As many of you already know, I am a food lover. I believe that food is a great unifier and if you have a kitchen, you have the ability to eat well regardless of income. How? Well giving your food a little TLC goes a long way. When people tell me they can't cook, I believe there is no excuse. Honestly, all you have to do is follow directions and actually give a damn about what you are doing. Sure, there are days when I sloppily put something together, who doesn't? It's no excuse for not knowing how to cook...everyone has the capacity to know how to cook.
Before I continue to rant on and on, the purpose of this post was to list a few of my favorite cook books that are good for any level of chef-to-be. All of these make great gift ideas whether it be for the food enthusiast, or someone who you know that desperately needs to make an effort.
List after the break
1.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: An American Roadhouse
First of all, forget the book for a second, this BBQ joint is bangin'. A signature spot in New York state, this place has it going on. In college it was common for a gang of us to make the drive to Syracuse just to gnaw on some rib bones slathered in Dino BBQ's awesome array of sauces. If you are ever in Rochester, NYC, 'Cuse, or Buffalo (location there opening soon) this place better be on the top of your list. When I got this book as a gift a few years back I was pumped on it's mere existence. These recipes are perfect for the BBQ lover on your list. The book even includes tips on pits, smokers, and more for the advanced BBQ master. The recipes for the sauces take a bit of time to make, but trust me, the payoff is mouth-watering. Also, because the will list individual ingredients for each sauce, it makes substituting for those on a special diet or those looking to experiment easy. Yummmmmmmm...
2. The Cook's Illustrated Cookbook: 2,000 Recipes from 20 years of America's Most Trusted Cooking Magazine
This should be a requirement in every household. Honestly, this book gives information on anything and everything cooking related. It is in a word: awesome. The extensive index allows you to look up recipes by ingredient, making getting rid of stuff in the house easy and tasty. Most dishes have variations as well which allows for dishes to be as simple or as complex as you would like. This is the perfect book for the chef of any level. I have yet to be disappointed by the results of any recipe I make from this one. We use this book at least once a week because it has anything you could possibly think of from around the globe.
3. Quick and Easy Thai: 70 Everyday Recipes
It wouldn't be a cook book list without some Asian flair. I love this book because the recipes are simple and delicious. The best part about this book is that it includes easy substitutions, in case you just don't have time (or aren't located near) an Asian market. Although the dish won't be quite as authentic, the same signature balance of flavor that Thai food is famous for is still there. This is another book that is great for all levels of ability. However, it is important to note that most of these dishes are best served over rice or noodles.
4. Healthy Cooking for Two (or Just You)
I've had this cookbook forever. It gives some great healthy and flavorful recipes with perfect portioning. I highly recommend this book for the solo cook because it tells you exactly how much you need for one or two people. It's tough to shop and cook for one person these days and this book is helpful in teaching portion sizes for one or two. You can make the recipe for two and even have some great leftovers for lunch the next day (great money saver by the way). Don't forget, if you live alone and can't get meat for one, you can always freeze your meat, most home made sauces, some veggies and herbs, even whole meals and save them for later.
Here is a great link on what you can freeze.
 |
| This is the newer edition, mine has the crab cakes on the cover |
5.
Make it Paleo
Even if you aren't looking to go on a paleo diet (meaning only eating nuts, fruit, veggies, and meat) this book is amazing. Two of my closest friends have been on the paleo diet for a while now and this gem came highly recommended. Don't worry, this isn't a cave man diet book, there are plenty of delicious deserts, dressings, and sauces. All foods and sauces are made from scratch, again allowing for easy substitutions, especially if you aren't interested in going full paleo and can't afford the expensive oils.
Happy cooking!
-M
As many of you already know, I am a food lover. I believe that food is a great unifier and if you have a kitchen, you have the ability to eat well regardless of income. How? Well giving your food a little TLC goes a long way. When people tell me they can't cook, I believe there is no excuse. Honestly, all you have to do is follow directions and actually give a damn about what you are doing. Sure, there are days when I sloppily put something together, who doesn't? It's no excuse for not knowing how to cook...everyone has the capacity to know how to cook.
Before I continue to rant on and on, the purpose of this post was to list a few of my favorite cook books that are good for any level of chef-to-be. All of these make great gift ideas whether it be for the food enthusiast, or someone who you know that desperately needs to make an effort.
List after the break
1.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: An American Roadhouse
First of all, forget the book for a second, this BBQ joint is bangin'. A signature spot in New York state, this place has it going on. In college it was common for a gang of us to make the drive to Syracuse just to gnaw on some rib bones slathered in Dino BBQ's awesome array of sauces. If you are ever in Rochester, NYC, 'Cuse, or Buffalo (location there opening soon) this place better be on the top of your list. When I got this book as a gift a few years back I was pumped on it's mere existence. These recipes are perfect for the BBQ lover on your list. The book even includes tips on pits, smokers, and more for the advanced BBQ master. The recipes for the sauces take a bit of time to make, but trust me, the payoff is mouth-watering. Also, because the will list individual ingredients for each sauce, it makes substituting for those on a special diet or those looking to experiment easy. Yummmmmmmm...
