Today’s Topic
In today’s post we’re sharing a selection of cookbooks we love—books that span cuisines, techniques, skill levels, and styles. We don’t always follow cookbook recipes step-by-step; much of our cooking and baking comes from experimenting and developing our own recipes. Still, cookbooks are invaluable when you want reliable guidance, inspiration, or a structured way to learn a new technique or cuisine. Even when I don’t cook directly from a book, I enjoy reading them because they teach methods, flavor combinations, and ideas you can adapt to your own kitchen. One day we hope to publish our own cookbook, too.
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1. The Bread Baker’s Apprentice by Peter Reinhart
For home bakers who want to produce bakery-quality bread and are willing to learn more involved techniques, this is an outstanding resource. Peter Reinhart explains the science and process of bread baking in clear, accessible steps, making complex concepts feel manageable. The book covers a wide range of breads—from rustic loaves to French baguettes and festive breads—so it’s ideal for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of dough, fermentation, and shaping. I followed his bagel recipe with great success and appreciated how the fundamentals taught in the book can be applied across other recipes.
2. Quick & Easy by Deliciously Ella
Deliciously Ella’s Quick & Easy proves that plant-based cooking can be simple, flavorful, and approachable. Though the recipes are vegan and sometimes call for ingredients like miso paste or nutritional yeast, Ella keeps techniques straightforward so you can make satisfying meals without fuss. One favorite is the tomato risotto—rich and comforting, yet entirely plant-based. Whether you follow a vegan diet or simply want to add more plant-forward meals to your routine, this cookbook offers quick recipes that fit busy lives while encouraging environmentally conscious choices.
3. The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen
This is one of our most-used cookbooks at home. It delivers a wide variety of vegetarian recipes that still feel hearty and satisfying—important for anyone transitioning to more plant-based cooking. The book also includes an extensive reference section covering essential ingredients, equipment, and techniques, which makes it a useful learning tool as well as a recipe collection. Many recipes include process photos and detailed instructions, which is helpful if you prefer visual guidance. Favorites we’ve tried—such as the tomato tart, vegetarian meatballs, and poblano and black bean enchiladas—have all turned out well.
4. Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan
Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking reads more like an encyclopedia than a picture-driven cookbook, and that’s part of its value. It’s a deep, authoritative guide to Italian cooking—ideal for cooks who already know the basics and want to study the cuisine in depth. The book contains an abundance of recipes and clear instructions, covering regional classics and foundational techniques. If you love Italian food and want a reliable, comprehensive reference for making traditional dishes at home, this book is worth exploring.
5. Salt and Time: Recipes from a Russian Kitchen by Alissa Timoshkina
My time studying Russian and living abroad gave me a deep appreciation for Eastern European flavors, and Salt and Time beautifully captures that culinary world. The book introduces soups, hearty stews, pickles, and classic dumplings like pelmeni—dishes that bring warmth and nostalgia. One standout dessert for me is the pine nut and honey cake, which ranks among the best cakes I’ve tasted. Whether you’re exploring Russian cuisine for the first time or revisiting flavors you love, this cookbook offers an inviting and thoughtful collection of traditional recipes.
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you for reading our roundup. We hope these recommendations spark ideas for your next kitchen project. If you have a favorite cookbook we should try, please leave a comment—we’re always looking for new inspiration. See you in the next post!