leafing through the book, but the truth is, I already have a brisket recipe that's second to none. So -- will I try any of the recipes from the book? Maybe. If I do, the one I'm most likely to try first is Nach Waxman's.

[dkennedy]

I am also a one brisket recipe kind of girl. Interestingly, my go-to recipe was mentioned but not published in the book. It is a recipe of Sara Moulton's published on the food network several years back. It made me stop and think that maybe it is not the best one out there after all. So, I will be trying them when I have the time.

The one that spoke to me off the bat was The Brisket Noodle Soup with Korean Chiles. I used to work in an Asian community and I have the most vivid food memory about a beef noodle soup I ate at lunchtime. I am hoping this recipe will capture those flavors.

[CindyJ]

Let me know how it turns out.

[roxlet]

Intrigued by a recipe on leitesculinaria.com, I purchased Home Baking by Alford and Dugard, authors of Hot Sour Salty Sweet. Once again, I sing the praises of abebooks.com, where I was able to purchase this beautiful, large and lavishly illustrated book (pub. price $40) for less than $10. It is a brand new book. I also purchased this month's COTM In the Kitchen with a Good Appetite, also brand new, for about $8. I await its arrival.

[buttertart]

I have that Home Baking but haven't baked from it. What looks good to you in it? (I believe there's a butter tart recipe in there.)

[roxlet]

Yes, there is a butter tart recipe that looks very interesting. There is a walnut torte, which was the recipe that originally drew me to the book, a couple of unusual cookie recipes, and a few breads that sound interesting. This was after a cursory first look. It's quite beautiful, my only cavil being that I wished that the illustrations were captioned on the page on which they appear.

[Rella]

Interesting post about abebooks, thanks. I have been under the impression for years that abebooks is a 'used book' seller, and never go there. I was under the impression that people sell their used books to abebooks and that was all they sold - used.

http://www.abebooks.com/books/Sell/

I've been thinking about buying a few new cookbooks and have about 10 in mind, I'll give it a look-see. I usually buy just from amazon and Jessica's.

Sorry to say that one of the booksellers I used for years sent me a used library book, so I lost that source about a year ago :-((

[Caitlin McGrath]

ABE doesn't sell books, it's a venue through which various sellers do business (similar to Amazon Marketplace, and many sellers do business through both), so some are selling new books and some are selling used books. Just have to check through the listings.

[Rella]

I recall sometime ago selling a/some series DVD's through Amazon Marketplace and it was quite simple. Later on it seemed fees and regulations changed, and when we sold another DVD set, we were quite disappointed in our amount received after charges. That's probably why the last of our DVD's and books went to the library. Just not cut out for buying/selling on those huge sites.

I did go a while ago after my post re abe.com and see that it is 'quite large" and one must be dedicated to the search :-)) Although it is fun to go through the hundreds of bargains at Jessica's in bed awaiting sleep.
Thanks so much.

[HillJ]

All to often good resources are hidden from view, buried in some blog on blog war chest and never make the light of day. If you're a fan of the Edible Communities publications, then perhaps you've listened in to Edible Radio or learned of their cookbook debut. But if you want to learn more about the authors, recipes and offerings of cookbook publications before you buy, consider visiting this site frequently: http://www.therecipeclub.net/

Some sites deserve better exposure!

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks so much for sharing this HillJ. I'm a huge fan of the Edible Communities publications and was delighted to see an "Edible Brooklyn" cookbook at my bookstore recently. Of course since it was on sale I had to buy it and it's absolutely wonderful. I love our own local Edible Toronto magazine and always check out the websites before we travel somewhere as they're a great source of info on local food finds and must visit spots. This website looks great, I wonder if they'll ever start a forum. Wouldn't that be terrific? Thanks again for sharing this!

[HillJ]

Hi Breadcrumbs. With more exposure and visitor traffic a forum would likely grow. But, for now I'm thrilled to hear you're enjoying several Edible's! One of my fav food resources. You might also enjoy visiting Food Curated for another source often Brooklyn-focused. Short videos under the talented lens of it's owner; very special. www.foodcurated.com

[Breadcrumbs]

HillJ, thanks so much. What a great site and I love the resources they provide links to! I've bookmarked this and look forward to the weekend when I can spend a bit more time there! Thanks!

[buttertart]

Thst's an interesting site but limited to a few publishers.

[HillJ]

Don't discount it too quickly. The site changes content and is growing all the time. With Random House as its backdoor, the cookbook titles and authors reflect many enjoyed by CH's participating in COTM.

[buttertart]

Didn't mean to be dismissive, I just noted the pub names at the bottom of the home page.

[wekick]

Minnie 'N Me Cooking Together
Peanut's Cookbook
Looking ahead to cooking with the grands even though they are just 2 and 9 mos.
The Sweet Life: Desserts from Chanterelle by Kate Zuckerman

[Breadcrumbs]

I spent a good part of my day on Saturday cleaning out my vegetable & herb garden and planning what I'll plant this year. Needless to say I couldn't resist ordering a couple of seasonal cookbooks. Imagine my excitement when Amazon had them on my doorstep when I arrived home from work.

The Southern Italian Farmer's Table

The Italian Farmer's Table - both books by Matthew Scialabba and Melissa Pellegrino

[lcw_nc]

I took a step up to the big leagues and ordered Escoffier's GC. I think it will be more of a history lesson than anything else but I'm sure I'll learn a lot and find some great ideas.

[Hank Hanover]

I got carried away the last few months. I watch the used book store sites and tend to buy several books from the same vendor to cut shipping costs. Anyway....Yeah... I got carried away.

Recent Cookbook Purchases

Essentials of Cooking by James Peterson (2000, Hardcover) : James Peterson (Hardcover, 2000)

I'm Just Here for the Food by Alton Brown (2002, Hardcover) : Alton Brown (Hardcover, 2002)

The Sweet Life: Desserts from Chanterelle by Kate Zuckerman and Chanterelle (Restaurant : New York, N.Y.) (2006, Hardcover)

Better Homes and Gardens Anyone Can Cook by Better Homes & Gardens and Better Homes and Gardens Books (2009, Hardcover

The Bon Appetit Cookbook by Barbara Fairchild (2006, Hardcover, Special) : Barbara Fairchild (Hardcover, 2006)

The Way to Cook by Julia Child, Brian Leatart and Jim Scherer (1989, Hardcover)

Make-A-Mix by Karine Eliason, Nevada Harward and Madeline Westover (1995, Paperback, Revised) :

Jacques Pepin's Complete Technique: More Than 1,000 Preparations and Recipes, All Demonstrated in Thousands of Step-By-Step Photographs

The Art of the Cake: Modern French Baking and Decorating by Bruce Healy and Paul Bugat (1999, Hardcover) : Bruce Healy, Paul Bugat

Baking in America: Traditional and Contemporary Favorites from the Past 200 Years by Greg Patent (2002, Hardcover)

The American Century Cookbook by Jean Anderson (1997, Hardcover) : Jean Anderson (Hardcover, 1997)

The Cook's Bible: The Best of American Home Cooking by Christopher Kimball and Elizabeth Oldfield (1996, Hardcover)

The Martha Stewart Cookbook: Collected Recipes for Every Day by Roy Finamore and Martha Stewart (1995, Hardcover)

Strategic Eating: The Econovore's Essential Guide by Elise Cooke (2008, Paperback) : Elise Cooke (Paperback, 2008)

The Art of Eating by M. F. K. Fisher (1990, Paperback, Reprint) : M. F. K. Fisher (Paperback, 1990)

John Ash Cooking One on One: Private Lessons in Simple, Contemporary Food from a Master Teacher by John Ash and Amy Mintzer (2004)

BakeWise by Shirley Corriher, Shirley O. Corriher (2008, Hardcover) : Shirley Corriher, Shirley O. Corriher (Hardcover, 2008)

The Frugal Gourmet on Our Immigrant Ancestors: Recipes You Should Have Gotten from Your Grandmother by Jeff Smith (1990, Hardcover)

Maida Heatter's Pies & Tarts by Maida Heatter (1997, Hardcover) : Maida Heatter (Hardcover, 1997)

Hands-Off Cooking: Low-Supervision, High-Flavor Meals for Busy People by Ann Martin Rolke (2007, Paperback)

Lee Bailey's Country Desserts: Cakes, Cookies, Ice Cream, Pies, Puddings and More by Joshua Greene, Lee Bailey and Mardee Haidin

The 50 Best Cheesecakes in the World: The Recipes That Won the Nationwide "Love That Cheesecake" Contest by Honey Zisman

Grains, Rice, and Beans by Kevin Graham (1998, Paperback) : Kevin Graham (Paperback, 1998)

Simple to Spectacular: How to Take One Basic Recipe to Four Levels of Sophistication by Mark Bittman and Jean-Georges Vongericht

A Great American Cook by Jonathan Waxman, Tom Steele (2007, Hardcover) : Jonathan Waxman, Tom Steele (Hardcover, 2007)

[Westy]

The roast chicken section in Simple to Spectacular is simply amazing.
I'll be itnerested in hearing if you like John Ash's book. I have seen it a few times and never picked it up.

