Pam Anderson (not that Pam Anderson) was my first cookbook crush, and not just because her cookbook How to Cook Without a Book helped me survive my first year cooking for myself. She’s a Cooks Illustrated alum, which explains a lot. I love this book for its recipes that can serve a small family or a crowd, its tidy categorization, and its menu planning helps. More info →

I randomly found this book in the stacks at my local library years ago, and promptly fell in love with it—possibly because that while I love to cook, I’m no pro, but can handle the stuff culinary legend Rick Bayless throws at his teenage daughter. Fun format and terrific recipes that reflect the culinary interests (and diversity) of a chef’s family. My kids, unsurprisingly, love to browse this book. More info →

Okay, this isn’t actually a favorite yet—but I’m hoping it will be. One of my personal cool-weather resolutions is to use my crock pot several times per week. When I mentioned this in the latest What I’m Into post, several comments and emails told me I needed a copy of this book. I obliged. My copy’s on its way, but I haven’t seen it yet. I’m hoping it’s as amazing as you told me it would be. More info →

I love the whole series, but this first cookbook is my favorite, closely followed by Barefoot Contessa Parties. (Although I just pre-ordered Make It Ahead, her new cookbook that comes out October 28, so I reserve the right to change my mind.) My edition is well-loved and shows it: the recipes for family favorites Indonesian Ginger Chicken and Outrageous Brownies (best on the planet, seriously) are notably worse for wear. More info →

This is a beautiful, practical, inspiring cookbook for anyone who wants healthy, happy food, and an absolute gold mine for those with dietary restrictions. Joulwan’s recipes are 100% paleo and 99% Whole-30 approved. I might like Well Fed 2 even more. (If you’re debating which one to buy, Well Fed 2 is twice as thick and a dollar cheaper. Hint, hint.) More info →

When I want to find a basic recipe for any imaginable dish, this is the book I turn to first. At 1000+ pages, it’s likely to have whatever I’m looking for. Cooks can be a little high-maintenance at times, but I trust their methods and their recipes, and love the essays that accompany each one describing the dish and how they arrived at “the” perfect method. A great all-purpose cookbook. More info →

Before I ever visited the blog or saw the cookbook, I heard Deb Perelman speak at my local library. She won me over with her warmth, humor, and kitchen know-how. But then I saw the cookbook and was blown away—gorgeous (and funny) writing, beautiful photos, and recipes that work. She’s yet to let me down, and I’ve cooked my way through a significant portion of the cookbook. I’m thrilled to hear she has another one in the works. More info →