Memorably Scrumptious for Everyone
Where does a former-librarian-turned-baker turn when she needs a good recipe or a new idea? The Library, of course.
The owner of Noshy (the cookies we serve at Late Night Recess) shares some of her favorite cookbooks:
The Fannie Farmer Cookbook
by Marion Cunningham, illustrated by Lauren Jarrett
Everyone should own this, even if you only use if for equivalents listing and the banana bread and pancake recipes. Mine opens automatically to the pancake recipe, where you will also find see half a dozen ways to flavor pancakes (mini chocolate chips and almond extract is my favorite). And ABSOLUTELY follow their instructions on adding the egg whites later.
Cooking Light: Fresh Food Fast 24/7
by the editors of Cooking Light Magazine
We use our edition of this cookbook weekly, and it has tons of delicious recipes that are easy enough for even for a novice. Bonus for anyone looking to cook healthy: Calorie information with each recipe.
The Feast Nearby
by Robin Mather
A wonderful memoir woven with tales of local food and great recipes. I haven’t finished reading it yet – but I’ve read the first half twice!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
by Joanne Fluke
Book 1 of the Hannah Swensen Mystery Series. During my first year in business, a fellow baker turned me on to these food based mystery novels. If you adore the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich, you’ll love these. Bonus: each book includes a few recipes (I haven’t had time to bake any of the heroine’s cookies yet, but just knowing they’re there makes me happy). Also – there’s a cookbook based on the series!
Surprise Inside Cakes
by Amanda Rettke
Who wouldn’t want to cut a cake and find something as awesome as a rainbow heart? Only about half of the iced cakes I’ve ever made have worked well, so I’m looking forward to trying these.
Great Cookies: Secrets to Sensational Sweets
by Carole Walter, photographs by Duane Winfield
Another on my haven’t-yet-used-it-can’t-wait-to-try-it list. I especially appreciate that there are photos of almost every recipe. And the author gives you a rating for how delicate or travel-ready, versatile and long lasting each recipe is.
The Cookiepedia: Mixing, Baking, and Reinventing the Classics
by by Stacy Adimando, photographs by Tara Striano
If I was going to write a cookbook, this would be it. Delicious recipes that are clearly explained, with photos, notes, and lots of bright colors and fun! I own this one and am slowly baking my way through it.
The Flavor Thesaurus
by Niki Segnit
I picked up the Brittish version of this in London just after launching my cookie company, and it’s been indispensable in helping me come up with new flavor combinations for both work and home!
The Tucci Table
by Stanley Tucci and Felicity Blunt with Kay Plunkett-Hogge
Stanley Tucci… ’nuff said.
Cooking in the Moment: A Year of Seasonal Eating
by Andrea Reusing
Seasonal, local food is important to me. Both to cook it, and to support the restaurants and food makers in the area that believe in it too.
Good Eats (vols. 1-3)
by Alton Brown
Where science meets food, with humor! You really can’t go wrong with Alton Brown.