[nomadchowwoman]

What a haul, Hank! You've got some gems there.

[Hank Hanover]

Thank you. I think I should be done with the baking books. "The Art of the Cake and "Sweet Life" were pretty much the last ones I was looking for. I was finally able to get Art of the cake" for less than about $12. I seem to be collecting basic books because I sometimes teach people how to cook and have been looking for the perfect text to give to a new cook.

I guess I'll have to get "The Art of French Cooking" sometime.

When reading "Simple to Spectacular" I learned that I don't particularly like the fanciest versions... usually the second fanciest.

[herby]

I visited bookcloseouts a week or so ago and yesterday the delivery man brought:

A Taste of Purto Rico by Yvonne Ortiz
Market Kitchen Cookbook featuring recipes of UK chefs
Mighty Spice by John Gregory-Smith
Russian, German & Polish Food & Cooking

All seem to be interesting. There is a lot of love for Mighty Spice on these board:)

[buttertart]

Must have a look!

[Rella]

Re: A Taste of Purto Rico by Yvonne Ortiz

I've seen this book, but can't remember specifics. Perhaps it is the author, I recall.

Let me/us know what you think about it -- when you can.

[Breadcrumbs]

Great selection herby and thanks for mentioning bookcloseouts, I wasn't aware of them but will definitely take a look. Thank-you!

[herby]

BC, they bookcloseouts are based in ON but charge in US dollars for whatever reason. A bookclub friend recommended them to me and I was pleased with the speed of delivery and service. The most expensive was Mighty Spice at $11, the other ones were all below $8. Let us know what you think.

[dkennedy]

Cook This Now (Kindle version, for $3.99) so I could participate in COTM this month

Baking From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan, based on a friend's recommendation

Moro (May's COTM)

[rstuart]

the Dorie Greenspan is a fabulous cookbook.. one of my "go-tos". I don't think that I've made a dud out of it yet...

[buttertart]

Super book (the Dorie), Also keep an eye out for her "Paris Sweets", my favourite of hers.

[dkennedy]

Will do BT. RStuart, would love to hear your Dorie favorites.

[rstuart]

There are so many.. I will crack it open when I get home! For sure the famous
"World Peace" cookies to start...

[flourgirl]

I've purchased a lot of books from bookcloseouts over the last few years - but I always check Amazon/half.com/bookfinder before I do because I find I can often buy the same book for less from a reseller, even factoring in shipping costs. The very best deals on bookcloseouts are when they have their sales. I've obtained great books for almost nothing during those sales. They take place a few times a year and i believe they will notify you via e-mail if you are on their mailing list. (The reason I'm not sure is because I check the site so frequently, I can't really recall just how it is that I become aware of the sales.)

[herbie43]

I have many cookbooks but my favorites are The joy of Cooking, by Irma S. Rombauer and All About Braising by Molly Stevens. of course, my favorite cookbook isthe one my wife wrote and had published called Cooking From The Heart

[flourgirl]

It's that time of year again - my local county library's annual book sale.

This is what I came home with:

$2 each:

The Art of Mexican Cooking, Diane Kennedy

3 volumes of the Good Cook Series: Hors d'Oveuvre, Snacks and Sandwiches, Lamb to add to my collection

Salsas That Cook, Bayless

Flavored Oils - Chiarello

Skewer It - Barber & Whiteford

Herb Mixtures and Spice Blends - Maggie Oster

Louisiana Tastes - Paul Prudhomme

The Key to Chinese Cooking - Kuo (I already owned this one, but for $2 I got a copy in much better condition)

and for $3:

France, The Beautiful Cookbook

I'm very happy with my haul. :)

[Caitlin McGrath]

I know that CH poster DiningDiva, who's very knowledgeable about Mexican food, loves and highly recommends Salsas That Cook.

[flourgirl]

Caitlin, thanks, that's good to know! :)

It looks interesting and informative, and it was brand new. I figured for $2, it was worth a chance.

[buttertart]

Nice haul!

[qianning]

$2 for Irene Kuo, wow, what a score!

[Breadcrumbs]

Good job flourgirl...what a terrific haul! Looks like you'll be having fun looking through all these! Enjoy!

[flourgirl]

I love this sale, I look forward to it ever year and I always make some great finds. And yes, I'm already having fun with my new finds. It's a very rainy day here in NJ - perfect for curling up on the couch with a mug of tea and my new books. While a pot of chicken and veggies cooks on the stove in preparation for tonight's meal of chicken and dumplings - also perfect on a cold, rainy day. :)

[Breadcrumbs]

I was intrigued by a book that a colleague had claimed to be his absolute favourite cookbook because it taught him how to make shrimp "bouncy" in Chinese dishes and, this skill, in turn, won him the heart of someone he'd been dating!

The book is called Easy Chinese Recipes by Bee Yinn Low

Evidently Ms Low has the "Internet's Most Popular Asian Cooking site" rasamalaysia.com

I've only flipped through the book thus far but it really is beautifully presented and many dishes have step-by-step photos as well. I'll be giving it a test run tomorrow and will let you know how it goes but for now, I'm quite happy with my purchase.

[qianning]

rasamalaysia.com is useful site, but really the most popular asian cooking site? go figure.

[Breadcrumbs]

Who knew huh? I do recall someone from CH posting a link to it as I have if bookmarked but I shared your surprise when I saw that noted prominently on the cover of this book.

[thymetobake]

I know what you mean, Bean Counter. I need a cookbooks anonymous group.

I bought
The Feast of Santa Fe: Cooking of the American Southwest , by Huntley Dent
Bean by Bean, by Crescent Dragonwagon
The Santa Fe School of Cooking Cookbook

All three are excellent, imo.

[Bean Counter]

I should probably stop reading this thread as I seem to be developing a bit of a problem:) bought homesick texan, cook this now, a bean cookbook, and a deborah Madison cookbook recently. Also in my cart was the primal blueprint but considering where my devotion clearly lies I don't think that type of diet is going to work for me.;) plus I might not find time to read I with the others

[Rella]

Just received today
PATRICIA WELLS AT HOME IN PROVENCE: Recipes Inspired By Her Farmhouse In France
published in 1999

http://www.amazon.com/PATRICIA-WELLS-...

I've known about this book and seen it for years, and finally got around to buying it.

Whut! I just entered it on EYB, and it's not even listed - too old I guess - even though her wonderful book Trattoria (1995) is. Oh, well - this book is wonderful to thumb through. She has soo many.

[dkennedy]

Rella,

I am a huge fan on Patricia Wells and really enjoy At Home in Provence. It is on the EYB shelf so check again. I think my favorite recipe out of this book is Anne's Goat Cheese Gratin on page 21. A very simple dish but one that is definitive of the region. The salad section of this book is really the standout, IMO. My personal favorite is the Arugula and Parmesan Salad on page 59. For those of you who don't have this book, the other key ingredients are crispy pancetta added to the salad while still hot, a simple lemon vinaigrette and French black olives. If you enjoy this book, consider getting Simply French which is another Patricia Well's title (presenting Joel Robucon's recipes). This is among my top 5 books of all time.

[herby]

Dkennedy, I would not be able to choose top 5 books and very curious about books that people consider their top 5 or even 10. Would you share the titles?

[dkennedy]

Sure Herby:

Simply French; The Splendid Table (the original); The Santa Monica Farmer's Market Cookbook; The Flavor of France by The Chamberlains; Sunday Suppers at Lucques

list is subject to change as new books are acquired, but these have served me well for years.

[herby]

Thank you for sharing, dkenney! Amazingly, I do not have even one of your top five:( Thought about buying Sunday Suppers many times but haven't as I think of its recipes as complex, involved and only for a super special occasions. I might have to check it out of the library and try.

[dkennedy]

Not all the recipes are involved and complex but, yes, I think you are right that they are not your typical week night easy to throw together type. When you check it out of the library, let me know, and tell you my favorite recipes. Actually, I think I may have made notes on EYB as to which ones are my go-to recipes.

