These are some books I've recommended, you can purchase them for amazon.com, they offer most books at below the list price. I'm starting off with my current obsessions, french food, italian food, and herbs, so that's all you'll find for now. I've tried to only choose books which cost below $20, though there will be a few which cost more. Please note that most of these summaries were written by other people and I haven't actually written the summaries, but please check out French Bistro Cooking, below, it's a great book, I have that one.
100
Great Pie & Pastry Recipes
by Shelli McConnell (Editor)
Any time is the right time for pie! This collection includes recipes
for an array of sweetly satisfying confections, including tarts, crisps,
and cobblers, fruit pies, creamy custards, and chiffons--plus a selection
of recipes for savory main-dish pies. The degree of difficulty is noted
for each recipe. Full-color photos illustrate finished food. Hidden spiral
binding.
Acquired
Taste : The French Origins of Modern Cooking
by T. Sarah Peterson
Beautiful paintings and recipes from period cooking supplement a technical
yet involving history of French influences on modern cooking, with chapters
pursuing French involvements in the development of world cuisines. Here
is the perfect item of choice for any with a prior affection for culinary
history and French cooking, who want a clear view of world food developments
through the ages.
Afternoon
Teas : Recipes-History-Menus (Between Friends Cookbook)
by Pam McKee, Lin Webber, Ann Krum
This full-color gift book illustrated in glowing watercolors serves
as the perfect guide to the joys of serving afternoon tea. Information
about the history and varieties of tea, background on the different tea
ceremonies, and more than 50 recipes are lovingly presented. Recipes for
teas and beverages, breads and spreads, light servings and--of course--sweets.
Includes four suggested menus using the recipes in the book.
Along
the Garden Path
by Bill Varney, Sylvia Varney, Fredericksburg Herb Farm
Fredericksburg Herb Farm's husband and wife team share their wisdom
and love of herb gardening, crafting, and cooking with you. These herbal
delights and other garden dreams are made feasible with down to earth advice,
accessible seasoning steps, and cultivated quotes from famous gardening
gurus.
America's
Collectible Cookbooks : The History, the Politics, the Recipes
by Mary Anna Dusablon
A compendium of recipes, historical narrative, publishing anecdotes,
and rambling reflection about cookbooks and cookbook authors in America.
At
Home With the French Classics
by Richard Grausman
This treasury of over 250 classic and traditional French dishes offers
recipes that are not only approachable, but are also geared to the contemporary
American life-style. "Grausman's book will help you conquer your awe of
French cooking."--Publishers Weekly. 2-color line drawings throughout
Beautiful
Easy Herbs : How to Get the Most from Herbs - In Your Garden and in Your
Home
by Laurence Sombke
Popular radio garden expert Laurence Sombke tells how to grow, harvest,
and use the best herbs. He includes favorite herb recipes and the secrets
of preserving the fresh flavor of home-grown herbs. Also included are 20
herb garden designs, such as The Potpourri Garden, The Kitchen Herb Garden,
or The Herb Tea Garden. 115 color photos. 85 illus.
The
Best 50 Focaccia Recipes (The Best 50 Series)
by Donna E. German
No review available, but it's cheap.
The
Best of Southern Italian Cooking
by J. C. Grasso
Here's a gourmet's collection of nealy 200 robust, satisfying dishes
from southern Italy and Sicily. Antipasti, soups, pasta and grain dishes,
meat and fish courses, beans, vegetables, salads, desserts and pastries
are all presented here, along with menus, ingredients, information on wines,
and conversion tables. Now available in trade paper. 32 full-color photos
Biscotti
by Lou Seibert Pappas, Piet Halberstadt
Biscotti, the delicate, flavorful Italian cookie that is sweeping the
American cafe scene, is presented in all its understated glory in this
collection of 30 delectable recipes, each illustrated with a charming watercolor.
Includes tips on baking and serving biscotti. 35 full-color illustrations.
Bistro
Cooking
by Patricia Wells, Judy Kleiber Jones
Chosen Cookbook of the Year (1989) by USA Today and selected as an
Editor's Choice for the year's top books by Publishers Weekly, Patricia
Wells's Bistro Cooking celebrates the return to warm, generous cuisine.
Here are over 200 recipes inspired by the neighborhood restaurants of France--adapted
and tested for the American table. 2-color photos and illustrations throughout.
Bitter
Almonds; Recollections and Recipes from a Sicilian Girlhood
by Maria Grammatico, Mary Taylor Simeti
This combination of recollections and cookbook is an inspiring story
of triumph over adversity. Raised in an orphanage, Maria left at age 22
with nothing but the centuries-old secrets of the orphanage's divine pastries.
