On our bookshelf
I’ve collected a lot of cookbooks over the last few years. I usually choose them based off of a friend’s recommendation, or if I see something that catches my eye on Insta or TikTok. As the last couple of years have been so busy, I haven’t been able to actually dive into them as much as I want to beyond a couple recipes in each.
Part of this journal will be used to hold myself accountable to trying a new recipe each week from one of my cookbooks, and documenting the process and result.
Here are the books on our shelf:
Mastering the Art of French Cooking (Julia Child) - Volumes 1 & 2
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want this set because of their status as cookbook icons, and how beautiful they would look on our shelf. I’m the most intimidated by their contents, so I’ll be starting with recipes from these.
Modern Sourdough (Michelle Eshkeri)
I wanted this book based off a recommendation of my friend and coworker, Vanessa, during the sourdough craze of 2020. I started my sourdough at the time with a King Arthur Flour method. That starter has since been laid to rest, so I’ll be starting my new one using Michelle’s method.
The Flavor Bible (Karen A. Page & Andrew Dornenburg)
This isn’t an actual recipe book, but a reference book that I’m vowing to incorporate more into my everyday cooking, especially when reviving leftovers.
Half Baked Harvest Cookbook (Tieghan Gerard)
Though I’ve made a ton of Tieghan’s recipes, I haven’t ventured into nearly half of those in this book. Tieghan is a huge inspiration.
Half Baked Harvest Everyday (Tieghan Gerard)
Another one of Tieghan’s cookbooks that is SO GOOD. We bought this on our honeymoon, and have since made a handful of recipes. I make the Braised Beans recipe probably once a week.
The Italian Table (Elizabeth Minchilli)
I’m obsessed with Elizabeth’s Substack series, and was so excited to buy this book. This one is all about entertaining with different Italian meals, and bringing an authentic Italian experience to each.
The Sweetness of Doing Nothing (Sophie Minchilli)
There are only a handful of recipe’s in Sophie’s book, but they’re easy, so I’ll put this on the list. Sophie is the daughter of Elizabeth Minchilli, above.
Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant (Moosewood Collective/Multiple Authors)
Ryan bought me this famous Moosewood cookbook from a secondhand bookstore in Ithaca, and I’ve made a few recipes staples in our kitchen.
My goal of choosing a new recipe each week is to learn new techniques, introduce myself to new flavors, and build my recipe repertoire. This week, I’ll be tackling the French Onion Soup from The Art of French Cooking. I’m choosing it because it’s a familiar flavor and meal, but something I’ve never made from scratch. I’m sure that once I dip my toes into Julia Child’s beautiful volumes, I’ll feel confident to try less familiar recipes!
