As a magazine editor and getting-there chef, I’ve seen a lot of cookbooks. I love flipping through every one that crosses my desk, but I’ll be honest: many just don’t work for me. The recipes involve 837 ingredients or take hours to prepare or involve an array of kitchen gadgets that equal half a month’s rent. (And seriously, who has space for all those obscure appliances, especially for one or two recipes?)
These books won’t let you down. They feature plenty of photos — so you can actually see what the finished dish should look like — are easy to prepare, and best of all, feature meals you truly WANT to make.
5 Ingredient Fix
Elegant, grown-up food made easy. Many of the recipes aren’t exactly five ingredients — there are a certain number of things Claire Robinson considers “pantry essentials” that don’t count toward the five — but we’ll let that slide. Make these first: Potato Bar Soup, Grilled Flank Steak with Spicy Corn Relish, White Pizza
>> Order 5 Ingredient Fix here
A Man, A Can, A Plan (A Second Helping)
Consider it Semi-Homemade without Sandra Lee — this cookbook makes preparing crave-worthy meals practically foolproof. Plus, there’s a version for microwave-only recipes, which is perfect for dorm dwellers. Make these first: BBQ Beast Sandwich, Chili Empanadas, Tijuana Pasta Salad
>> Explore A Man, A Can, A Plan
Fat Witch Brownies
Every girl needs a great brownie recipe, and this one has dozens. You may not think you need so many different takes on brownies, but just sample the bakery’s wares and your mind will be forever changed. Forever Ever. Like Outkast circa “I’m Sorry Miss Jackson” forever ever. Make these first: Cocoa Brownies, Caramel Witches, Congo Bars
>>Check out Fat Witch Brownies
Tiny Food Party
If you’re planning a soiree, you need this book. Okay, “need” may be stretching things, but every page features another ridiculously cute and easy to make mini appetizer that you’ll want to serve immediately. Make these first: Shredded Chicken Arepas, Country-Style Eggs Benedict, Pint-size Chicken ‘N’ Waffles, Mochi Ice Cream Balls
How to Cook Everything, the Basics
It’s always good to have a reference guide you can truly trust, particularly when it comes to cooking classic dishes, like stuffed mushrooms and barbecued spare ribs. Make these first: Rosemary-roasted Potatoes, Roasted Chicken Wings with Soy Glaze, Sweet-Hot Nuts
>>Learn more about How to Cook Everything, the Basics
[…] 8. A cookbook. Yeah, there are plenty of great recipes on the interwebs (at least we’d like to think so), but there’s something about having a tried-and-true classic you can dogear, annotate and use again and again that’s extra special. You can find a few of our favorites here. […]