Christmas is so soon! I really feel like it snuck up on me this year. I swear I've been thinking my brains out to try and come up with something straight up awesome to get for my handsome husband, Ben, but every idea has fallen flat on its rear end out of lameness. So...I ended up getting him the usual cliché gifts (you know, books, movies...one and a half of something homemade). I wish I had come up with something out of this world...but it was hard to beat his birthday present this year, so we'll just call it even.
Anyhow. For any of you who are like me and still thinking of what to get people (slash questioning the decisions you've already made), here's a simple list of some of my very favorite cookbooks that would be an awesome addition under any Christmas tree.
First on my list is a classic that I think everyone should own:
Anyhow. For any of you who are like me and still thinking of what to get people (slash questioning the decisions you've already made), here's a simple list of some of my very favorite cookbooks that would be an awesome addition under any Christmas tree.
First on my list is a classic that I think everyone should own:
Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.
This cookbook is a treasure trove of recipes. It's an excellent source for just-beginning-to-cook-newbies as well as those who are seasoned in the kitchen. It's one of my favorite go-tos, especially when I want to create something by myself. I use the BHGC recipe as a base and build from there. It has fun and unique recipes, but it also has classics and instructions for those things your mom always cooked, but you're not quite sure how she did it.
This cookbook is a treasure trove of recipes. It's an excellent source for just-beginning-to-cook-newbies as well as those who are seasoned in the kitchen. It's one of my favorite go-tos, especially when I want to create something by myself. I use the BHGC recipe as a base and build from there. It has fun and unique recipes, but it also has classics and instructions for those things your mom always cooked, but you're not quite sure how she did it.
For example, my family, for always and forever, has done Sunday Dinner. It's a big deal with all hands on deck to get food ready. Right after my first sis-in-law joined the family, she was over on a Sunday helping to get ready. My dad assigned her to do the deviled eggs. She said, "Do you have a recipe?" I died laughing. A recipe? For deviled eggs? Who needs that???
I was a monster when I was 14.
But that's not the point.
The point is that the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook has a recipe for deviled eggs!!!!! It also has a recipe for baked potatoes! And basic rice! And poached eggs! And all those other things you should know how to cook but you really just dat gum don't know how to cook but you'll never admit it! (For the record, my sis-in-law knew how to make deviled eggs...she just wanted to make sure we didn't have some ultra-special way of doing it, which is very justifiable in my opinion. We have since forgiven her).
it's also awesome because in front of each section is information regarding that section. Like in the meat section it explains all the different cuts of meat. And in the fruit section it talks about all the different kinds of fruit, when everything is in season, how to tell when it's ripe, and how to preserve it best (whether canning, freezing, etc).
It has conversion charts.
It has substitution charts.
It has 4 different sections dedicated to sweet things! Four!
I'm getting carried away. Let's move on.
I was a monster when I was 14.
But that's not the point.
The point is that the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook has a recipe for deviled eggs!!!!! It also has a recipe for baked potatoes! And basic rice! And poached eggs! And all those other things you should know how to cook but you really just dat gum don't know how to cook but you'll never admit it! (For the record, my sis-in-law knew how to make deviled eggs...she just wanted to make sure we didn't have some ultra-special way of doing it, which is very justifiable in my opinion. We have since forgiven her).
it's also awesome because in front of each section is information regarding that section. Like in the meat section it explains all the different cuts of meat. And in the fruit section it talks about all the different kinds of fruit, when everything is in season, how to tell when it's ripe, and how to preserve it best (whether canning, freezing, etc).
It has conversion charts.
It has substitution charts.
It has 4 different sections dedicated to sweet things! Four!
I'm getting carried away. Let's move on.
Our Best Bites by Sara Wells and Kate Jones
Next on the recommendation list is the cookbook from Our Best Bites. Now, these awesome ladies currently have 2 cookbooks out, and I can only vouch for the one pictured to the right (I haven't gone through the second cookbook).
One of my favorite things about the recipes in this book (and on their blog) is their no-nonsense attitude about cooking. Meaning, they don't put weird things in their recipes. Like, chances are, I'll have almost everything on hand. Also, their recipes don't take hours of your time and attention. They are quick to put together and fairly easy to get on the table. Both these ladies are moms. Maybe that has to do with their no-nonsensery (that's not a word...oh well).
