Most Sought After Cookbooks 2008
Best of Cookbooks 2008
The Best Cookbooks of 2008
The editors of AOL Food spent the year reading and feasting their way through dozens of new cookbooks.
Rachel Been
The Paley's Place Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from the Pacific Northwest by Vitaly Paley and Kimberly Paley
The couple's deeply personal approach to food in the Pacific Northwest is evident throughout the entire cookbook. Local ingredients and gracious hospitality prove to be the building blocks of memorable meals.
Recipes to try: Pasta alla Chitarra with Pork Sugo and Porcini, Ken's Potato Galette, and Apple Pandowdy with Maple Syrup and Creme Fraiche.
Available at TenSpeedPress.com.
Courtesy of Ten Speed Press
Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin by Kenny Shopsin and Carolynn Carreno
Blunt, rough around the edges and absolutely delicious are the best descriptors for Kenny Shopsin's book. Stories detailing the life and times of his family and the restaurant bring a tremendous intimacy to this one-of-a-kind cookbook.
Recipes to try: Mac n Cheese Pancakes and Bread Pudding French Toast.
Available at RandomHouse.com.
Courtesy of Knopf
Cooking by James Peterson
Do you know the 10 basic cooking methods? James Peterson shares his expertise in one all-inclusive cookbook -- teaching fundamentals and classics with step-by-step photos.
Available at Ten Speed Press.
Courtesy of Ten Speed Press
Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen by Jose Andres
Bringing Spanish flavors and traditions to American plates, Jose Andres organizes his book by region and the type of food for which each is best known. Don't fret -- these meals can be easily prepared at home.
Recipes to try: Noodle Paella with Pork Short Ribs and Lobster and Pork Loin Baked in Sea Salt with Sliced Spanish Cured Ham
Available at Amazon.com.
2008 by Thomas Schauer
A Day at elBulli: An insight into the ideas, methods and creativity of Ferran Adria
A collector's item and treasure for years to come, this account of a day in the life of Ferran Adria will open your eyes to a new world of culinary wonders and take your breath away with simple and stunning photographs.
Available at ecookbooks.com, Phaidon.com and all major bookstores.
Courtesy of Phaidon Press
Martha Stewart's Cooking School by Martha Stewart
Regardless of your level of experience, Martha Stewart's Cooking School has something for everyone. Kitchen basics such as equipment use and proper cooking techniques are thoroughly illustrated via step-by-step photos and easy-to-follow text.
Available at AOL Shopping or Amazon.com.
2008 by Ditte Isager
MILK: The Surprising Story of Milk Through the Ages by Anne Mendelson
Rarely does a book dedicated to one ingredient come along and knock our socks off. Anne Mendelson engaged her readers with a walk through the history of milk and a thorough breakdown of labels and recipes.
Recipes to try: Chinese Fried Milk and Southern Buttermilk Pie.
Available at RandomHouse.com.
Courtesy of Knopf
Urban Italian: Simple Recipes and True Stories from a Life in Food by Andrew Carmellini
Andrew Carmellini shared his non-intimidating approach to soulful and captivating Italian cuisine.
Recipes to try: The Best Gnocchi and Short Ribs Braciole
Available at AOL Shopping and all major bookstores.
Courtesy of Bloomsbury USA
A Platter of Figs by David Tanis
Don't let the title fool you -- this book isn't just a single ingredient survey; a platter of figs illustrates seasonal eating. Ideal for the ardent host, each menu is designed for 8-10 people and is simply served on a platter, family style.
Menus to try: Too Darned Hot, Alors! and Feeling Italian, Part I.
Available at AOL Shopping or call 800-722-7202.
Christopher Hirsheimer
Recent Comments
normathewitch12 04:11:53 PM Jan 04 2009
i ihate cook books you buy one then run to the store to buy half thr ingredients i am 80 years and have ciookrd since i was 1en years old
sg111grdy 01:55:18 PM Dec 23 2008
Totally agree with all y'all.. but have to say of the one's listed below... that "Get in the Kitchen, BIT@HES!" one is prob the one i would buy.. ha!.. thanks Brenda!
CarolinaCookie4 01:46:44 PM Dec 23 2008
OH, HELL, THESE BOOKS NEED TO BE PUT IN THE TRASH. WHO COOKS LIKE THAT? THE BEST COOKBOOK PUBLISHED IN 08 WAS THE FIX IT AND FORGET IT COOKBOOK FOR SLOW COOKERS. I'M TELLING YOU IT'S A MIRACULOUS WONDER. I GOT SLOWCOOKERS AND ONE OF THESE BOOKS FOR BOTH MY DAUGHTERS FOR CHRISTMAS. BUSY WITH KIDS AND JOBS YOU CAN'T BEAT THIS KIND OF COOKING. I'VE HAD ONE FOR YEARS AND I CAN TELL YOU IT'S WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD, THE COOKER AND THE BOOK. I'M A SOUTHERN GAL WHO KNOWS THE VALUE OF COOKING OVERNIGHT AND HAVING IT READY WHEN YOU GET HOME. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
rlnccorlis 11:51:45 AM Dec 23 2008
All these books are worthless have to buy extra stuff for anything u find in them. waste of money. There is a new one out I would like to find it is how to fix meals from the thing u buy from the 99cent stores. Was on Rachel Rays program a while back. Any one knows where I can buy one?? No kidding.
rlackey423 11:15:09 AM Dec 23 2008
These cookbooks are good but for everyday you need a" Calling All Cooks "cookbook. It is sold by Telecom Pioneers. Cost is $10.Simply recipes ,ingredents you have at home and easy to prepare. Best part is all profits from sales go to chartiable organizations.
csrossant 10:58:40 AM Dec 23 2008
As a Food writer I found 2 of your selections ridiculous. One is the El Boli book It is not a coleector's item as it is rediculous and no way can you either make a recipe or even have dinner in his restaurant as he is booked 3 years ahead and with the economy as it is this is not a good choice.The other one is Martha Steward book Her recipes are often too expensive and pretentious.You also missed Betty Fussell book about the history of beef really worth reading!colette Rossant csrossant@aol.com
orsnyder 10:26:27 AM Dec 23 2008
I'm a chef and some of these are not appealing for my style, so not saying they are not good. My experience is make it quick, tasty, no more than four ingredients and make it look good. My line is KISS Keep It Simple Stupid. Works in my restaurant
jerseymoe 08:31:51 AM Dec 23 2008
They forgot Paula Deens cookbook simply the best of best.