[Caitlin McGrath]

I bought an absolutely pristine copy of Sunday Suppers for cheap at a used bookstore last year, and haven't much delved into it. But herby, I'd say you might want to scan through the COTM threads to see how doable some of it feels, based on reports: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/397079

[herby]

Thank you both! I will check the COTM threads and just put a hold on it at my library - it should come my way next week. I have comapny over for a brunch next Sunday - good occasion to try it out! Dkennedy, any suggestions are more than welcome:)

[Rella]

I'm so glad I mentioned this, and you answered Yes, I found it. I was looking for the "...Farmhouse in France" as well.

Quite an endorsement of Patricia Wells. Thanks.
I'm working toward buying the "Sunday suppers at Lucques" too. Thanks.

[dkennedy]

Sunday Suppers is such a special book. I often give it as part of a gift basket for wedding showers and the like. Every recipe is a treasure. Coincidently, I had lunch at Tavern just yesterday. While I love cooking her recipes, there is nothing like enjoying someone else's labors when the food is that good.

[TxnInMtl]

I received this book over Christmas and haven't had a chance to cook from it much yet. Thanks for the suggestions. The salad sounds amazing.

[TxnInMtl]

Within the past month or so, Breath of a Wok (to compliment the free wok I inherited), Homesick Texan, Twelve: A Tuscan Cookbook, and Moro have made their way into my shopping cart. If I keep adding, I may have to start giving away some of the cookbooks I have that just don't work for me!

[Caitlin McGrath]

With a $13 + free shipping email offer from the Good Cook, I preordered Alice Medrich's new book Sinfully Easy Delicious Desserts (published 4/24, ships to me 5/1). Looks like it's full of terrific flavor combinations, as I've come to expect from Medrich.

http://www.amazon.com/Sinfully-Delici...

[Breadcrumbs]

I ordered the LEON cookbook on a recommendation of a colleague who I'd call the ultimate foodie. She has been travelling the globe to try the "best" ingredients, unique and enticing meals etc for years. While in the UK she dined at and raved about LEON restaurants. Comfort food done right. Nonetheless, I had to order their book and my goodness, I'm smitten. This is a book like no other I own.

The first section of the book is focussed on ingredients/how to etc. and the recipes follow. The book is so charming with stunning illustrations, interactive pull-out sections with maps, pantry recommendations and even a cut out page on seasonal ingredients. Despite owning over 1000 cookbooks, I'd have to say this is the most captivating book I own. Such a thoughtfully assembled book with incredibly enticing recipes.

A trip to a garage sale and HomeSense (Canadian version of HomeGoods) also yielded:

The World Kitchen - Williams Sonoma
Bon Appetit Desserts ($2!!)
Food & Wine Best of the Best Volumes 8 & 11
The Cakebread Cellars American Harvest Cookbook
The Special Taste Of Florida
Simply Simpatico A Taste of New Mexico from the Jr League of New Mexico (25¢) WOW!
Quick & Easy Sushi Cookbook by Heihachiro Tohyama & Yukiko Moriyama (50¢ looks great!!)

[greedygirl]

I've got the Leon book as well and like it. Was given the second one by one of the owners of Leon and it's not nearly as good.

Recent purchases: Rick Stein's Far East Odyssey - fantastic range of recipes, surprisingly authentic. The Bali section is particularly interesting. Asian food fans (and I know there are many of you out there) will love. And no pictures of Rick, thank goodness. Not that I have anything against Rick but too many author photos is one of my bugbears.

Food from Plenty by Diana Henry. I'm a big fan of another book of hers called Cook Simple. Grabbed this on sale at TKMaxx and it also looks good.

[Gio]

I've had Plenty by Diana Henry for a year or so but have only cooked a couple of recipes from it. I read her column in the Sunday Telegraph. Let us know how you like it, GG...

She also has a book about Gastropub cuisine i'm interested in.
http://www.amazon.com/Gastropub-Cookb...

[jen kalb]

My daughter bought this further Diana Henry book recently - its sitting around my house, very pretty book but dont think its been cooked from yet.
http://www.amazon.com/Roast-Figs-Suga...

[Gio]

Thank you Jen. That looks like an interesting book as well. Henry is a prolific food writer for The Telegraph and has a ton of recipes on line...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalist...

[flourgirl]

After reading this, I just had to check out that LEON book on Amazon. It sounds like it combines 2 of my passions - great books about food and pop-up/"movable" books. Do I need to add that it's on its way to me and due to be delivered on Friday? Can't wait to see it.

[buttertart]

Uh oh, guess what I have to go do...TGC here I come...

[honkman]

Two more ordered:

Beach Bum Berry Remixed
Garde Manger: The Art and Craft of the Cold Kitchen

[buttertart]

My Giuliano Hazan should be waiting for me at home. I'm all tingly!

[herby]

Buttertart, please come back and tell us about Giuliano's book - is it similar to Mom's style of cooking? Have not seen or tried a single of his recipes and love Marcella's cooking.

[Rella]

Which book is it, please?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=asa_osd_i...

[buttertart]

Hazan Family Favorites. I read the intros and first chapter last night (salivating) and looked through the rest. Very interesting.

[Breadcrumbs]

I'll be interested to hear of your cooking experiences w this book buttertart. Like herby, I'm familiar w Marcella but not her son's recipes. I have his Pasta book on my shelf but haven't cooked from it. I really know nothing about him.

[melpy]

Received two cookbooks for Easter (my mother is into giving Easter baskets to us kids even though we are 27 and 24- when we have kids I can just how spoiled Gram is going to make them): Better Home and Gardens 15th edition and The Complete Meat Cookbook. I was leafing through BHG and couldn't believe all the shortcut ingredients, most notably the cream of soups. Neither my mother or I cook that way so it was a little dissappointing. The meat book though looks great an I am excited to try more recipes. My mother has emailed me a few because we have pooled or cookbooks on EYB and send eachother recipes we might want and as I use books more often we trade and share.

[dkennedy]

I just bought my sister a gift subscription for EYB with the same idea in mind.

[melpy]

It has worked out well because I meal plan. My mother has more books that are indexes than I do so she doesn't usually need me to email her. To be fair we are trading books the other person seems to be getting more use out of and she has been adding Tommy collection books she wants to keep bit thinks Inwill use often like the meat book. So many of my books are from second hand or bargain bin thatbthey aren't indexed yet. Plus SO thinks any book is on my want list so I have so many of those generic books that those Bristish companies publish and sell at TJ Maxx. I think he has backed off though on those because Ibshowednhim that the publishers just recycle the same recipes and pictures and sell it under another name.

[alkapal]

i just got "seasonal spanish food" by josé pizarro, from the library. it is arranged seasonally (natch) and is charming, simple, with (to me) unexpected combinations. it is really nice to dream on….with recipes and mini-primers on important core ingredients in spanish cuisine. i wish there were more photos of the preparations, but the ones they have there are really gorgeous. there is a small section on spanish wines, too.

[alkapal]

table of contents for "seasonal spanish food":

deep fried goat cheese with orange blossom honey

[GardenFresh]

Just got The Preservation Kitchen by Kate Leahy and Paul Virant and Sophie Dahl's new US-edition book Very Fond of Food: A Year in Recipes in the mail from Amazon today. I loved Dahl's first book (and the accompanying TV series, which I was lucky enough to see as I was in the UK when it aired), so I'm excited to give this one a try!

[buttertart]

My "Pie it Forward" by Gesine Bullock-Prado came this week (preordered in a TGC sale). NICE. Lots of very appealing pahs and good tips. I'm really quite fond of this lady, her memoir and books are fun.

[maplesugar]

Doughnuts - Simple & Delicious Recipes to Make at Home by Lara Ferroni. This little gem covers: Basic /Baked Raised, GF/Vegan Raised, Chocolate Raised, Malasadas, Basic/Baked/GF/Vegan Cake, Chocolate Cake, Old Fashioned Sour Cream, Ricotta, Apple Cider, French Cruellers, Sopapillas, Loukoumades and Picarones.

Good thing it's Spring and I can burn off these goodies with some long overdue yard work.

[buttertart]

Drat drat and double drat, the new Ottolenghi Jerusalem has been delayed until mid-September in the UK.

[chefathome]

...and October in Canada as far as I can tell. I cannot wait for this one.