These recipes are easy, fun and delicious, and lots of the ideas are kid friendly too. Plus they have tips (like how to freeze a certain dish) and tutorials and awesome colored pictures for pretty much every recipe in the book (which, honestly, is kind of a bigger deal to me than it should be).
Next on the recommendation list is the cookbook from Our Best Bites. Now, these awesome ladies currently have 2 cookbooks out, and I can only vouch for the one pictured to the right (I haven't gone through the second cookbook).
One of my favorite things about the recipes in this book (and on their blog) is their no-nonsense attitude about cooking. Meaning, they don't put weird things in their recipes. Like, chances are, I'll have almost everything on hand. Also, their recipes don't take hours of your time and attention. They are quick to put together and fairly easy to get on the table. Both these ladies are moms. Maybe that has to do with their no-nonsensery (that's not a word...oh well).
These recipes are easy, fun and delicious, and lots of the ideas are kid friendly too. Plus they have tips (like how to freeze a certain dish) and tutorials and awesome colored pictures for pretty much every recipe in the book (which, honestly, is kind of a bigger deal to me than it should be).
Perfect Cupcakes, Cookies and Muffins
I believe that every person should have at least one cookbook that is dedicated to delicious and lovely desserts. You know...just in case. The book that I have that fits into this category is specifically related to cupcakes. To be honest, I don't love cake as much as I love making cake...but turn that cake into the cup version and I'm all over it. I think it has something (okay, everything) to do with the cake to frosting ratio. But who's to say for sure?
Anyhow, this cookbook is tons of fun. It has fun ideas and different taste combinations than you'd normally dream up. Be warned, it does have some more specific ingredients (like cake flour), but it's definitely worth it when you're looking for something extra special. The cupcakes kind of steal the show in my opinion, but the book also has recipes for some delicate and beautiful cookies as well as sweet and savory muffin options.
This might sound dumb, but I love that a lot of the recipes in here are made for smaller portions. Like several of the recipes will yield only 6 cupcakes. When I was growing up in a family of 9, this never would have been acceptable. But back in college and now when it's just me and Ben, it's perfect to be producing a smaller amount of sugary sweets.
I believe that every person should have at least one cookbook that is dedicated to delicious and lovely desserts. You know...just in case. The book that I have that fits into this category is specifically related to cupcakes. To be honest, I don't love cake as much as I love making cake...but turn that cake into the cup version and I'm all over it. I think it has something (okay, everything) to do with the cake to frosting ratio. But who's to say for sure?
Anyhow, this cookbook is tons of fun. It has fun ideas and different taste combinations than you'd normally dream up. Be warned, it does have some more specific ingredients (like cake flour), but it's definitely worth it when you're looking for something extra special. The cupcakes kind of steal the show in my opinion, but the book also has recipes for some delicate and beautiful cookies as well as sweet and savory muffin options.
This might sound dumb, but I love that a lot of the recipes in here are made for smaller portions. Like several of the recipes will yield only 6 cupcakes. When I was growing up in a family of 9, this never would have been acceptable. But back in college and now when it's just me and Ben, it's perfect to be producing a smaller amount of sugary sweets.
Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack
Yes...judge me for putting this. But I had to. This series (and ones similar) are a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. The book is really more mystery novel than cookbook.
But it does include recipes.
And it's hilarious.
Kilpack writes an awesome series. They're considered "culinary mysteries." And they're about a traditional but pushy middle aged woman, Sadie, who can't keep herself away from crime scenes. So she just gives in and tries to solve them. It's a fun read; not too serious/scary (cause I'm a wimp) but fun and flavorful with clever characters and unexpected plot developments. I haven't tried as many of the recipes as I would have liked, but the ones I have tried have been pretty delicious.
Yes...judge me for putting this. But I had to. This series (and ones similar) are a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. The book is really more mystery novel than cookbook.
But it does include recipes.
And it's hilarious.
Kilpack writes an awesome series. They're considered "culinary mysteries." And they're about a traditional but pushy middle aged woman, Sadie, who can't keep herself away from crime scenes. So she just gives in and tries to solve them. It's a fun read; not too serious/scary (cause I'm a wimp) but fun and flavorful with clever characters and unexpected plot developments. I haven't tried as many of the recipes as I would have liked, but the ones I have tried have been pretty delicious.
So there you have it. My small list of faves when it comes to cookbooks!
Seeing as how Christmas is next week (NEXT week!!)...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
Seeing as how Christmas is next week (NEXT week!!)...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!