Maria presents these one-of-a-kind treats in 50 delicious recipes. 8 pages
of color photos.
The
Book of French Provincial Cooking
by Hilaire Walden, Simon Butcher (Photographer)
Proud of their worldwide reputation for haute cuisine, the French are
just as passionate about traditional cooking. This collection of hearty
French favorites contains recipes for every course, from appetizers to
desserts, each illustrated with step-by-step, full-color photos. 100 recipes.
Bread
Baking With Herbs : Delicious Breads, Muffins, Foccacia, and More (The
Country Baker)
by Mimi Luebbermann
These are heavenly herb treats--shortbreads, muffins, focaccia breads,
herbed pizza dough, sandwich bread, tarts, and more. This cookbook offers
both sweet and savory breads, and instructions for growing your own herbs.
The
Capitol Cookbook : A Facsimile of the Original 1899 Edition
by Edith Fletcher Williams, E. G. Myers, Edith Flecther Williams
This reprint of a now-very-rare 1899 cookbook of Southern cooking is
sprinkled with advertisements of turn-of-the-century Austin businesses
as presented in the original book and with over twenty-five rare, old-time
views of the Capitol which have been added to this new edition. The volume
is much more than just a rarity-it is also a very good cookbook of clearly
stated and easily followed recipes; one of the twenty-four sectional categories
of recipes contains over 100 of the ladies' prized cake recipes, followed
by a section of dozens of icings. It will appeal to those who love Austin
and Texas as well as to those who good food.
Celebrating
the Impressionist Table
by Pamela Todd, Laurie Evans (Photographer), Louise Pickford
An illuminating cookbook which explores the food and art of 19th-century
France--an era ablaze with the genius of such artists as Monet, Renoir,
Toulouse-Lautrec, Morisot, Cezanne, Pissarro, Manet, Gauguin, and Degas--Celebrating
the Impressionist Table contains 100 elegantly presented, classic recipes
typical of what the artists themselves would have enjoyed. 70 color photos.
The
Classic Mediterranean Cookbook
by Sarah Woodward
Celebrate the cuisine of the Mediterranean, featuring delicacies from
Egypt, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Turkey. Woodward
demonstrates key preparation techniques for more than 130 tempting recipes
in 230 step-by-step, full-color photographs.
Coffeetime
Indulgences : 65 Irresistible Recipes to Serve With Coffe-Morning, Noon,
or Night
by Linda Hegeman, Barbara Hayford
Because every coffee occasion is different and every cup needs its
perfect accompaniment, this essential cookbook for coffee lovers provides
65 recipes for foods that go perfectly with coffee--from muffins, breads
and scones to brownies, bars, cookies, biscotti, cakes, crisps, puddings,
pies, tarts, and tortes.
A
Culinary Voyage Through Germany
by Hannelore Kohl (Editor)
From the Baltic coast to the Alps to the Lower Rhine, this book features
more than 300 recipes showcasing the typical dishes and regional specialties
of Germany, many of which have been handed down for generations. 240 color
illustrations.
Early
French Cookery : Sources, History, Original Recipes and Modern Adaptations
by D. Eleanor Scully, Terence Scully, J. David Scully (Illustrator)
There is no summary, but click the link and you'll be able to scroll
down and see the table of contents, sometimes that's a good way to buy
a book.
Encyclopedia
of Classic French Pastries : History and Legends of the Great Pastries
of France/Easy-To-Follow Recipes for Home Cooks
by Susan Whatley
The great pastries of France with history and legends. Easy to follow
recipes for home cooks include the classic basic doughs, creams, syrups,
and fillings. "Whatley's clear instructions make her recipes easily accessible
to the home cook, and her headnotes include culinary lore not found in
the basic texts. . . . invaluable."--Library Journal.
Flavored
Vinegars : 50 Recipes for Cooking With Infused Vinegars
by Michael Chiarello, Penny Wisner, Daniel Proctor (Photographer),
Penelope Wisner
From classic balsamic and red wine vinegars to innovative elixirs infused
with fruit, savory, and herbal essences, flavored vinegars are as perfect
for gift-giving as they are for enlivening favorite dishes. This collection
of more than 50 delectable, quick-and-easy recipes features inventive ideas
for entrees,pasta dishes, marinades--even desserts. 26 color photos.