[Hank Hanover]

Baking in America by Greg Patent Haven’t received it yet
The American Century by Jean Anderson Haven’t received it yet
The Cook’s Bible by Christopher Kimball Haven’t received it yet
The Martha Stewart Cookbook: Collected Recipes for Everyday Haven’t received it yet
Strategic Eating by Elise Cook Haven’t received it yet
The Art of Eating by MFK Fisher Haven’t received it yet
John Ash Cooking one on one Haven’t received it yet
Bakewise by Shirley Corriher Haven’t received it yet
The Frugal Gourmet on our Immigrant Ancestors Haven’t received it yet
Maida Heatter’s Pies and tart Seems like a great book haven’t cooked out of it, yet
Hands off Cooking by Anne Martin Rolke Mediocre at best Was a 75 cent add on
Simple to Spectacular by Jean Georges good I didn’t like the fancy dishes liked the simpler ones
The Great American Cook by Jonathon Waxman Haven’t read it yet
Cakes and Bakes Wasn’t impressed Was an add on
Real Simple Meals made easy by Renee Schettler Liked it marked a bunch of the recipes
Cook’s Illustrated’s American Recipes Good as all CI’s books are

I am waiting for 9 of these books. I got carried away over a 2 week period.

[Bean Counter]

Just picked up Flo Braker's Baking for All Occaisions. I've liked what I've seen so far but don't think I have anywhere near enough baking pans of various sizes. Found it at TJ Maxx so only about 8 bucks. May try the blueberry muffins for a coworkers bday this week.

[meatn3]

Part two of the library sale:

Hardbacks:

*Modern Encyclopedia of Cooking, Vol. II – Meta Given's, 1949 edition

I had Vol. 1. I saw a later edition of Vol. II which had differing categories, including a foreign food section. Does anyone have opinions about the differences between editions?

*My Stomach Goes Traveling – Walter Slezak
*A Treasury of Spices, 5oth anniversary edition – American Spice Trade Association
*Esquire's Handbook for Hosts – 1949 first edition

Wonderful book covering all aspects of party giving from setting up a bar, soup to nuts, host responsibilities and party games. Even a chapter for those moments between parties with recipes for dining alone.

*Ice Cream Industry – Turnbow, Tracy, Raffetto

Text for industry (1947), has recipes plus many tips and information about stabilizers, etc.

*Food in History – Reay Tannahill, 1stedition

No true recipes but very detailed

*Gourmet's Old Vienna Cookbook -Lillian Langseth-Christensen
*The Art of Viennese Pastry – Marcia Colman Morton (includes a chapter on cocktail pastries too)
*A La Russe – Darra Goldstein

Covers traditional recipes of Russia, Baltics, and other Soviet Republics. The method of recipe groupings is not my favorite – easier to browse than quickly find a recipe.

*Chef Paul Prudhomme's Fork in the Road

First edition, looks pristine.

[alkapal]

good gosh woman! you need a whole new room for bookshelves!

[meatn3]

You have no idea - it is an addiction!

[Gio]

Meatn3, I have my father's copy of the Esquire's Handbook for Hosts – 1949 first edition. My parents belonged to The Book of the Month Club during the '40s - '60s so I had a chance to read their books (at will) starting when I was an young teenager. When my mother passed away I inherited their extensive library which I have to this day. That handbook came in very handy when I was first married. The cocktail recipes represent the authentic drinks of the day. I can't remember if I ever cooked any of the dinner recipes, I have to go through it to see if I did. In any case, it's a fun book plus the famous Esquire drawings are priceless...

[meatn3]

I've really been enjoying perusing it. It just captures that period so well and has immense charm.

So was this a book club offering? What fun if your copy had notations about parties your parents held.

Growing up, books were a major focus of my family and I had free access to all - shocked some of my teachers when they learned what I was reading at home! My Father has just begun looking at tiered living facilities since it is apparent my Mother will need more assistance soon. My sister was amused that one of his biggest concerns on living space layout was "where will I put my books?".

[rabaja]

Just pre-ordered Slater's Ripe: A Cook in the Orchard Pretty good deal on Amazon, about $27.
I was very intrigued by April Bloomfield's new book, A Girl and Her Pig, and at $19 I should probably just order that one too. I'm trying to watch my wallet these days though, so I'm holding out.

[MelMM]

Keep in mind that since Ripe is simply the American edition of Tender, we have a COTM thread for it from when Tender was COTM in Sept 2011. I hope people who buy the book now will continue to add to the thread.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/804892

[flourgirl]

"Keep in mind that since Ripe is simply the American edition of Tender"

Hmm, that's interesting, because Amazon.com is describing "Ripe" as the sequel to "Tender" and even the cover of the book mention that Slater is the author of "Tender". My impression is that Tender is about vegetable-based recipes etc., and Ripe is about fruit-based recipes etc.

[Harters]

In the UK, both volumes were called Tender (Volumes 1 and 2). Volume 1 was the veg (which i have), Volume 2 the fruit.(which I didnt bother getting).

Curious to know if they (and, for that matter, other British books) are re-edited for the American market - with your measurements and food names. I can't recall seeing too many American cookbooks over here but I have a sense that they are not re-edited for us (most books aren't, which means the different spellings often jump off the page at me)

[flourgirl]

Thank you! That explains it. :)

[Caitlin McGrath]

I checked Tender and Kitchen Diaries out from my local library when they were COTM, and yes, they (and other British cookbooks) are "converted" for the American market, with Am-English terminology and US measurements (ounces and volumes).

Some other books - novels, etc. - aren't re-edited to American English spelling when released here, especially "smaller" books, and some are. I doubt a British cookbook would be published in the US without the changes, generally speaking, for fear that it wouldn't sell.

[MelMM]

Sorry for the confusion, flourgirl. I meant to write that it's the American edition of Tender Vol. II.

[meatn3]

My biggest CB buying frenzy of the year began today - my counties library sale! Enormous sale, just cookbooks took up probably 50 banquet tables.

There were amazing classics, not quite as many old (pre 1940's) as in the past, but I still found plenty! Just have time to list a few for now, will try to list more later - enjoy the tips from those of you who have used the books!

These were all $2 paperbacks:

*The Gem City Cook Book

Nice community cb printed in 1921 by “In His Name Circle of King's Daughters” - not sure who they were but it is nice finding a community book which predates the can of this, jar of that which so many newer ones are composed of.

*Gourmet Grains by Candia Lea Cole
*Great Recipes from The NY Times – Raymond Sokolov
*101 Things to do with Grits – Harriss Cottingham, 1st edition Grits Brulee anyone?
*Adventures in Sourdough Cooking & Baking – Charles D. Wilford
*Lodge Presents Chef John Folse's Cast Iron Cooking
*Flavors of Africa Cookbook – DeWitt,Wilan & Stock
*Unusual Old World and American Recipes

Mainly bundt recipes in a ten cent booklet put out by Nordic probably in the '60's. (I'm supposing due to zip code in use and pots and pans advertised in the back are offered in avocado, harvest or tangerine!)

Two of the three spiral Foods of the World I was lacking:
*Latin American Cooking
*American Cooking: The Melting Pot

*Crockery Cookery (revised edition) – Mable Hoffman

My kitchen faces west, so I anticipate a busy crock pot come summer!
She was an interesting lady: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/feb/...

[buttertart]

For those of you waiting for the new Fuchsia I'm so crazy about her I named my cat after her Dunlop, Amazon Canada did not have a line on it for 27 March release. They had just not updated their website. Expected as much. Oh well. Something to look forward to this summer.

[Breadcrumbs]

...and for those of you who want a little teaser, here's a recipe from her new book:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyl...

[buttertart]

Zongzi are a lot more complicated to form properly than she lets on ;)

[qianning]

i had exactly the same thought after reading the recipe.....

[herby]

Buttertart, I received a message from amazon.ca saying that were not yet able to obtain the book and do I still want it.... so sad... I want it NOW!:)

[buttertart]

I know, me too, they really pulled a "booktease" on us!

[buttertart]

Another email today saying it should be received 28 April. Yah rite!

[angelsmom]

Don't know if this is new to you, but Amazon has two of Dorie Greenspans books for $6.00. I have both, but for those of you who do not.....
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547...

[herby]

This is amazing - I have AMFT but not the Baking - definitely buying the bundle and givft AMFT. Thank you for sharing this, Angelsmom!

[angelsmom]

Glad I could contribute!

[herby]

It is not available any longer, can't believe it! I put it in my cart and just came back to buy and puff!, it is gone:(

[Caitlin McGrath]

Bummer, I have been contemplating it for the past couple of hours (like you I have AMFT, but would sell or gift it), and even reading through the BFMHTY COTM threads to sell me. This deal was widely publicized online/through social media, so I guess not surprising it sold out quickly.

