Happy Monday, everyone! Right now, all of my books are stashed away in storage somewhere in rural Washington until we find an apartment. I’ve been missing them a lot lately, so I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you.
Tell me your favorite food books so I can add to my collection!
1. The Everyday Cookbook
The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters. If I had to choose one book that most closely aligns to my cooking style, this would be it. This no-frills book covers the basics of a well-stocked kitchen, everyday techniques and tips, and simple recipes that rarely include exact measurements. I love that it encourages people to think holistically about cooking, rather than mindlessly following a recipe. Alice Waters at her finest, in my opinion!
2. The Memoir
A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg. There are a lot of crappy memoirs out there about food. This is not one of them. A Homemade Life is a thoughtful, beautifully-written memoir that follows the life of Molly Wizenberg, a food blogger and now restaurant owner. Every food lover will be able to relate to her love of cooking and honest, heartfelt writing. If you are ever in Seattle, you absolutely must try Delancey, the subject of her next book.
3. The Reference
On Food and Cooking by Harold McGee. I got this book for Christmas, and I’m slowly but surely plowing my way through. This book provides fascinating context to the most basic cooking questions (e.g. why does an egg solidify when exposed to heat?) It explains the history and science behind almost every element of food and cooking. On Food and Cooking was originally published the year I was born, and is more relevant than ever in 2012. I am amazed at how much I’ve learned from this book, and I imagine that it’s required reading for every culinary school in America.
4. The Special Occasion Cookbook
Ad Hoc at Home by Thomas Keller. I’m usually not a fan of recipes that have a zillion steps, but I make a special exception for Thomas Keller. Ad Hoc at Home is a very special cookbook, full of intricate recipes, helpful tips, and absolutely beautiful photos. This is the cookbook you bust out when you have people to impress and a whole day to prepare.
5. The Picture Book
Food Rules by Michael Pollan, illustrated by Maira Kalman. If you follow my blog, you probably already know that I’m in love with Maira Kalman’s artwork. Her beautiful work melds so well with Pollan’s short tips and rules about eating sustainably. This short but sweet book makes a great gift or small coffee table book.
All Things Simple 
I would miss my cookbooks if they were packed up! Think how inspired you will be when you have a kitchen again. Good luck!
That’s so true! When I am finally reunited with all of my books, I’m sure I will be cooking for days. 🙂
I think you know that we share the love for Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc, but I think because I have joined the cooking group online for “Around My French Table” by Dorie Greenspan, I have fell in love with that book too since I have cooked through about a quarter of the recipes or so… ! Can’t wait to see where you wind up and what your new kitchen looks like!
I love all of your posts from Around My French Table–everything out of that book looks phenomenal. Once we find out new place, I think that is going to be the first book I buy. You’ve totally sold me on it! 🙂 Since I live so close now, I have no reason NOT to visit the real Ad Hoc. I will definitely let you know how it is, and if I have any Thomas Keller sightings!!
OMG, I hope you do!! … Maybe you can get him to autograph both our copies of Ad Hoc.. how awesome would that be???! One day, we have to go there for dinner together with our little families! … I hope you join our group! It’s still open and SO delicious!!
I have the first two in my collection and agree with adding AMFT. I have been coveting Ad Hoc for a long time. Great round up. (Absolutely adore Molly!)
Thank you!! I would definitely say Ad Hoc at Home is a worthwhile purchase if you are considering it. Sometimes I just look at the pictures and it makes me feel more inspired. I am definitely going to need to get AMFT–people seem to really love it!