8 Cookbooks From My Wishlist, Part 1

Though it’s easy to find recipes online these days, to me, there is nothing like a good ol’ cookbook. Print is definitely not dead in my kitchen! My cookbook collection is in no way complete, so today I thought I’d share a few of the ones I have on my wish list and why. What are some of your go-to cookbooks? // susannah 

See all eight of my favorites after the jump…

1. Home Made Summer — As much as I love a good cold winter, I have to admit I’m a little excited for summertime. I’ve thumbed through this book several times at bookstores and everything looks amazing. There’s a recipe for strawberry shortcake I’m dying to make.
// 2. The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book: Uncommon Recipes from the Celebrated Brooklyn Pie Shop — I have three words for you: Salty Honey Pie. If that’s not reason enough to get this cookbook, then I don’t know what is. I haven’t made any pies for this blog yet, but I can assure you that they’re coming. I love pie so much, and this beautiful cookbook would help me expand my knowledge of pastries, fillings and flavors.

3. Vintage Cocktails — Of course I had to sneak a cocktail book into this list! But really, the timeless drinks of our forefathers are still delicious concoctions of the bar. I’d love to learn the histories behind some of my favorite classics, such as the Bloody Mary, the Caipirinha and the Dark & Stormy. // 4. The Kinfolk Table — I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve seen so far from the gorgeous quarterly Kinfolk magazine. I suspect its cookbook companion would be no less wonderful.

5. Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones: 90 Recipes for Making Your Own Ice Cream and Frozen Treats from Bi-Rite Creamery — Ice cream is probably my favorite food in the entire world. Sadly, I’m slightly lactose intolerant, but I will still treat myself sometimes as long as I don’t overdo it! The ice cream recipes in this book sound simply divine, with flavors like orange-cardamom, honey lavender and chai-spiced milk chocolate. // 6. The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook — I have followed the Smitten Kitchen blog for years. Author Deb Perelman believes that cooking should be a pleasure, a mantra that shines through in her recipes. This book is one I’ve come close to buying several times.

7. One Bowl Baking: Simple, From Scratch Recipes for Delicious Desserts — Somehow, I can never cook or bake without dirtying every dish in the cupboards. The concept of this book — baking with just one bowl — is something I aspire to, but may never accomplish. Thank goodness for dishwashers! // 8. Smoke and Pickles: Recipes and Stories from a New Southern Kitchen — Being born and raised in the South, most of my recipes were given to me on paper recipe cards by family and friends. I think it’s time I add a Southern cookbook to my shelf too, don’t you? This one by chef Edward Lee also nods to the cuisines of New York City and South Korea.

(Photo //  Feast + West)