[Rella]

I've been caught like this previously. Here is what one can do to help you to keep from getting into this losing situation.

When you see a spectacular offer that seems too good to be true and you are remotely interested, snap-shot or printscreen the whole page, which includes the url. When you want to go back to the page where you saw the offer, be sure to enter it into the 'run.' In other words, do not click onto the page that you saved (booked marked or created shortcut) in order to see it again. If it is there still, it will be on the page you originally saw it on, and you can order it from that page. I've done that and it's worked.

[alkapal]

interesting trick! thanks, rella.

[angelsmom]

They were gone by 3, sorry you missed them.

[Harters]

Just released in the UK and delivered from Amazon - "Food of Spain", Claudia Roden.

Not bought, but a "free" gift for renewing a magazine subscription "Twelve Days of Christmas", The Hairy Bikers (Si King and Dave Myers)

[buttertart]

The meatballs in almond sauce and especially the venison tenderloin from the Roden are spectacular. I must make more from that book.
Could you ask Herself what she thinks of the Hairy Bikers' baking book? Do I "need" it?

[herby]

I second the meatballs; have not made venison, didn't even notice it! Must make soon.

[Rella]

A bit off the Roden topic, but relating somewhat: The meatball recipe I most usually use calls for almond flour, which I always use instead of bread or similar ingredient. The almond flour that I buy is more-or-less coarse and provides great texture.

But i use beef, not venison :-))

[nomadchowwoman]

I wonder if finely ground almonds would work? It sounds interesting.

[herby]

Ground almonds are the same as almond flour, maybe a bit coarser but definitely would work.

[Harters]

We havnt got the Bikers' baking book (doncha just lurve alliteration) and suspect we won't be getting it. TV programme was quite fun - they visit several parts of Euroland, visitign craft bakers, doing a bit of their own stuff and the like. But I don't have a sense that this would be a book we'd cook much from.

On the other hand, next time I'm in a bookshop, I'm going to look at their "Perfect Pies". It's the pies, you see - I'm a north British man - pies are hardwired into the genes. And both the Bikers are also northern - Dave Myers, from Cumbria in the north west and Si King from the north east.

[buttertart]

Pies, yum. Was raised with them too. And sold many a pie as a chippie back when.

[TxnInMtl]

Some dear friends moved back to Australia yesterday. Before they left, they had a giveaway to friends for all the things they couldn't take with them. Sadly, I was out of town and unable to make it. I came home to discover that while I was gone the BF managed to pick up from them Ottolenghi (which I've been debating buying for a while now) and Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery. I'm going to have to go through some of the old COTM threads to decide where to start. Also included in the things he brought home was a steel wok, so I'm thinking I may finally be out of excuses for picking up Stir-frying to the Sky's Edge and Breath of a Wok.

[nomadchowwoman]

I have these on the mind b/c I just made them--and they are wonderful (all but one person at a potluck I attended this past weekend asked for the recipe): Pistachio shortbreads (Ottolenghi, p. 220).

[TxnInMtl]

I saw that recipe last night while looking through. It was already on my shortlist, but now I'll bump it up even more!

[herby]

I recently bought Meals That Heal Inflammation by Julie Daniluk. There has been so much talk recently about overall negative effects of inflammation on our wellbeing that I decided that I need to learn what dishes to prepare that would be beneficial. I had an accident more than two years ago that resulted in lots of soft tissue damage and it still has not completely healed!

[HighHeels]

I wish you good luck on your journey. I just had my second back surgery and have tried eating food that is supposed to help keep the inflammation down & I like sugar way to much. It is a hard road to travel. Hope that book helps you some.

[herby]

Many thanks for your kinds words, HighHeels! My best wishes for the speedy recovery

[honkman]

- Mourad: New Moroccan by M. Lahlou (always enoying his restaurants Aziza and it's a good, modern "counterbalance" to the Wolfert book)
- Asian Dumplings by A. Nguyen

and books about food are also beyond just cookbooks and two new recent interesting ones:

- The American Way of Eating by T. McMillan
- Why Calories Count: by M . Nestle

[meatn3]

I stumbled upon a great sale at the bookseller in the visitors center at Colonial Williamsburg last week. A varied assortment of cookbooks ranging from 50 -75% off. Got a head start on holiday gift purchases! For myself:

*Olives & Oranges by Sara Jenkins and Mindy Fox (In my frenzy I mistook this for the COM, but it looks to have some nice recipes so I don't mind the mistake!)

*Of Sugar and Snow - A history of ice cream making by Jeri Quinio
Largely history with scattered recipes supporting the text

*Popped Culture - a social history of popcorn in America by Andrew F. Smith
Mainly history with a 50 page chapter of historical recipes ranging from the expected popcorn balls and variations to surprises such as scrapple, sandwiches and a vegetarian roast (along the lines of the 7th day special K roast).

Thrift store finds:

*Time Life Foods of the World China boxed set. I'm slowly acquiring the boxed sets - I have most of the spiral books. I grew up with this collection and it was used for for family geography/social studies nights.

*The Columbia Restaurant by Florida Chowhound Andy Huse. A nice array of recipes included in this history. I spent most of formative years in the Tampa Bay area so the book holds much personal interest.

*A Glorious Harvest by Henrietta Green
*Good Health Clay Pot Cookbook by Heidi Levine. I have rediscovered my Romertopf - this seems like a good resource and should help me adjust time/temp for converting my own recipes.
*Tom Fitzmorris's New Orleans Food
*Gumbo Shop by Richard Stewart (Autographed copy)

[buttertart]

Foods of the World are amazingly good books -- I especially like A Quintet of Cuisines and the Scandinavian book. And Vienna...

[dkennedy]

Olives and Oranges is a great find. Try the boar ragu - you will love it!

[Rella]

I recall the thrill of collecting the Time Life books. Back-in- the-day when there was not much else (for me anyway). Mine are all gone now - given to libraries along the way - which reminds me: the last one I purchased on a vacation trip, screeching to a stop in a little town in a not-remembered state, seeing a "Library Sale" sign; and finding a few Time Life books. I always did wonder why people donated these fabulous books while I revered them.

Glad to see they are still collectible.

[meatn3]

My Mother gave all of hers to Goodwill when they downsized 20 years ago - it never occurred to her any of her children would want them. I've been enjoying the search!

[nikkihwood]

My set has moved, oh, about 8 times over the years. And they are all hauled out and read annually. I love them. U.S. New England and South books are favorites, but they are all great, all these years later.. We're doing a 'get rid of ten things each a month' cleanout this year. The TL books will never go.. [I hope..]

[alkapal]

whenever i hear the name columbia, i have many fond memories of fabulous paella! ;-).

[meatn3]

Mmmm...and the salad and black bean soup!

[alkapal]

oh yeh, the black bean soup especially.

[nomadchowwoman]

When my FIL was alive we always took a winter vacation to visit him, and we always went at least once to the Columbia. Memories.

[meatn3]

Which location? I hope it was the one in Ybor, it is such a beautiful building with so much history!

[nomadchowwoman]

No, it was the one on Longboat Key--but I have been to the Ybor City one (original, right?) once, so I know what you mean.

[angelsmom]

Maida Heatter's Pies and Tarts
Marcella says.....

[buttertart]

buttertart says make the meat and mushroom ragu in Marcella says...at first opportunity!

[nomadchowwoman]

I always forget about that cookbook--but I'll try that meat-mushroom ragu. I adore mushrooms. My mom always put mushrooms in her meat sauce, and I loved it.

[buttertart]

She has you cook the mushrooms for ages. Do it, it's amazing. The Beast asked for it for his birthday one year, and he's not normally a pasta guy.

[angelsmom]

Sorry, I must pass. I am terribly allergic to mushrooms. But, I always apreciate your suggestions

[buttertart]

:)

[chefathome]

"New Persian Cuisine" by Jila Dana-Haeri with Shahrzad Ghorashian
"Plenty" by Ottolenghi
"Purple Citrus and Sweet Perfume" by Silvena Rowe
"La Tartine Gourmande" by Beatrice Peltre
"The Epicurean" by Charles Ranhofer
"Food for Cooks" by Clare Ferguson

[Rella]

For a number of years now I've been tempted to buy
Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies by Najmieh Batmanglij
http://www.amazon.com/Food-Life-Ancie...
It seems soooo involved that I always put it back down again and hope for something simpler. How would you compare "New Persian Cuisine" recipes - at first glance, even.
I did "look inside" of "New Persian Cusine" and there weren't the amount of recipes, of course. Would you think that the Food of Life book is too involved for just two people, as it seems to cover large groups.