2. The Cook's Illustrated Cookbook: 2,000 Recipes from 20 years of America's Most Trusted Cooking Magazine
This should be a requirement in every household. Honestly, this book gives information on anything and everything cooking related. It is in a word: awesome. The extensive index allows you to look up recipes by ingredient, making getting rid of stuff in the house easy and tasty. Most dishes have variations as well which allows for dishes to be as simple or as complex as you would like. This is the perfect book for the chef of any level. I have yet to be disappointed by the results of any recipe I make from this one. We use this book at least once a week because it has anything you could possibly think of from around the globe.
3. Quick and Easy Thai: 70 Everyday Recipes
It wouldn't be a cook book list without some Asian flair. I love this book because the recipes are simple and delicious. The best part about this book is that it includes easy substitutions, in case you just don't have time (or aren't located near) an Asian market. Although the dish won't be quite as authentic, the same signature balance of flavor that Thai food is famous for is still there. This is another book that is great for all levels of ability. However, it is important to note that most of these dishes are best served over rice or noodles.
4. Healthy Cooking for Two (or Just You)
I've had this cookbook forever. It gives some great healthy and flavorful recipes with perfect portioning. I highly recommend this book for the solo cook because it tells you exactly how much you need for one or two people. It's tough to shop and cook for one person these days and this book is helpful in teaching portion sizes for one or two. You can make the recipe for two and even have some great leftovers for lunch the next day (great money saver by the way). Don't forget, if you live alone and can't get meat for one, you can always freeze your meat, most home made sauces, some veggies and herbs, even whole meals and save them for later.
Here is a great link on what you can freeze.
|
| This is the newer edition, mine has the crab cakes on the cover |
5.
Make it Paleo
Even if you aren't looking to go on a paleo diet (meaning only eating nuts, fruit, veggies, and meat) this book is amazing. Two of my closest friends have been on the paleo diet for a while now and this gem came highly recommended. Don't worry, this isn't a cave man diet book, there are plenty of delicious deserts, dressings, and sauces. All foods and sauces are made from scratch, again allowing for easy substitutions, especially if you aren't interested in going full paleo and can't afford the expensive oils.
Happy cooking!
-M
As many of you already know, I am a food lover. I believe that food is a great unifier and if you have a kitchen, you have the ability to eat well regardless of income. How? Well giving your food a little TLC goes a long way. When people tell me they can't cook, I believe there is no excuse. Honestly, all you have to do is follow directions and actually give a damn about what you are doing. Sure, there are days when I sloppily put something together, who doesn't? It's no excuse for not knowing how to cook...everyone has the capacity to know how to cook.
Before I continue to rant on and on, the purpose of this post was to list a few of my favorite cook books that are good for any level of chef-to-be. All of these make great gift ideas whether it be for the food enthusiast, or someone who you know that desperately needs to make an effort.
List after the break
1.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: An American Roadhouse
First of all, forget the book for a second, this BBQ joint is bangin'. A signature spot in New York state, this place has it going on. In college it was common for a gang of us to make the drive to Syracuse just to gnaw on some rib bones slathered in Dino BBQ's awesome array of sauces. If you are ever in Rochester, NYC, 'Cuse, or Buffalo (location there opening soon) this place better be on the top of your list. When I got this book as a gift a few years back I was pumped on it's mere existence. These recipes are perfect for the BBQ lover on your list. The book even includes tips on pits, smokers, and more for the advanced BBQ master. The recipes for the sauces take a bit of time to make, but trust me, the payoff is mouth-watering. Also, because the will list individual ingredients for each sauce, it makes substituting for those on a special diet or those looking to experiment easy. Yummmmmmmm...
2. The Cook's Illustrated Cookbook: 2,000 Recipes from 20 years of America's Most Trusted Cooking Magazine
This should be a requirement in every household. Honestly, this book gives information on anything and everything cooking related. It is in a word: awesome. The extensive index allows you to look up recipes by ingredient, making getting rid of stuff in the house easy and tasty. Most dishes have variations as well which allows for dishes to be as simple or as complex as you would like. This is the perfect book for the chef of any level. I have yet to be disappointed by the results of any recipe I make from this one. We use this book at least once a week because it has anything you could possibly think of from around the globe.
3. Quick and Easy Thai: 70 Everyday Recipes
It wouldn't be a cook book list without some Asian flair. I love this book because the recipes are simple and delicious. The best part about this book is that it includes easy substitutions, in case you just don't have time (or aren't located near) an Asian market. Although the dish won't be quite as authentic, the same signature balance of flavor that Thai food is famous for is still there. This is another book that is great for all levels of ability. However, it is important to note that most of these dishes are best served over rice or noodles.
