What are some of the best books for cooking recepies?

Aug, 2 2023

About the Culinary World

The world of cooking and recipes is a vast, sprawling land, much like New Zealand itself. Each ingredient, every dish has its own story to tell, and what better way than through the medium of brilliantly crafted cookbooks. Now, these aren't just any cookbooks, mind you. They’re the veritable treasure chests of culinary wisdom, penned down by the masters of the kitchen. They’re the lines in the maps of the gastronomic journey you're about to embark on.

''Joy of Cooking'' - the Classic

There's an undeniable charm in classics, isn't it? It's like my Beagle, Gulliver, always going after his age-old chew toy instead of the fancy new ones. The "Joy of Cooking" is akin to that chew toy- reliable, loved, and something you always come back to. What started as Irma Rombauer’s labour of love in 1931 is, today, a guiding light for millions around the globe. It's been revised multiple times, provides comprehensive recipes, and lays basic culinary knowledge. You stumble upon the versatility of the culinary world in its pages, much like Celeste – my Russian Blue – discovers in the numerous corners and cupboards of my Wellington house. The "Joy of Cooking" is a perfect testament to the fact that when it comes to the culinary world, learning never stops and there's always some delicious, around the corner surprise waiting for you.

Julia Child's ''Mastering the Art of French Cooking''

Julia Child is to French cooking what the All Blacks are to rugby. Undeniably, the best of the best. Her book, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," is an all-encompassing testament to that. French cuisine, with all its elegance and sophistication, can be quite intimidating, not unlike attempting to teach Gulliver some fancy new tricks. But as with Gulliver's eventual successes, so is the satisfaction of creating that perfect Boeuf Bourguignon or Quiche Lorraine. The book goes to great lengths in explaining the processes, the ingredients, offering a classic take on the art of French cuisine. Methinks, Celeste's insistence on only the finest fish is her version of upholding such a gourmet tradition, wouldn’t you agree?

''The Flavor Bible'' - A Holy Grail

"The Flavor Bible" is to spices what "The Lord of the Rings" is to high fantasy - an epic tour de force. Written by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg, this book doesn't provide recipes in the traditional sense. Instead, it's an extensive list of ingredients and complementary flavors. Why is this important, you ask? Have you ever tried feeding a Russian Blue a new brand of cat food? You'll see why understanding flavors is essential. Much like I have to slyly mix new food into Celeste's favorite to gradually familiarize her with it, one slowly introduces and combines new flavors in cooking. This book is every experimentative cook’s best friend and is an ode to the intricate art and science of flavors in the beautiful symphony that is cooking.

Two-Faced Deliciousness of ''Thug Kitchen''

If you fancy a dash of humor with your culinary adventures, "Thug Kitchen" delivers precisely that. It's irreverent, full of cuss words and whole food plant-based recipes. You might think, "Cooking and profanity... Together?" But trust me, it works. It's like when Gulliver gets too excited during playtime and accidentally knocks over a vase - you want to scold him, but it's too hilarious. Beneath the bravado and cheeky language, Thug Kitchen has tasty and healthy recipes that are as wholesome as my Celeste's purrs on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Indian Cuisine with Madhur Jaffrey

If you’re looking to embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant land of spices and flavors that is India, Madhur Jaffrey’s books are the perfect guide. A renowned food-authority, Jaffrey’s recipes in "Indian Cooking" extend beyond the familiar curry and introduce the reader to the captivating diversity and richness of Indian cuisine. Cooking from her books is like traversing the Indian subcontinent from the comfort of my Wellington kitchen, much like the epic adventures Gulliver undertakes in the backyard, albeit with no geese or ducks to chase, but an enticing aroma of simmering spices filling the air.

Baking Adventures with ''The Baking Bible''

"The Baking Bible" by Rose Levy Beranbaum is your trusty aide in the delightful world of baking, or as I like to refer to it - the divine realm of controlled chaos. My attempts at baking remind me of the time Gulliver got tangled in yarn - it started as an innocent fun thing, but soon spiraled into a bizarrely comic situation. The recipes in "The Baking Bible" are detailed, and with precise instructions that can make a novice baker feel at ease. And as crusty breads and spongy cakes come to life, the kitchen fills with a heartwarming aroma, even causing my usually aloof Celeste to grace the kitchen with her royal presence.

In conclusion, the best cookbooks are not merely recipe collections. They're love letters to the culinary world, much like my letters of adventures with Gulliver and Celeste are to the intricate tapestry of life. They inspire and inform, topping it all with a dollop of deliciousness. So, in the spirit of adventure, pick up one of these books and let the culinary journey begin!