Thanks.

[chefathome]

It is involved BUT not nearly as involved as French Laundry, for example. However, if I were you, I would purchase "New Persian Cuisine". It is lovely and, in fact, a more beautiful book. I just love it. I have not used it much yet as I got it recently but am making a couple of the recipes this week. The recipes are less involved and have a more contemporary feel/spin.

[buttertart]

One of my books from TGC's last sale arrived today -- Darina Allen's Irish Traditional Cooking. Looks like a good reading book as well as cooking (and believe you me the trad part is there, I opened the book to tripe recipes...).
Also got an "Artisan Baking" thing that turned out to be a number of semi-interesting recipes from a British bakery (nothing jumped out at me) and a remainder, "Chocolate Cakes" by Elinor Klivans, who I reallyreally like (her "Fearless Baking" is very good) -- haven't looked through it yet.

[rstuart]

Buttertart; I got "chocolate cakes" out of the library about a year ago, and remember that I ended up postmarking dozens of recipes! I can't remember how many I tried, but I was very taken with it. I really like Elinor Klivans too.. I also have her "Big Fat Cookies", another great cookbook..

[Breadcrumbs]

I stopped into my local Chapters (Canadian bookstore similar to Borders) with the intention of getting my Latte from Starbucks but, I got side-tracked by a cookbook sale. Each of these books had been marked down to $9.99:

Steak with Friends At Home With Rick Tramonoto - love Rick, love Rick's food and love, love, love this book. I don't think there's a single thing in it I wouldn't make. The food, stories, photos of Chicago are enchanting. So happy with this purchase.

Apples For Jam by Tessa Kiros - Ms Kiros wrote one of my favourite Tuscan cookbooks ("Twelve") so I was delighted to find this book, never mind finding it on sale. From the book's Forward..."I have collected these recipes over the years. This is food for families, for young people, for old people, for children, for the child in all. . . for all. Some are recipes I remember from my own childhood, others are the food I want to cook now for my family." - Guess what, me too! I'm smitten with this book, tons of recipes appeal. Another plus, this book is indexed in EYB. Here's a link to the recipes in case this piques your interest:

http://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/1...

[buttertart]

Tessa Kiros writes good books and has the most amazing photographer. I love her "Falling Cloudberries".

[Breadcrumbs]

I was looking at that online tonight bt, looks like a lovely book. I may just need to get that too!

[buttertart]

The photos!!!

[herby]

I stopped at a thrify shop this afterneen and picked up a copy of Craig Claiborne: New New York Times Cookbook for $3. Quickly paged through and looks like there are lots of oldfashion sort of recipes. Anyone familiar with this book? Please share gems that are there no doubt. Amazing B&W photos - young Pepin, young Hazan, not so young Kennedy:) Charming!

[buttertart]

I've had that book for a gazillion years and haven't cooked from it in as long. Nice portrait of the culinary times then, however.

[roxlet]

There are several editions of Clairborn's NY Times cookbook, but one of the ones we have has our definitive recipe for green goddess dressing. We use it for crudités for parties, and are always asked for the recipe. It is also fantastic on cold salmon.

[nomadchowwoman]

Which edition, roxlet? Maybe it'll be the same one we have. I'd love to have your recipe.

[herby]

My book is call New NYT Cookbook, it was published a number of years after his NYT one.

I saw Jamie Oliver 30-min episode on Sunday where is made green goddess dressing; he also made salsa verde that he said everyone needs to know how to make:)

[roxlet]

Not sure which edition this is from (the book is on a high shelf!), but here is the Green Goddess recipe:
Green Goddess
1 cup mayonaise (reduced fat is OK)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 clove of garlic finely chopped
1 tablesppon tarragon vinegar (or use white wine vinegar with a dash of tarragon)
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup sour cream
4 anchovies, chopped
freshly ground black pepper

Put all the ingredients except the sour cream into a blender. Blend until all ingredients are well amalgamated. Remove to a bowl and stir in the sour cream. Do not blend with the sour cream.

[nomadchowwoman]

Thank you, roxlet--that looks really good. I've never made GG dressing but have always meant to. Glad to know this is a good recipe; I will try it.

[roxlet]

The recipe is killer.

[BigSal]

I just received Lahey's "My Pizza" and "Spanish Cooking" by Miguel Maestre today.

[Breadcrumbs]

BIgSal will you let us know if you try a pizza dough from the Lahey book. mr bc doesn't like cooking but he does like to experiment w pizza and this book has intrigued me.

[BigSal]

Definitely, the book is lovely to look at. Let's hope that the pizza is just as good.

[nomadchowwoman]

Given that I already have the basic crust recipe, I wonder if I need that book. (I love his bread book.) Once you have a closer look, would you mind giving me a brief read on what else might be useful.

[BigSal]

Yes, no problem. I'm hoping to spend a little time with it and try the basic crust recipe soon.

[BigSal]

nomadchowwoman and Breadcrumbs,

We had our first no-knead pizzas from the book this week. The process itself couldn’t be easier (flour, yeast, water, salt, mix, and rise 18 hours) and the results are great. Baking with the heated stone and broiler creates a fantastic pizza with only about 5 minutes of cooking time in our (electric) oven. The book is broken into chapters (red sauce, white sauce, no sauce, toppings, toasts, soups, salads and desserts).

The book is not absolutely necessary if you have the dough recipe and cooking method, but it does have a lot of interesting topping ideas (poached artichoke with walnut puree, Brussels sprouts and chestnut, ham and peas, cauliflower, and squash with pumpkin seed).

The dough is wetter than I was accustomed to and the first night we used flour on the metal peel and the dough stuck a bit and compensated by added more flour to the peel and ended up with too much flour on the bottom of the pizza. Our stretching technique also needed some work. We got the kinks worked out for the second night. We used our wooden peel with cornmeal to help prevent sticking and that worked much better. We also found that making a 12” (rather than 10”) pie resulted in the best taste/texture for us.

The first night we made the ham and cheese pie from the no sauce chapter (caraway seeds, pecorino fresco, gruyere, fresh mozzarella, black pepper and prosciutto) and it was a hit. The next night we tried duplicating pizzas from a local pizza place and made a “bufalina” (brush dough lightly with olive oil, add buffalo mozzarella cheese, bake for 3 minutes, add prosciutto and arugula and finish for about 2 minutes) and an “alla panna” (thinly sliced onions and cream are cooked to reduce the cream slightly and then top the pizza with the onions with a small bit of the reduced cream, add grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and bake 3 minutes, add prosciutto and finish baking for 2 minutes). The results were fantastic. Easy for us to make on a work night. We are going to try this dough on the Big Green Egg and see how it works too.

[Breadcrumbs]

BigSal, thanks so much for reporting back. I've ordered the book and I'm excited to try this method out. You raised an interesting point about the crust sticking to the peel. This happened to mr bc the last time he made pizza. I'm grateful for your suggestion to use cornmeal. I'm assuming you are preparing your pizza on the peel then sliding onto the stone. Is this correct?

Btw, you had me at "brussels sprouts pizza" . . . YUM!

[BigSal]

Yes, we prepared the pizza on the peel and then slid it onto the stone.

I am also intrigued by the brussels sprouts pizza. I hope you and Mr. bc enjoy the book!

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks so much BigSal, I'll post here when we receive the book and try something.

[Rella]

If cornmeal is too gritty for sensitive teeth - try rice flour for the bottom instead of flour or cornmeal.

Rice flour provides great slide-ability.

[roxlet]

Rella, I have a friend who is an expert bread baker with a fabulous outdoor wood-burning oven, and she too suggested rice flour and said that it would keep dough from sticking to a peel.

[Rella]

A vote of confidence: I'm in good company, then :-))
Thanks.

[chefathome]

Tis true! We have an outdoor wood-burning oven. Rice flour is great for so many things, including this.

[nomadchowwoman]

I'm sold!

BigSal, I always use cornmeal on the peel; it works every time--but I like the little bit of crunch. Still, I'm intrigued by the rice flour method (thanks, Rella).

And thanks for the great info, BigSal. Your choices are excellent in my book.

[nomadchowwoman]

My friend made pizza using that crust recipe--and it was fantastic (thin, chewy, blistery).