Flavors
of the Riviera : Discovering Real Mediterranean Cooking
by Colman Andrews
Linking the best of southern France with the best of central and northern
Italy, this cookbook explores the fabulous cuisine that flourishes between
Tuscany and Provence, offering an exciting new look at a particularly sensual
style of cooking that virtually redefines Mediterranean food. An eight-page
color insert captures the savory appeal of nearly 150 recipes and the very
spirit of the region itself in evocative portraits.
Focaccia
: Simple Breads from the Italian Oven
by Carol Field, Joyce Oudkerk Pool (Photographer)
Focaccia, a delicious northern Italian flatbread, is fast becoming
as popular in this country as pizza. Written by an acclaimed expert on
Italian baking and illustrated with full-color photos, this inviting cookbook
provides the key to making simple, flavorful focaccia a staple of all your
meals. Includes 50 recipes for savory and sweet versions of focaccia.
The
Food and Wine of Greece : More Than 300 Classic and Modern Dishes from
the Mainland and Islands of Greece
by Diane Kochilas, Vassilis Stenos
Greece and its many islands are rich with traditional and regional
culinary dishes that go far beyond the standard fare of moussaka and spinach
pie. Diane Kochilas collected 250 recipes, adapting them where necessary,
to make them accessible to modern cooks with modern ingredients, in this
comprehensive guide to an exciting but relatively unexplored cuisine.
The
Foods of Greece
by Aglaia Kremezi, Martin Brigdale (Photographer)
Greek cooking is perhaps the healthiest of all Mediterranean cuisines.
Since ancient times, olives and bread have been at its heart, augmented
with fresh vegetables, fish, grains, legumes, fruits, and small amounts
of chicken, lamb, and veal. 135 recipes. 150 full-color photos. Map.
French
Bistro Cooking
by John Varnom, J. Valrom
I have a slightly different version of this same book, so I hope it
has the same contents and just a different cover. It's an excellent book,
with 99 recipes (by my count, I may be off by one or two), plus instructions
on making such staples as a vinaigrette, pastries, and glazes, as well
as very helpful instructions on deboning a chicken. This is well worth
the money!
French
Farmhouse Cookbook
by Susan Herrmann Loomis, Patricia Wells
The food in the French Farmhouse Cookbook is a reminder of how deeply
the soul of French cooking is rooted in the fruits of the soil and sea.
For three years, Susan Herrmann Loomis traveled the coasts and visited
rural farms in all corners of France. She discovered more than treasured
recipes for the quintessentially French dishes that appear in this book.
She also met people passionate about the foodstuffs they raise, gather,
catch, or produce. Their stories make this book a living tapestry of individuals
and the food they cook. Many dishes, while utterly French, fit well into
today's preferences for sensible good eating.
French
Tarts : 50 Sweet and Savory Recipes
by Linda Dannenberg
This collection of recipes for 50 of the most delectable and easy-to-prepare
savory and sweet tarts from the top bakers, chefs, and great home cooks
of France represents many different regions, including Provence, Burgundy,
Bordeaux, the Riviera, and, of course, Paris. 20 color photos. 50 color
illustrations.
From
Tapas to Meze : First Courses from the Mediterranean Shores of Spain, France,
Italy, Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa
by Joanne Weir
The first book to explore the savory first courses of Meditteranean
cuisine--from Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, and
North Africa--offers an outstanding array of international recipes for
appetizers and hors d'oeuvres that can start off a meal with flair--or
become the meal entirely.
From
the Tables of Tuscan Women : Recipes and Traditions
by Anne Bianchi, Douglas Hatschek (Photographer)
Lucca may be a lesser-known area of Tuscany, but it provided ample
material for Bianchi, who toured the countryside, partook of meals, hunted
for mushrooms, and reveled in colorfully told stories. Each chapter of
her book opens with an introduction to a Lucchese signora, and in every
instance these ladies can be counted on for operatic anecdotes that extend
beyond discerning culinary advice to local gossip and lore. Melding a delightfully
informative narrative with an admirable group of recipes, Bianchi's book,
with its familiarity with the people and the traditions of this rather
small region, adds up to a well-seasoned cookbook meriting attention beyond
its instructive value for delectable cuisine.
The
Greek Cook Book (International Cook Book Series)
by Sophia Skoura
This masterfully done cookbook features 500 exotic recipes from one
of Greece's best-selling cookbooks, and uses American measurements. The
tempting and unusual dishes can be prepared from ingredients readily available
to the American cook.
