The cookbooks that I actually use
From Portugal, to baking to southern cooking, these are my cherished cookbooks.
Portuguese Cookbooks
The best Portuguese cookbooks I have found across the internet and in Portugal (translated to English). I cook and bake daily, food is like a religion to me, so these books I do not recommend lightly. I have made and tested many recipes in each of ...
Hands down one of the prettiest covers to a cookbook I own, no need for photographs when you have an Azulejos inspired woven design on the cover. Then you get to the recipes, which are incredible. I make a seafood rice dish from this book monthly. Also, if you ever think you need to go to Lisbon to get a Portuguese Custard Tart and wade through a stupidly long line for it- nope, the recipe in this book is perfection. Every time.
The ghost writer for this book is one of the best in the industry. She brings you into the setting in which these recipes are made and inspired by. It is so much more than a Portuguese cookbook. I highly recommend this, it makes a beautiful coffee table book and gift.
Beautiful, easy to follow Portuguese recipes, all the classics like cod and potatoes!
Chicken meat pie recipe is absolutely a replica of the ones I have every time I am in the Alentejo!
Not only is this book beautiful, it is filled with gorgeous recipes that are more complex than some books, but I still recommend it for those who adore cooking. I am addicted to Venison in Juniper Pepper Crust.
This will take you back to your grandmother's recipes, purely Portuguese through and through.
For the home cooks who want Portuguese cuisine but simple recipes.
Baking
As a home baker who also has sold her baked goods in the past, these are books I actually have used, love and will gift others. From yeasty breads and desserts to full on gourmet dessert baking and everything in-between.
If you like baking yeasty breads and cakes, this is the book for you. Challah, brioche and so much more. I have taken some of the recipes and added my own flare (spices) to them as well. This is a beautiful book that will make your mouth water!
This is a hands down must buy book for anyone with kids or who bakes for kids. Harry Potter themed desserts that are so fun to make and eat. In fact, I don't have kids and have a blast baking these for friends and we are over 40!
Are you obsessed with chocolate, look no further this is the chocolate master!
If you like whimsical, complex, totally delicious desserts to wow people's socks off, this is the book for you!
Hands down the best ginger snap recipe, ever!
So many delicious and easy pie recipes, just try them all!
A former pastry chef at the White House, so interesting to see what he made for former Presidents. There is a recipe for everyone.
A gorgeous baking cookbook with many nods to Middle Eastern desserts, spices and flavors. It will make you drool, but the beauty is none of the desserts are cloyingly sweet.
One of my favorite books. The madeleine recipe is the best you will ever find as is the onion tart, gougerés.. and so on. You need this one.
Do you love southern baked goods, look no further! I highly recommend the sweet potato pie… I mean, just too dang good!
Mary Berry's best baking recipes. Delicious tray bakes to pastries, tarts, puddings and pies you will use this book often!
Southern Cooking
Born in the south, I am pretty picky about my southern cooking recipes. These are books that I think should be in every kitchen that loves southern dishes.
One of my favorite southern cookbooks, it gives so much more than recipes, it gives stories and uses ingredients so many southern cookbooks skip. I mean, curried peach preserves on fried green tomatoes.. yes!
Simple, fresh and yummy southern dishes. I love the gingersnap ice cream sandwiches.
The only shrimp and grits you ever need to learn. I used to live right near Edisto Island, trust me, you want her recipes!
Absolutely beautiful book, celebrating the Southern biscuit and Black culinary splendors. I seriously cannot recommend this more.
If you are into sustainability in food, love southern food and drink and want to make delicious meals for loved ones all in one. This is the unique book for you.
Indian Cookbooks
I make a curry 2-3x a week, these books are a must if you love Indian food and want to nail the flavors correctly. They have made me understand the complexities of spices in Indian dishes and because of them I have confidence.
If you buy one book on Indian cuisine, this has to be it. Absolutely the most incredible and comprehensive Indian cookbook, in fact it even gives you where to purchase ingredients that are not readily available near you!
Technically this book covers Asia and the Middle East, but Madhur Jaffrey is the Indian cookbook queen. This is a vegetarian bible basically and trust me, you don't need to be vegetarian to fall in love with the recipes!
The only vegetarian cookbook one ever needs, well if you adore Indian spices that is. So many favorites, but Okra fries…
Middle Eastern
A truly amazing cookbook for unique and traditional Shabbat meals (and you can make any recipe anytime especially if you aren't Jewish). I make the garlic confit bi-weekly and am a little addicted to the apple salad.
An absolute MUST in any Middle Eastern kitchen. This book has so many gorgeous recipes and the photos will make your mouth water!
Asian
Hands down my favorite Chinese chef that, I ate at his restaurant many times visiting relatives. This is a quintessential Chinese cookbook. The scallion pancakes are the absolute best, I make them way too often!
A unique Japanese twist on foods and dishes from around the world. You'll love it I think.
With over 500 recipes of Japanese dishes you will find MANY things you want to keep on constant rotation. Some are a little intimidating but SO worth it
Mediterranean
Fresh veg, seafood and all the good things in life!
Absolutely in love with this cookbook. It seems basic and it is, 5 ingredients but truly delicious meals.
Just delicious
The general cookbooks that don't fit into one section.
It's Mary Berry at her finest. You will get a lot out of this. Basics and then really stunning meals as well.
If you love baking, but savory baking, meat pies, quiches, etc. this book is amazing and so inspiring!
Don't let the title scare you off. This is an amazing cookbook for those with any health issues, especially inflammation. This cookbook helps guide you through eating to help your body.