Five Most Recognized Cookbooks of All Time

As crucial as cookbooks are, they take up space, so choose wisely. What are some of the must-haves for your kitchen shelf? Consider five of the most recognized cookbooks of all time.

1. Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer
It’s a kitchen staple, and it has been for more than eighty years. First published privately by homemaker Irma S. Rombauer, today, Joy of Cooking remains one of the most widely read books of all time. The Joy of Cooking covers Mrs. Rombauer’s unique style of both writing and cooking.
It is more than just a cookbook, though, which is one of the reasons it remains popular. The book includes humorous comments about cooking and serving food. Each recipe comes with a casual discussion about hosting, cooking techniques, and even etiquette. There are eight editions of the Joy of Cooking, and it continues to be a mainstay in kitchens all over the county.

2. Baking from My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan
Dorie Greenspan is a well-known name in the culinary industry. As the author of nine cookbooks, she has earned the nickname “culinary guru.” In this book, Dorie offers detailed instructions on making 230 of her top baked goods recipes along with some warm conversation and technique tips.

3. The New York Times Cookbook by Craig Claiborne
A food columnist at the New York Times, Craig Claiborne wrote the book on cookbooks. Like the Joy of Cooking, The New York Time Cookbook is a classic that gets better with every edition. Craig took recipes published in the New York Times, almost 1,500, collated them and put them in a book that has something for everyone.

4. The Art of Simple Food Volume I by Alice Waters
Alice Waters, the founder of the world-famous Chez Panisse, focuses on taking the fuss out of cooking in most of her many cookbooks. The Art of Simple Food Volume I covers produce and includes more than 200 recipes for organic dishes. Although not a classic like some of the others, it does embrace the minimalist lifestyle that so many people seek today.  The Art of Simple Food Volume I was quickly followed by The Art of Simple Food Volume II and a few other choice titles from author Alice Waters.

5. James Beard’s American Cookery by James Beard
Called the father of American Cookery, James Beard was a big believer in American cuisine. His book on the subject is an illustrated and almost encyclopedic cookbook with no fewer than 1,500 of his favorite recipes. The American Cookery book was one of 20 written by James Beard before his death at the age of 81, but it is considered by experts in the field of gastronomy his best.
Food trends come and go, but a good cookbook will last a lifetime or two. These five are some of the most recognized, but there are many more out there worth exploring.