4 Cookbooks Every Cook Must Own

A lot may have changed in the world, but cookbooks have remained a staple in gastronomy.

The age old tradition of creating, testing and compiling ones favorite recipes is a practice that has stood the test of time. With celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and chefs like Adriano Zumbo all partaking in the endeavor, there’s a lot out there to choose from. To get you started, here’s a list of four cookbooks every cook should own.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child

When this book first came out in 1961 it arguably had the largest impact on home cooking one could possibly imagine. In addition to introducing the world to wonderfully odd Julia Child, this recipe book propelled home cooks in America towards authentic French cooking and gourmet food.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking

From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan and Houghton Mifflin

This particular recipe book is particularly crucial for those of you that interested in baking, not just because Dorie’s recipes will never fail you, but also because the author is one of the most charismatic writers out there. This combination of readability and reliable recipes makes this a book every baker must have on hand in their kitchen!

In Bibi’s Kitchen by Hawa Hassan and Julia Turshen

This is one for all those home cooks looking for generational recipes. The book is a compilation of recipes from ‘Bibi’s’ from across the African continent, with every region covered being given its own section, complete with the history of the region coupled with anecdotes from the Bibi’s themselves.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat

This is a book that is a great starter kit into the world of gastronomy. With a clear introduction into the basic culinary principles, “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” is a book that will fundamentally transform how you cook.