4. Healthy Cooking for Two (or Just You)
I've had this cookbook forever. It gives some great healthy and flavorful recipes with perfect portioning. I highly recommend this book for the solo cook because it tells you exactly how much you need for one or two people. It's tough to shop and cook for one person these days and this book is helpful in teaching portion sizes for one or two. You can make the recipe for two and even have some great leftovers for lunch the next day (great money saver by the way). Don't forget, if you live alone and can't get meat for one, you can always freeze your meat, most home made sauces, some veggies and herbs, even whole meals and save them for later.
Here is a great link on what you can freeze.
|
| This is the newer edition, mine has the crab cakes on the cover |
5.
Make it Paleo
Even if you aren't looking to go on a paleo diet (meaning only eating nuts, fruit, veggies, and meat) this book is amazing. Two of my closest friends have been on the paleo diet for a while now and this gem came highly recommended. Don't worry, this isn't a cave man diet book, there are plenty of delicious deserts, dressings, and sauces. All foods and sauces are made from scratch, again allowing for easy substitutions, especially if you aren't interested in going full paleo and can't afford the expensive oils.
Happy cooking!
-M
As many of you already know, I am a food lover. I believe that food is a great unifier and if you have a kitchen, you have the ability to eat well regardless of income. How? Well giving your food a little TLC goes a long way. When people tell me they can't cook, I believe there is no excuse. Honestly, all you have to do is follow directions and actually give a damn about what you are doing. Sure, there are days when I sloppily put something together, who doesn't? It's no excuse for not knowing how to cook...everyone has the capacity to know how to cook.
Before I continue to rant on and on, the purpose of this post was to list a few of my favorite cook books that are good for any level of chef-to-be. All of these make great gift ideas whether it be for the food enthusiast, or someone who you know that desperately needs to make an effort.
List after the break
1.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: An American Roadhouse
First of all, forget the book for a second, this BBQ joint is bangin'. A signature spot in New York state, this place has it going on. In college it was common for a gang of us to make the drive to Syracuse just to gnaw on some rib bones slathered in Dino BBQ's awesome array of sauces. If you are ever in Rochester, NYC, 'Cuse, or Buffalo (location there opening soon) this place better be on the top of your list. When I got this book as a gift a few years back I was pumped on it's mere existence. These recipes are perfect for the BBQ lover on your list. The book even includes tips on pits, smokers, and more for the advanced BBQ master. The recipes for the sauces take a bit of time to make, but trust me, the payoff is mouth-watering. Also, because the will list individual ingredients for each sauce, it makes substituting for those on a special diet or those looking to experiment easy. Yummmmmmmm...
2. The Cook's Illustrated Cookbook: 2,000 Recipes from 20 years of America's Most Trusted Cooking Magazine
This should be a requirement in every household. Honestly, this book gives information on anything and everything cooking related. It is in a word: awesome. The extensive index allows you to look up recipes by ingredient, making getting rid of stuff in the house easy and tasty. Most dishes have variations as well which allows for dishes to be as simple or as complex as you would like. This is the perfect book for the chef of any level. I have yet to be disappointed by the results of any recipe I make from this one. We use this book at least once a week because it has anything you could possibly think of from around the globe.
3. Quick and Easy Thai: 70 Everyday Recipes
It wouldn't be a cook book list without some Asian flair. I love this book because the recipes are simple and delicious. The best part about this book is that it includes easy substitutions, in case you just don't have time (or aren't located near) an Asian market. Although the dish won't be quite as authentic, the same signature balance of flavor that Thai food is famous for is still there. This is another book that is great for all levels of ability. However, it is important to note that most of these dishes are best served over rice or noodles.
4. Healthy Cooking for Two (or Just You)
I've had this cookbook forever. It gives some great healthy and flavorful recipes with perfect portioning. I highly recommend this book for the solo cook because it tells you exactly how much you need for one or two people. It's tough to shop and cook for one person these days and this book is helpful in teaching portion sizes for one or two. You can make the recipe for two and even have some great leftovers for lunch the next day (great money saver by the way). Don't forget, if you live alone and can't get meat for one, you can always freeze your meat, most home made sauces, some veggies and herbs, even whole meals and save them for later.
Here is a great link on what you can freeze.
|
| This is the newer edition, mine has the crab cakes on the cover |
5.
Make it Paleo
Even if you aren't looking to go on a paleo diet (meaning only eating nuts, fruit, veggies, and meat) this book is amazing. Two of my closest friends have been on the paleo diet for a while now and this gem came highly recommended. Don't worry, this isn't a cave man diet book, there are plenty of delicious deserts, dressings, and sauces. All foods and sauces are made from scratch, again allowing for easy substitutions, especially if you aren't interested in going full paleo and can't afford the expensive oils.
Happy cooking!
-M
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