My Top 10 Cookbooks

I was sitting here daydreaming about my Christmas list when it occurred to me that quite a few items were cookbooks. This doesn't really surprise me though. I have something like 50 cookbooks. I haven't counted lately so it may very well be more than that. So, I was sitting here thinking what my favorites were. Then I thought...maybe you guys had someone that needed/wanted/would like a new cookbook for Christmas but didn't know which to get. The following books, in no particular order, may not be on the top of Google's or Amazon's bestseller list but these are my definite, all-time favorites.

The Santa Fe School of Cooking Cookbook by Susan D. Curtis
Written by the owner of the Santa Fe School of Cooking, a recreational culinary school specializing in foods of the southwest. Has recipes for all the favorites and really explains the cuisine. Has a full reference for southwestern spices and ingredients as well as where to find them.

New Baking Book by Better Homes & Gardens
Full of consistently great baking recipes.

In Nirmala's Kitchen: Everyday World Cuisine by Nirmala Narine
Written by a cook and world traveler. Includes her adaptation of recipes from around the world along with breathtaking photos. I kept this on my night stand for weeks and still carry it around the house.

The Pie and Pastry Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum
Thorough, in-depth, reliable pie making techniques and recipes for everything from fillings to crusts. Better than the Cake Bible in my opinion.

The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion: The Essential Cookie Cookbook
American and International recipes for everything cookie; lots of tips and techniques and easy-to-follow instructions.

Calling All Cooks by Telephone Pioneers of America Alabama Chapter
Member submitted Southern home cooking recipes, untested but comprehensive. One of my "go to" books when I need to know something now.

The Complete Meat Cookbook by Bruce Aidells and Denis Kelly
A very knowledgeable, comprehensive book with 4 sections: beef, pork, lamb, and veal. A manly kind of cookbook with straightforward comments, historical tidbits and explanations of what to do as far as shopping, preparing, and cooking meat, and most importantly, why.

Southern Living Annual Recipes Cookbook 1998
Every recipe printed for 1998 in Southern Living Magazine. I like this edition better than other years for the recipes, easy to reference indices, and unmessed-with instructions and layout.

Barbecue! Bible: Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades, Bastes, Butters, and Glazes by Steven Raichlen
Everything you need to dress up, flavor and season all things grilled straight from a grill master. Contains how-to on regional as well as international flavors.

Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers & Up by Mollie Katzen and Ann Henderson
Written by an author and an educator. Contains complete step-by-step instructions firstly in color drawn pictures for the little kids and then in simple, easy-to-follow words for adults or older kids. There are twenty fun and nutritious recipes perfect for children old enough to stand at the kitchen counter and help. My 4 year old nephew absolutely loves this book. I think it's great because it helps introduce kids to science in a very practical way.

Just in case you were wondering which cookbooks I want this year. (hint, hint)

Spain...A Culinary Road Trip by Mario Batali and Gwyneth Paltrow

On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen by Harold McGee

The Hungry Scientist Handbook: Electric Birthday Cakes, Edible Origami, and Other DIY Projects for Techies, Tinkerers, and Foodies by Patrick Buckley and Lily Binns

Julia's Kitchen Wisdom: Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking by Julia Child

Pork and Sons by Stéphane Reynaud