[Breadcrumbs]

Here it is, less than 24 hours since buttertart posted this thread and I find myself wandering over here to share my latest bounty! I actually expected to have only one book to report as I knew I'd be receiving an Amazon delivery today but, funny how things go. My trip home tonight took me right by a thrift store so I just had to drop in for a quick look! My cookbook horseshoe must have been with me today because it was like someone had just purged their collection!! Here's what I got:

New, from Amazon (and I even splurged and paid to have it shipped from the US site since the book isn't available in Canada yet:

Plats Du Jour- The Girl & The Fig's Journey Through The Seasons in Wine Country by Sondra Bernstein. - Some of the best meals we've eaten in wine country (anywhere) have been at Sondra Bernstein's restaurants. We even had the pleasure of staying at her B&B when she operated one and Chef John Toulze's breakfasts from the adjoining Fig Cafe were outrageously delicious and he was a delight. John developed recipes for this book and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. The book exceeded my expectations. It's a beautifully photographed book with an abundance of enticing recipes. Such a thoughtfully prepared effort that appears to be self-published by Sondra. If you're a fan of Sonoma or, fresh, seasonal cooking. I'd recommend this book.

From the thrift shop, for $28:

The Short-Cut Cook by Jacques Pepin

Emeril's New Orleans Cooking

Craft of Cooking by Tom Colicchio

Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles Cookbook

The Rice Bible by Christian Teubner

The Pie and Pastry Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum

The Complete Book of Soups and Stews by Bernard Clayton Jr.

Forever Summer by Nigella Lawson

Bobby Flay Cooks American

[buttertart]

The magic thrift shop!

[Breadcrumbs]

I know bt. I'd been thinking the key is to be in the right place at the right time but now I'm starting to wonder if fewer people are using cookbooks and just ditching the ones they have. There were a number of books from "Celebrity Chefs" on this shop's shelves today along w some classics...a Marcella, Julia, The Joy of Cooking and then 2 by Lidia and several Gourmet "best of insert year here" books - all of which I already own. Someone who loved cooking could have built an impressive collection from the books I saw today and likely spent less than $50 if they were interested in cookbooks. I felt bad about the ones I left behind but honestly don't know anyone who'd appreciate them or those that would, had them already. I'll be interested to hear if others are finding this as well.

[roxlet]

I gotta find me a magic thrift shop!

[nomadchowwoman]

I think you have a particularly good thrift shop. I go to the thrift shops here occasionally, but never find much of anything; same when I'm travelling. I look in Atlanta fairly often. But I have no such luck. Even used bookstores aren't lucky for me. I always find gems at The Strand, good buys but not great bargains--esp. if I have to pay extra baggage fees to get them home.
BTW, The Pie and Pastry Bible is a great find. It's invaluable for me, a not-very-good baker. Ironically, that is a book that I have come across a few times in looking for used books.
But I guess it probably has something to do with the location--and people's donating habits.

[meatn3]

My thrift store finds vary. With the economy I'm finding there is more competition in many of my search categories.Often the only cookbooks are a dozen Litton Microwave space fillers. I still do very well at smaller thrifts as opposed to well known Goodwill sorts. Really varies by area though.

I am seeing fantastic cookbooks at the used book stores. I think a lot of people in hard times are clearing their shelves of seldom used volumes and generating some extra cash. Most of them haven't even been cracked open.

[alkapal]

meatn3, you cracked me up with the comment about litton microwave books.

even though all those microwaves have long ago been trashed, their accompanying cookbooks live on in thrift stores across the nation….

there must have been 10 zillion of those microwaves sold, for all of their cookbooks i see! LOL

[meatn3]

I keep thinking I need to come up with a good visual or preforming art piece using these - they are such a social commentary. And an interesting albeit useless bit of historic flotsam.

I find the fact that there are so many of them interesting - just shows how often we hang on to something long after it has ceased to be useful. I suspect if they had not been hardback they would have been disposed of long ago. The legacy of generations who were raised to value books!

[alkapal]

good insights.

you could stack them in the shape of a giant microwave. install it at MOMA.

play a soundtrack of odd buzzing and whirring, followed by a "DING" bell sound.

[alkapal]

holy cow…that was a big darn horsehoe!

my latest library perusal that i'm loving is from ken hom, "complete chinese cookbook;" it is not comprehensive in that it does not have tons of recipes, but it has great recipe selection and lovely photos, which are inspiring.

not a cookbook, but am also enjoying samplijng from "food britannia" a compendium of traditional and new artisan food-related offerings in great britain. fun to read in its format of regional groupings of three-four paragraph "stories/descriptions". wish it had more photos, though.

[HillJ]

http://www.lovefood.com/profile/andrew%20webb

Saw your post and wondered if this site would be a nice partner to your enjoyment for food britannia. the author writes for this brit site and there are plenty of food photos. and a volume of brit food authors/food folks. http://www.lovefood.com/contributors

[alkapal]

thank you!!!! now i'm signed up there! lol (don't let mr. alka find out that you suggested another internet diversion for me. lol) it seems like the english "pinterest."

andrew webb is the author of the "food britannia," which i'm assuming you knew. ;-).

edit: i guess i can't register because i don't have a uk postal code. ;-(.

[HillJ]

Sure, my pleasure. I'm also a fan of Mr. Webb and the site is chock-filled with inspiration and technique.

[HillJ]

just log in via the author or main page and you'll have access to the most valuable parts.

http://www.facebook.com/lovefoodUK
Another idea, if you FB, is to follow theirs.

[Breadcrumbs]

HillJ thanks from me as well for sharing this link...what a treasure trove!! After reading a piece on there about English curry shops I found a recommendation for cookbook w recipes that seemingly do justice to the lovely curries from curry shops. I'll do a bit of investigating but I do sense another cookbook purchase coming along!! Thanks again!

[HillJ]

I was wandering thru the curries myself, Breadcrumbs. I learn something new every time I fix a curry dish.

[Breadcrumbs]

I agree HillJ, I wish mr bc loved them as much as I did because I'd like to do more of them.

Here's the book I saw: The Three Sisters Indian Cookbook:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Three-Sis...

[HillJ]

Nice book! But the authors had me at "Born in Kashmir and brought up in Derbyshire, the three sisters learned how to cook by watching their mother and their grandmother produce exquisite meals for huge family gatherings...."

[roxlet]

Wow-whee!!! What a fabulous haul!

[Breadcrumbs]

I'm having my morning coffee and flipping through these as I type roxlet....a very exciting haul. I've already found an interesting variation on cranberry sauce in the Pepin book. He uese maple syrup instead of sugar. Such a simple change, I have no idea why I'd never thought of doing that. He also adds a bit of cayenne to the mix.

[alkapal]

i've tried adding jalapeño to a cranberry sauce/relish for thanksgiving, and it was pretty good. i would test the actual pepper first to see how hot it is.

[Breadcrumbs]

Oh that sounds good alkapal. I usually add orange juice & zest to my cranberry sauce but you're idea has inspired me...wouldn't your cranberry jalapeno sauce be nice w lime juice & zest? Yummy w roast pork I'll bet!

[alkapal]

yes.. all in, girlfriend!

citrus is good, the heat is good, the tart is good. i like the lemon zest, and i suppose lime would be great, too (as i'm thinking "cape codder". ;-)).

roast pork, that's a great idea! maybe even a neat rouldade!

[Breadcrumbs]

A roulade, what a great idea alkapal...love it!!

[roxlet]

I love Jacques!

[Breadcrumbs]

roxlet I don't know if you have The Short-Cut Cook but I think it's worth checking out. JP seems to have included a lot of his own faves from home. So many enticing dishes like:

Mom's Cheese Souffle
Lina Bean, Sausage and Bread Soup
Banana Bread
Cheese Tart
Hot Sausage and Mushroom Corn Tortillas
Shrimp Wonton Ravioli
Brown RIce Ragu
Rice with Mushrooms & Steamed Asparagus
Shrimp in Hot Broth
Minute Salmon Steaks
Potted Smoked Salmon (reminds me of something we used to get in England)
Baked Chicken w Mustard Crumbs
Lentil & Sausage Stew
Pork Stew a la Saigon
Lamb Shanks & Split Pea Puree
Braised Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce

....and so many others I've flagged now!!

[alkapal]

breadcrumbs, if you like lima beans, i have THE VERY BEST lima bean cold salad you'll ever chomp on…

it was from better homes and gardens and someone brought it to my mom's funeral.. i ate on that thing for a few days, and was always happy to have good food in the light of all else was happening.

i'll see if i can clip the photo….

[alkapal]

ham and lima bean salad -- it is FAB!

