Welcome back to Table Talk – the place where I share with you a little bit more than just recipes. This is a part 1 of my favorite cookbooks series – I can’t wait to share more with you soon.
As long as I can remember, I have loved books of any kind. Bookstores are some of my most favorite places in the world. That includes Thrift Store book aisles and thriftbooks.com.
When the pandemic started and the organizing urge kicked in, I went through all of my books. I ended up with a pretty big pile of books I never even opened – both fiction and cookbooks. I decided to not buy any new books until I read the ones I have.
I’m happy to report that since March, I have read all of the books in my reading queue – down to the last one. It’s Les Misérables, so it will probably outlast the pandemic.
As far as cookbooks, I still have a few I need to try and I’d love for the them to move to my permanent cookbook shelf. So for now, I want to give you a look at some of my all-time favorite cookbooks.
“The Secret Recipes” by Dominique Ansel.
My husband gave me this book for our first Christmas together. Somehow, I didn’t get into it for at least two years but when I did – I couldn’t put it down! It is such an easy read and the recipes are very detailed and descriptive.
When my husband and I visited New York two years ago, we went by his Soho bakery. Turns out, he was there and not only I got to meet him and take a picture with him, but I also got him to sign the book!
Favorite recipe: Christmas Cereal with Mini Me’s – tiny marshmallows. It’s a big part of our Christmas tradition now!
Get the book here.
“The Ultimate Pasta and Noodle Cookbook” by Serena Cosmo.
This is my go-to for all things pasta. It has a recipe for just about any kind. Most recipes are for a pasta machine; however, I always roll it out and cut it by hand and it has always turned out great. Even though it’s tiring, it’s very therapeutic and enjoyable. Serena also has a blog The Rustic Plate – be sure to check it out for more amazing recipes and ideas.
Favorite recipe: All-yolk pasta dough. It’s a basic recipe that can be used for lasagna noodles, pappardelle, and so much more.
Get the book here.
”Kachka” by Bonnie Frumkin Morales with Deena Prichep
Kachka is a restaurant in Portland, Oregon. In short, it’s a Russian cuisine restaurant, but in reality the focus is on foods of former USSR republics. That is 15 different countries, so a lot of variety.
Most of the recipes in the book are the ones I grew up eating – Ukranian, Georgian, Baltic, Uzbek, and so much more. Calling it Russian is like calling French, Italian, German, and Spanish “European food”. It is correct technically, but it varies greatly. I get very nostalgic flipping through the pages of this book.
Favorite recipe: Cranberry Vodka. I add blood orange peel and it makes delicious base for the best Thanksgiving cocktail when mixed with prosecco!
Get the book here.
“Mastering the art of French Cooking” by Julia Child.
Would it even be a real cookbook list if it didn’t have this one? Julia Child is a hero of mine and as soon as I expressed an interest in making Boeuf Bourgignone, my mother-in-law to be gifted me with this two volume set. I still toy with the idea to try and make all of the recipes in it one day, but for now – it is my go to for classic soups, ideas, and techniques.
Favorite recipe: Boeuf Bourgignone and Croissants, of course! I haven’t made it in a long time, but it might be perfect time of the year to revisit it.
Get the book here.
”Down Home Cookin’” by Ruth Lyon Parker.
In my recipe for these delicious handpies, I briefly mentioned my husband’s great-grandmother. She wrote a cookbook after years of running a “Kook’s corner” column in the “Prentisse Headlight” newspaper which she owned, edited, and published. It is an incredible source of comforting recipes and my most trusted source for the traditional Southern recipes.
Favorite recipe: Cinnamon rolls!
Get the book here.
*You can only buy a used copy as it hasn’t been printed in a long time and the one linked above is considered a collectible.
And there you have it – my all time favorite cookbooks. I know this list is going to be expanded soon as I am making my way through the ones I haven’t tried yet. Stay tuned for a list of my new favorite cookbooks. I can not wait to try them all so I can go back to buying them! 🙂
I would LOVE to hear from you! What are your favorite cookbooks? Let me know in the comment section. If you have any questions or feedback on this or any other of my recipes, you can find me on Instagram (@babushkacooking), Facebook (Babushka Cooking), or e-mail me at yana@babushkacooking.com
From Kitchen, with Love –
Yana