Chris reads cookbooks like most people would read a novel. His library of culinary tomes have a handsome home in our new kitchen, and I asked him to recommend his 10 favorites for the food lovers in our following. – Julia
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1. The Science of Cooking by Dr. Stuart Farrimond
What I love about this book is that is it teaches the fundamentals of the RIGHT way to do things — searing, sautéing, boiling, frying. You can take these fundamentals and apply them to anything you want.
2. The Minimalist Kitchen by Melissa Coleman
I became disillusioned with cooking for a few years because it turned into this exclusive club in which the more picky you were about food, the more of an authority on food you were. I didn’t like that. It felt like food and cooking needed to be more and more advanced. I bought this book because I was looking for a way to simplify and enjoy food for what it already is and to do as little to it as possible. It’s not about going back to basics — it’s about honing in on essentials.
3. Herbs and Spices: The Cook’s Reference by
6. Ottolenghi Flavor by Yotam Ottolenghi
I watched a course on MasterClass from this guy, and his approach to food was so sensible. There were no extremes, it was very simple, and he focused on the unique qualities of each food. The book is exactly the same. All of the recipes are plant/produce-based, and they’re outstanding.
7. Franklin Barbecue by Aaron Franklin
I watched a course from Aaron Franklin on MasterClass, as well. It was actually after Jules gifted me this book. Franklin owns the most famous barbecue restaurant in the country, and he’s the winner of every barbecue award that exists. His cookbook is an amazing guide and reference for cooking on a grill, smoking, and it’s made a huge difference in my outdoor cookery. This book is an education.
8. The First Mess Cookbook by Laura Wright
I’m not vegan or vegetarian, but I recognize our tendency to lean too much on animal proteins, and not enough on fresh fruits and vegetables. This book has helped me to be more excited about vegetables and embracing them for each of their unique flavors and textures. I think has really helped me shift my cooking to a more well-rounded and healthy place.
9. Vegetables Illustrated by America’s Test Kitchen
Like The First Mess, I use this a lot to gain inspiration when cooking with vegetables (especially for my kids, who can be pretty particular). This book contains more than 30 ways to cook broccoli! No matter if you’re a seasoned cook, looking to shake things up, or if you’re just trying to eat more fruits and vegetables, this book is incredibly inspirational. It’s also beautiful imagery and watercolor illustrations.
10. The Flavor Bible by Karen Page
This is, by far — hands-down — the book I use the most. I reference it every day. I cross-reference it with other books. It teaches how to pair thousands of ingredients with other flavors, and is a great catalyst for creativity. Go crazy on combinations — this book will show you how.
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Love this roundup, adding a few to my cart!
By chance do you have the link to the actual tagine? Thanks so much <3
If both the process behind cooking and ways to approach it that are both inclusive and educational are your thing while also loving reading them like a novel, then try tracking down a copy of Eat Me by Kenny Shopsin, a NYC corner store owner who segued into running a restaurant in the store space and whose cranky quirky ways were made famous by writer Calvin Trillin of the New Yorker. It is irreverent and pragmatic and just plain enjoyable, but definitely not high brow. My favourite part of Christmas dinner is making Shopsin’s steak sandwiches the next day. And whenever I get bored with cooking I return to this book for inspiration.
Thank you so, SO much for featuring my cookbook here! I’m so grateful and flattered by this.
-Laura
This is so helpful. I am in a rut and one or two of these books may be just the push I need to get back on planning & cooking simple healthy dinners for our family. Thank you, Chris!
Love this! Do you have a link please to the oil/vinegar set – looks like marble/stoneware sitting on a small tray?
That was handmade from Montes Dogget!