I consider myself to be a cookbook collector. Shortly before the pandemic, I started a monthly cookbook club to celebrate and feature new cookbooks. A cookbook represents possibility and wonder. Most cookbook creators have spent many years perfecting their style and honing their niche. Cookbooks can all at once represent diverse cuisines, highlight decorated chefs, teach specific skill sets and methods, and tantalize. No matter the specific purpose, cookbooks are universally inspiring. Some of the cookbooks in my collection are staples with stained and tattered pages such as the Joy of Cooking and Baco. The snickerdoodle recipe in Joy of Cooking is unrivaled, Baco is shockingly approachable yet bold in its flavors (like rose and mint pickled onions; fenugreek meatballs; pappardelle with caraway breadcrumbs). But other cookbooks are purely inspirational and aspirational such as Central by Virgilio Martinez or Alain Passard’s Collages et Recettes. I am also constantly amazed by the wondrous world of wine and books like Wine Simple and Wine Folly help inform my explorations. Ultimately, it all circles back to the garden because I grow my own fruits, vegetables and herbs to craft creative and satiating meals. Here are the cookbooks in my collection:
