How to Buy a Cookbook


Whether you’re purchasing your first or your 40th cookbook, the cookbook section of your local bookstore can inspire feelings of vertigo–-the seemingly infinite choices! Great tomes with dozens of glossy pages displaying velvety trifles, grilled flank steaks and burgundy risottos might cause the novice to shriek: could I really cook any of this? While the budding foodie might wonder if their local gourmet shop carries agave nectar. From Middle Eastern fare to convenience cooking, over the past 20 years chefs have offered the home cook everything from culinary passports to their favorite exotic locales to shortcuts in the kitchen. So whether you want to grill a hot dog or perfect your pear strudel, these five easy tips will help you navigate the dizzying array of cookbook options.


Step1
Know What You Like: If you’re purchasing your first cookbook, keep it simple! Your primary cookbook should be a reflection of the kinds of food you not only enjoy eating but what you’d want to cook for others, and it should feel familiar and comforting. If you’re a seasoned cook seeking inspiration, travel to a new or neighboring region. Love Southern Italian cuisine? Consider African or Moroccan cookbooks as new adventures but minor pantry leaps

Step2
Ask Yourself: Am I Cook or Baker? Cooking a roast leaves enormous room for improvisation and flexibility while baking a cake is an exact science, requiring more kitchen supplies than a pan and a colander. Consider this when buying your first cookbook and be realistic on how often you’d bake

Step3
Do The Research: Many of the well-known chefs have television shows, columns in popular culinary magazines, blogs and websites where their recipes can be found online. Try their recipes to determine whether their culinary style works for you and if the recipes are easy and affordable. When shopping online, check out what others are buying under the “Customers who purchased X cookbook, bought Y cookbook” option.
Also, when you’re in a bookstore, scan the back of cookbooks–-if your favorite chef is singing the praises of a newbie, you might enjoy their food, too.

Step4
Be Realistic: Cookbooks are expensive investments so weigh your purchase decision carefully. Invest only in ones you’d actually use and don’t be tempted by food photography.

a. Skill: If you’re a new cook, start with the basics. Find cookbooks that are labeled “everyday”, “essential”, “simple” or “basic." If you’re experienced, try a specialty or region-specific cookbook.

b. Time: Consider your schedule when making a cookbook selection and whether the cookbook offers time-saving solutions and easily substitutable ingredients.

c. Budget: If you’re on a budget, scan the recipies in the cookbook. If many of them call for exotic ingredients that can only be found in upscale gourmet shops or via mail/internet order, or if the ingredient list seems complicated, choose books that offer simple recipes with ingredients that can be found in your pantry.

Step5
Know Your Pantry: Your pantry should be stocked with ingredients you frequently use and a good cookbook will show you how to cook delicious meals from a few simple ingredients. Your pantry should be as versatile as possible, so if soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger paste are not staples, think twice about that Asian cookbook unless you’re willing to make the financial and culinary investment.