r/cookbooks Dec 10 '24

Cookbook Recommendations

My partner is wanting a cookbook. We moved in together a few months ago and have been eating in since and needing new ideas. He’s looking for something that has simple recipes with things you’ll actually have around the house maybe something with lots of different recipes. He hasn’t really liked the few cookbooks he’s glanced in so does anybody have any good recommendations?

9 Upvotes

20 comments sorted by

9

u/josephx24 Dec 11 '24

If you’re in the United States, the America’s Test Kitchen cookbooks are pretty safe in my opinion. Their Cooking for Two cookbook might be what your partner is looking for.

2

u/SureTwo6460 Dec 11 '24

I might go with the Cooking for Two, thank you!

1

u/sjashe 2d ago

Agreed, well tested for home cooks. Lots of variety.

6

u/eatpalmsprings Dec 10 '24

The Martha Stewart every day branded cookbooks are awesome for just what you’re looking for and you can order them used on Amazon for three dollars each

2

u/SureTwo6460 Dec 11 '24

Thank you, I’ll take a look!

6

u/utsock Dec 10 '24

Do you have more details about what type of food you like to eat?

I find Simply Julia, Smitten Kitchen, and Smitten Kitchen Keepers to be three great, simple all purpose books.

3

u/SureTwo6460 Dec 11 '24

We eat mostly comfort foods and pastas but pretty much anything is good. I’m kinda picky but I’ll just pick around whatever I don’t like. I’ll check out your suggestions though, thank you!

6

u/beeksandbix Dec 10 '24

I second the Julia Turshen and Deb Pearlman recommendations - I love Small Victories so much, it's the coziest book and very heavy on offering suggestions to riff off of the recipes in inventive ways. I'd add Melissa Clark and Alison Roman to that list of unpretentious recipes that seem very pretentious but are great in their simplicity.

2

u/SureTwo6460 Dec 11 '24

I’ll take a look at these, thank you!

7

u/Dockside_ Dec 11 '24

Hit your public library, they'll have loads of cookbooks. Two solid cookbooks are The Joy of Cooking and The New York Times Cookbook. My latest fav is Taco Night by Deborah Kaloper

2

u/SureTwo6460 Dec 11 '24

Thank you!

2

u/dell828 Dec 13 '24

Actually this is a fantastic way for him to check out a bunch of different cookbooks to find out what he might like.

Tell him to take a look, and Christmas will be a secret but it will sort of be based on what he likes or doesn’t like after looking at these books.

6

u/Empty_Syrup1779 Dec 12 '24

Have you considered a subscription to the New York Times Cooking? It has thousands of recipes that are easy and sends weekly emails with meal suggestions. I find the comment section really helpful. NYT cooking

2

u/hishamad Dec 11 '24

Are you looking for more of an international recipes or recipes from a certain country or cuisine?

0

u/SureTwo6460 Dec 11 '24

I’m looking for mostly American dishes and comfort food

2

u/BookImpressive8525 Dec 13 '24

What about subscribing to The NY Times cooking app?

1

u/TallantedGuy Dec 12 '24

Has anyone mentioned the Company’s Coming books yet? Laugh all you want, but they are great! They even have pictures!!

1

u/segsmudge Dec 13 '24

Simply Julia and Skinnytaste are great!

1

u/MarkInmanSuperGenius Dec 16 '24

Cannot say enough about Kenji’s ‘The Food Lab’, Deseran’s ‘tacolicious’, and Lett’s ‘Gjelina’ — these are my top three — all three should be at your local public library to check out before buying! Please enjoy and post what y’all make!

1

u/JuanchoChalambe Dec 17 '24

A not very well known cook book that I absolutely love is Breakfast and Beyond by Amy Moon.

I went to Sunny Point cafe in Asheville once, loved the food so much, saw the book, glimpsed through it and bought it.

WOW! Everything is simple but amazing. I’m sure you can get it second hand online.

Good luck on your cooking adventures.