With fall in full swing and winter on the horizon, there’s one thing we can all agree on — it’s cooking season! Whether you’re planning meals for Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day or a simple gathering with family and friends, these five tried-and-true cookbooks are sure to have you going back for seconds.
1. Classic & Traditional — “Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book”
If you’re new to cooking, I recommend this classic cookbook. Most home cooks will recognize its red-and-white checkered cover. This comprehensive cookbook covers everything from how long to cook the turkey to how to create pumpkin spice seasoning.
It’s the perfect companion for a long day in the kitchen and great to have on hand if you need a sudden substitution. It’s been a staple in my mom’s kitchen for as long as I can remember and a trusted resource since it first came out in 1933.
Naperville Public Library has the 17th edition in print and a digital edition is available through Axis360.
2. Healthy Sides and Vegetarian-Friendly Recipes — “Love Real Food” by Kathryne Taylor
Kathryne Taylor is the food blogger behind the website, “Cookie + Kate.” Her focus is healthy, whole foods and a vegetarian lifestyle. The recipes in this book are delicious, fresh and easy to follow. You’ll find filling, vibrant salads, quick-to-prepare appetizers and a wealth of hearty sides.
For a vegetarian-friendly main dish, try Kate’s Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas, and Herbed Tahini Sauce on page 186. It’s a beautiful showstopper and perfect for passing around a table.
Available in print from the library.
3. Stress-free Crowd Pleasers — “The Complete Make-Ahead Cookbook” by The Editors at America’s Test Kitchen
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Take the stress out of a large gathering by preparing food ahead of time. This cookbook features 500 recipes that have been tested and tested again by professional cooks, so you can feel confident the end result will turn out well every time.
Try the Mini Chicken Empanadas (page 38) as an appetizer or simplify sides with Mashed Potato Casserole (page 302) and Classic Bread Stuffing with Sage and Thyme (page 304). And hey, since you made it the day before, maybe you can take the time to eat it at the same time as everyone else?
Available in print at the library and digital edition through Overdrive.
4. It’s Pie Time — “First Prize Pies” by Allison Kave
It’s the best time to fire up your oven and an enjoy a warm pastry. If you need some pie inspiration, I recommend this unique and inviting cookbook. Enjoy easy fall favorites from classics like Pumpkin Spice Pie (page 172) to inventive flavors like Cranberry Dream Pie (176) and Bourbon Ginger Pecan Pie (page 170).
Kave also shares tips and tricks on how to make your pies look and test their best, including a step-by-step guide to the ever-dreaded homemade pie crust.
Available in print.
5. Small Table — “Solo” by Anita Lo
If you want to celebrate but you’re not ready for a crowd, try this cookbook for one. It has all the heart and coziness of a family gathering wrapped up in small quantity recipes. Lo shares small anecdotes that make you feel like you’re sitting down with a friend. A great partner for a quiet, solo day in the kitchen that will make you feel like you’re really taking care of yourself.
Available in print.
If you want more cookbook recommendations or a chance to chat about new recipes you’ve tried, join the library’s culinary book club, On the Table. We will be meeting virtually Jan. 10 to discuss appetizer cookbooks and recipes.
Sarah Marshall is an adult services librarian at Naperville Public Library and leads On The Table: A Culinary Book Club.