[Breadcrumbs]

I'm sorry for your loss alkapal and I'm glad someone was thinking of you and keeping you nourished. That salad sounds wonderful. We adore lima beans and I can just imagine how well that tarragon vinaigrette would go w all the other flavours. The great thing about this as well is that it calls for ingredients I always have on hand. I'll most definitely make this alkapal. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe.

[alkapal]

thank you for your kindness, breadcrumbs.

i hope that you really love the salad as much as i do!

[roxlet]

I'll keep my eye out for it, Breadcrumbs! It sounds like quite the book!

[HighHeels]

Wow, Breadcrumbs! You got a lot of books for $28. I love my Bourdain books. I was watching his foodporn video last night on youtube about pho.

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks for the heads up on that video HighHeels, I haven't seen it but will head over and have a look!

[Bellarosina]

I recently purchased a cookbook called, "Mama's Kitchen, Three Generations of Italian-Creole Home Cookin' in New Orleans." I am enjoying the stories as much as the recipes. I found it on the internet: mamaskitchencookbook.com

[Breadcrumbs]

oooh, Bellarosina that does sound interesting. What made you look this up on the internet...or did you stumble upon it in a search.

[Bellarosina]

Well, Breadcrumbs, one of my facebook friends "liked" the cookbook's facebook page and from there I saw the website. Best spaghetti sauce I've ever tried! It has several gumbo recipes too.

[Breadcrumbs]

Mmmm, sounds wonderful Bellarosina and the gumbo recipes especially appeal. Despite my large cookbook collection I was surprised how few gumbo recipes I had. It's nice to know that your friends recommended/liked it as well. Thank-you.

[nomadchowwoman]

I've been resisting. Not loving TGC right now. Really wanted to take advantage of the latest sale ($10 books, free shipping), but everything I want comes up as "book search plus" and thus isn't eligible.
Probably for the best.

[roxlet]

I agree with you on TGC. I've been all over the site, and there is truly nothing I am desperate to own, so why bother"

I recently bought Brucalinu, a book, with recipes, of Sicilians in Brooklyn. It is very charming, and I am really enjoying it.

[nomadchowwoman]

That sounds interesting, roxlet. I just bought "A Spoonful of Promises," a food memoir by Susan Chang. I haven't cracked it yet, but I generally love these kinds of books.

More historical, but still really interesting was " 97 Orchard: An Edible History of Five Immigrant Families" if you haven't read it and like that kind of thing.

[rstuart]

That looks really interesting.. I put it on hold at our library, along with Lisa Yockelson's "Baking by flavour"..

[izzzi]

I'd be interested to read your thoughts on Lisa's book. I, too, got it from the library. The recipes definitely worked for me but I was not impressed with the taste of the cakes. If you had a positive experience, I would give that book another try. Thank you

[rstuart]

Oddly enough, I just got a notice from the library that it was waiting for me! I may have to do some baking this week-end or next and report back...

[nikkihwood]

"A Spoonful of Promises" is, IMO, a terrific book. and the recipes look good. I hope that you will agree when you take a look through it.

[I also enjoyed reading "97 Orchard." !]

[nomadchowwoman]

It's next--as soon as I finish my current book. I'm looking forward to it.

[jpr54_1]

I have found www.abebooks.com and
www.a1outlet.com have the best bargains on books
a1out has some English suppliers but I have not ha any problems with delivery of books

[flourgirl]

Bookcloseouts.com sometimes has really great deals. Most of their already discounted cookbooks go on clearance sale a few times a year as well & I have gotten some really fantastic deals that way.

[HighHeels]

jpr54_1, Thanks for mentioning abebooks. I was trying to remember that site the other day & I couldn't remember. I'm on my way there now.

[Njchicaa]

I ordered Molto Batali: Simple Family Meals last week.

[herby]

I ordered Cook This Now just because it will be April COTM. Not even sure that if I will like it since I have not had a lot of success with recently selected books. Also ordered Food52 - very excited about it and can't wait:)

[jpr54_1]

which books from COTM were u disappointed?

[herby]

I am not a big fan of Batali and Slater, tired of huge tomes like Gourmet, could not get into the Pepin book and currently very dissapointed in The Olive and The Caper. On the possitive side I loved cooking during The Japanese Month, and from 150 Best American Recipes, Around My French Table and Seduction of Rice. We cannot all be happy with the same books and dishes and as long as it works 50% of the time, I am good with it:)

[emily]

I have a hard time getting into Batali even though I love a lot of the dishes at his restaurants. Perhaps a ghost writing problem?

[oakjoan]

Wow! I agree about the huge Gourmetesque tomes, but I am in the opposite camp when it comes to Slater. He has turned out to be one of my all-time favorite cookbook authors. I bought The Kitchen Diaries and Tender during the Slater month a while ago. What a treat. I also have Real Fast Food which is great for quickie meals.

I also bought and continue to use frequently, Around My French Table. I find I use all three of these books all the time.

I have one Batali cookbook which I hardly use except for the chicken liver recipe which is a big favorite at my house. I think it's called Molto Italiano but I'm too lazy to get up and go look.

I have had several Deborah Madison cookbooks for years and use them all the time. Great recipes.

[Westminstress]

I haven't looked at the book, but I love that website. I cook something from there at least once a week, almost always with good results. I never got into epicurious or any of the other web-based recipe sites, but something about Food52 is different. I use it all the time.

[nomadchowwoman]

That is really a terrific website, isn't it. I love the book too, but it's limited to what they could get between the two covers. So much more on the site.

[rstuart]

Yep.. got it out of the library, and realised that all of the recipes that I wanted to try were also available on the website..

[HillJ]

I also enjoy Food52 website and the recipes have all worked for me so far. I just gave the brown butter banana bread with bourbon a try yesterday. Very tasty. But, I do have some trouble reading the site sometimes; something about the layout gets thrown on and off when I'm visiting the site. Do either of you have this web layout issue?

[rstuart]

Yes.. I do have problems with the layout too..

[roxlet]

Me three!

[angelsmom]

I liked it so much better mad found the navigation easier before they changed it.

[nomadchowwoman]

Yes--I find the clutter rather annoying. I like that they update/improve some recipes, but it's all hard to navigate sometimes.

[HillJ]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to contact Food52 and let them know the issue isn't isolated to browser.

[soccermom13]

I realize I am very late to the party, but I share your dislike for the new food52 layout. I do not use the site as much as I used to bc I hate the layout. HillJ---did they respond when you contacted them?

[jljohn]

I recently bought 5 new cookbooks (that's a lot for me as I only have about a dozen or so!):

Hazan - Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking

Reinhart - Bread Baker's Apprentice

Madison - Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone

Bittman - How to Cook Everything Vegetarian

Ottolenghi - Plenty

I'm not a vegetarian, but I recently recognized a real lacking in my ability to prepare vegetarian meals, so I aim to fix that.

[nomadchowwoman]

That's a nice little group to add to your library, jljohn.

[flourgirl]

It ended up that I couldn't resist the lure of Asian Tofu by Andrea Nguyen. I love single subject books like this because if they're good, they go into the kind of depth that more generalized books just don't have room for. I'm not sure I'll be making my own tofu, but we'll see,

I also bought Artisan Cheese Making at Home: Techniques & Recipes for Mastering World-Class Cheeses by Mary Karlin. Again, more for educational purposes but it could be a lot of fun to actually give some of these cheese recipes a try.

And I was able to get The Art of the Chocolatier: From Classic Confections to Sensational Showpieces by Ewald Notter for free with points on a credit card. It just got shipped, can't wait to see it.

[jpr54_1]

I have purchased several of the books in the Penguin Great Food Series
Two Melissa Clarks' cookbooks
"Kitchen
"Cook This Now"
"In the kitchen With a Good Appetite"

Stephanie Pierson
"The Brisket Book"

Hoffman and Wise
"The Olive and the Caper'

[buttertart]

What Penguin Great Food series???

[jpr54_1]

http://thepenguinblog.typepad.com/the...

they r good for introductions to authors/chefs

[wattacetti]

Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon.

Interesting in that I hadn't really been expecting some soft-core pr0n with my cookbook, but then again, Picard's hairdo resembles Ron Jeremy's.

[buttertart]

Ron Jeremy is one of the least appetizing individuals ever.

[wattacetti]

Yes I know but in some of the book's photos that's who Picard resembles.

It's an interesting read (better in French), but the squirrel sushi turned out to be squirrel katsu on shari. Not sure if that works - squirrel can be pretty chewy.