Favorite cookbook for newlyweds?

M

mariadnoca

Moderator
My niece is getting married and on her registry was some newly married cookbook, BTW, someone already purchased it for them. However, that got me thinking. There’s a whole genre of cookbooks like this, which means that doesn’t mean they’re any good. Considering her father has worked as chef in fine dining establishments, and been a caterer, I was surprised she asked for a cookbook at all. As she’s helped her dad with many Catering events, she doesn’t need to learn how to entertain, I suspect it’s most about actually good weeknight dinners cooking for two. This led me to ask, what’s your favorite cookbook to gift for this?
 
When we were married, back in the Dark Ages, my mother-in-law gave me a copy of Joy of Cooking. It was my cooking bible for many years.
I think that one of Milk Street cookbooks, like Tuesday Nights or The World in a Skillet might be useful for them.
I'd also consider Ottolenghi's Simple.
 
I agree with Joy. The original if you can find one. She may not know a lot about cooking despite her father's prowess, and this is indeed, such a bible. I have recommended it to new and, older but not too knowledgeable cooks. And then there's the alphabetical thing that allows you to look up everything. It teaches rather than dictates. And it includes EVERYthing, even preserving.

I had an extra, this is some time after the Dark Ages. I gave it to a friend, then saw it on eBay 2 weeks later, for $850. I mentioned it to her....................

I suspect others will give her the more 'sophisticated' books but this one will be useful forever.

As long as she can embrace used gems.
 
Last edited:
Marg CDN said:
I agree with Joy. The original if you can find one. She may not know a lot about cooking despite her father's prowess, and this is indeed, such a bible. I have recommended it to new and, older but not too knowledgeable cooks. And then there's the alphabetical thing that allows you to look up everything. It teaches rather than dictates. And it includes EVERYthing, even preserving.

I had an extra, an original, this is some time after the Dark Ages. I gave it to a friend, then saw it on eBay 2 weeks later, for $850. I mentioned it to her....................

I suspect others will give her the more 'sophisticated' books but this one will be useful forever.

As long as she can embrace used gems.
Click to expand...
Which edition do you have? I have 1964. Your comment made me go down a rabbit hole on Joy and I knew of the 1997 controversy, then the revised 2006 version to return Irma’s voice, and now a further update in 2019 by her great-grandchildren adding 600 more recipes.

Here’s an interview w her great-grandson
 
mariadnoca said:
Which edition do you have? I have 1964. Your comment made me go down a rabbit hole on Joy and I knew of the 1997 controversy, then the revised 2006 version to return Irma’s voice, and now a further update in 2019 by her great-grandchildren adding 600 more recipes.

Here’s an interview w her great-grandson
Click to expand...
The one my MIL gave me is the 1964 edition.
I bought a copy of the 1997 edition and there are a few recipes I've used from that one.
Another cookbook that I bought early on and use a lot is "America Cooks" It's the General Federation of Women's Clubs cookbook. It's a 1967 edition that I bought in August 1970.
 
75 The one I gave away would have been earlier.

I can't get the video because I live in a foreign country.

I'm looking at the book now and re-appreciating it. It could make a decent cook out of anyone who tried just a little. What a keeper! I have often wondered why the voluminous version is not available any longer, but then I notice 42 printings between 75 and 86. You'd think the world would be saturated by now.
 
mariadnoca said:
My niece is getting married and on her registry was some newly married cookbook, BTW, someone already purchased it for them. However, that got me thinking. There’s a whole genre of cookbooks like this, which means that doesn’t mean they’re any good. Considering her father has worked as chef in fine dining establishments, and been a caterer, I was surprised she asked for a cookbook at all. As she’s helped her dad with many Catering events, she doesn’t need to learn how to entertain, I suspect it’s most about actually good weeknight dinners cooking for two. This led me to ask, what’s your favorite cookbook to gift for this?
Click to expand...
I like this Cooking for Two book from ATK. It's the updated 10th Anniversary edition. The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook, 10th Anniversary Edition
The original is a NY Times bestseller. I often use the cooking for two recipes on their site. I like that they address food waste. They also have a cooking and baking for two bundle. As a non-baker, I liked Dorie Greenspan's Baking, From My House to Yours and Rose's Cake Bible. Also, Around My French Table, Dorie Greenspan.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top