Day 15: Top 10 Cookbooks

I thought I would mix things up and actually place the day I'm on in the title.  Shortly after giving birth to Tay, I checked out so many cookbooks from the library it became "slightly" overdoing it.  I'm happy to report that I have come to a place in life where I have learned how to apply discipline from purchasing a new cookbook or food magazine.  **PS: if you're ever wanting to borrow one, come on over--it's ridiculous.**

After turning over to Paleo eating, I have still yet to purchase a paleo cookbook.  But, I have loads of other ones, which I modify and adapt to meet my cooking style.  I thought I would share some of my favorite cookbooks I personally own.

The Flavor Bible

: Oh how much I love this book.  No recipes, but when you're wondering what pairs well with kale, you can turn to "kale" and find the complimentary ingredients.  You will also find the season in which the item is grown, best ways to cook, volume of flavor and great combinations.  

. Good Meat

: If you're wondering about how an animal is broken down with a butcher cut sheet, or the various parts of the beef, lamb, pig, chicken...you should seriously look into this book.  The recipes are divided by the part of the animal.  For instance, beef recipes by rib, chuck, etc.  I love Deborah's take on eating meat, which is highly pastured & grass-fed influence.  

The Good Egg: 

My oh my how I love this cookbook.  When I meet someone who is allergic to gluten I sigh, but go "eh--there's options."  When I meet someone allergic to eggs I sigh, "Oh poor soul."  I love eggs.  If you've never had creamy bright orange pastured eggs, then you should put that on your food bucket list.  This book is a must teaching you all sorts of ways to cook an egg--the perfect meal.  

The Classic Cookbook

 (two in one): This is from Cooks Illustrated (one of my favorite food magazines), which relies on testing recipes and coming up with the best way to prepare well-known foods for the home cook.  If you are venturing into the cooking world, or want to enjoy cooking more, you need this one.  

Gourmet (Green Cover)

: In this cookbook, you'll find an assortment of meat, fish, vegetables, soups, desserts.  I used this cookbook quite extensively years back and have loved it.  

 The Cake Bible

: Rose, dear sweet Rose how I want to meet you someday before I die.  She is truly the Queen of Cakes with such precision.  I love her.  I love how she offers recipes in volume, weight.  On top of that, the recipes turn out so well for me.  

 Ad Hoc at Home

: Thomas Keller is probably the best chef in America.  I made his version of 

homemade oreos

--amazing.  I love the homestyle, non-fussy, yet incredibly amazing recipes he offers in this book.  Comfort food!

Barefoot Contessa at Home

: Dear Ina--may I come to visit.  Although Ina has many cookbooks, I think this is one of my favorite ones, because it's at home.  There's something about bringing food into the everyday, while not relying on boxes and pre-made foods.  Try the panna cotta.

 The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook

: Gluten, soy, egg-free book is amazing.  They have a new cookbook as well that I have and love how passionate Tom & Alissa are about nutrition, food, and where it comes from and how it affects our bodies.  If you suffer from so many food allergies, this is a must book.  

The Art of Simple Food

: I really like the 'simplicity' of the recipes in this Alice Waters book.  It's a no-frill cookbook meaning no photographs and sorting the recipes out by ways to cook (i.e. roasting, grilling, poaching).  Waters relies heavily on seasonality & local foods, which is so ingrained in the way I cook & bake.