Cookbooks Are Essential

I love reading cookbooks. One of my favorite ways to relax is to sit down with a cup of tea, blanket, cat and a good cookbook. Sometimes it doesn't even have to be a good cookbook. I just enjoy reading through the pages for recipes, ideas and new ways to prepare the foods that we enjoy. Even an outdated, less than popular cookbook may spark an idea of a new way to use a food item or to change a recipe that needs a little something extra to make it really great.

I have cookbooks from when I first began to learn about cooking in junior high school, cookbooks from my early years of marriage, our early family years, different locations as we traveled about as a military family, cooking schools, churches, clubs, family, food trends and personal interests. I treasure them all and I actually use or at least refer to them all for ideas. I have disposed of some cookbooks that had been useful for a specific time period or food trend however I do have the majority of the cookbooks that I acquired over these many years.

Favorite Cookbook

I would have to claim my mother's copy of The Good Housekeeping Cook Book from 1944 as my favorite cookbook of all. Within the 981 pages are recipes, cooking terms, substitutions, serving suggestions, tips on food preparation, storage and preservation as well. A section of the cookbook is dedicated to etiquette and entertaining. No mixes, packaged foods or convenience foods are mentioned. All meats, vegetables and fruits called for are fresh. Yet all of the ingredients are available in the local grocery. Mom's cookbook is well used, the pages are tagged, torn, spotted and some are loose but it is a wonderful resource.

Free Cookbook

Another favorite is a cookbook I got from many visits to a gas station in South Carolina in 1970. I think I had to purchase the three ring binder cover but then with each fill-up I received a section of the cookbook. This cookbook also uses fresh meats, produce, and products. It has charts printed on the binder cover for using fresh herbs and spices as well as useful measurements and substitutions. This was our first station away from home...and Mom's cookbook. This cookbook is in very poor shape the covers have been taped to the spine, the pages are much worn and some pages are missing. It is still a great reference and a favorite.

Trendy Cookbooks

As our family grew I joined a food co-op and purchased a copy of Recipes for a Small Planet in 1974. I tried to convince my family that legumes, fresh vegetables and homemade bread were the best foods for them. They agreed with the breads, other baked goodies and yet the legumes and eggplant lasagna never did appeal to them. I still use a potato soup recipe from this cookbook; the very spices in the soup are the reason I like it and the very reason my youngest daughter does not!

I also have cookbooks for: yogurt, spices, meat, pasta and other trends. And, of course I have read and used many trendy diet books.

Regional Cookbooks

As our family moved about I did learn a lot about many regions of the United Sates and a few other countries. I did not always purchase a cookbook form these regions but always read cookbooks and collected recipes from them as well as from friends who lived there. I loved the foods in New Mexico. I now know that green chili is spicier and hotter than red chili. Real chili rellenos are delicious even if they do burn your lips, mouth and tongue. The meats, soups and breads from the Azores were loved by every member of our family. Thai fish sauce is best used sparingly.

Specialty Cookbooks

I definitely purchase cookbooks for specialty cooking. I bought a book from Wilton on cake decorating when I was a teen along with a basic cake decorating tool set. It served me well; still does. I learned that you can teach yourself; decorated many cakes including my sister's wedding cake and wedding cakes for both daughters weddings.

I own a book on candy making which takes you though the steps to make you own homemade candy that is so much better than any you can purchase. This book was even more important after taking candy making classes; a great reference.

Overview

Every time I begin to feel a bit guilty about the number of cookbooks I own I try to remind myself of the important part they play in being able to create healthy, nutritious meals for my family as well as teaching me skills that supplement the knowledge I have. Cookbooks are handed down from mothers to daughters and even to granddaughters. These books help to capture not only our food heritage but memories as well. They are an important part of our lives.