Greek
Cuisine
by Vefa Alexiadou
Gathering material from generations of Greek cooks, Vefa Alexiadou
shares 290 recipes that reflect the traditional food of Greek households,
holidays, and festivals. Delicious recipes cover every aspect of a well-planned
meal and are combined with descriptions of their historical or religious
origins. Tantalizing photographs will make your mouth water! 138 color
photos
Greek
Pastries and Desserts
by Vefa Alexiadou
Many of the recipes in this collection of exquisite Greek pastries
and desserts are based on the celebration of weddings or traditional religious
holidays. Eight chapters--Preserved Fruits, Breads and Doughs, Creams and
Ice Creams, Cakes and Tortes, Jams and Compotes, Syrup Pastries and Desserts,
Cookies and Confections, and Religion and Tradition--offer a tasty variety
of Greek sweets. 133 color photos.
Grill
Italian
by Clifford A. Wright
Before presenting 100 recipes gathered from all corners of Italy, Wright
summarizes the cook's eternal debate--gas versus charcoal--and outlines
all the necessary concerns for producing food alla griglia, including fuel,
fire, and accessories. Variations on a specific dish--mixed grill, for
instance, in three versions--and informative sidebars make for a culinary
collection that's unusual enough to add to the many shelves of Italian
cookbooks.
Herbal
Vinegar
by Maggie Oster
This unique book begins with dozens of ideas for making and flavoring
inexpensive and easy herb, spice, vegetable, and flower vinegars. It then
continues with more than 100 recipes for using flavored vinegars in everything
from soups, salsas, pastas, vegetables, and entrees. In addition, this
book includes instructions for growing herbs indoors and out and more than
100 vinegar-based personal and household uses and hints.
Herbs
for the Home : A Definitive Sourcebook to Growing and Using Herbs
by Jekka McVicar
Thorough information on each plant--from the most well-known to many
not explored in other herb books--this book gives step-by-step instructions
on propagation, cultivation, and details on culinary, medicinal and decorative
uses. Also includes the history of each herb, more than 200 recipes and
ideas for their use, and more than 1,000 color photos and illustration.
The
International Breakfast Book : Greet the Day With 100 Recipes from Around
the World
by Martha Hollis
The most important meal of the day deserves something more interesting
than a piece of toast and a cup of coffee. "The International Breakfast
Book" revolutionizes the morning meal ritual by exploring breakfast menus
and eating styles from Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas.
Island
Barbecue : Spirited Recipes from the Caribbean
by Dunstan A. Harris, Brooke Scudder (Illustrator)
From Rum Barbecue Sauce to Jerked Baby Back Ribs, this book offers
a sizzling collection of over 60 recipes, complete with full-color illustrations,
invaluable information on grilling techniques, and a source list of Caribbean
ingredients.
The
Kitchen Garden Cookbook
by Sylvia Thompson
This marvelous collection of recipes showcases the home gardener's
harvest with more than 300 recipes, plus complete instructions for making
everything from sauerkraut to preserves to hominy. Each vegetable, herb,
and fruit has nutritional notes, as well as information on its affinities
in the kitchen.
The
Mafia Cookbook
by Joseph Iannuzzi, Bob Drury, Carolyn Beauchamp
Here, at last, is what you have always wanted to know about the Mafia,
but have been afraid to ask: What they eat and how to cook it. In The Mafia
Cookbook, an ex-mafioso and ace chef combines the two greatest obsessions
of American book buyers--organized crime and food. Line drawings.
North
Africa : The Vegetarian Table (Vegetarian Table Series , Vol 4)
by Kitty Morse, Deborah Jones (Photographer)
Redolent of saffron, ginger, and cinnamon, and vivid with the sun-drenched
flavors of fresh fruits, grains, and vegetables, the cuisines of Morocco,
Algeria, and Tunisia are as delicious as they are exotic. More than 80
distinctive vegetarian recipes, a special section on entertaining, and
tempting, full-color photos fill the pages of this exciting fourth voulme
in the popular Vegetarian Table series. 48 color photos.
Pampille's
Table : Recipes and Writings from the French Countryside
by Shirley King, Marthe Bons Plats De France Daudet
Cookbook author and francophile Shirley King presents a new translation
of a 1919 French classic which blends food writing descriptions with over
200 French country dishes which require relatively little preparation.
Enjoy a fine classic presentation which will appeal to cooks already familiar
with some French cuisine, who want more details and further recipes.
The
Pepper Harvest Cookbook
by Barbara Ciletti
Peppers grow in many colorful varieties and are popular ingredients
in cuisines from around the world. In this harvest cookbook, longtime gardener
and pepper fancier Barbara Ciletti gives readers delicious information
about all types of peppers. Readers will learn the best ways to harvest
and store peppers, as well as how to use them in many and varied recipes.
120 full-color photos.
Provence
the Beautiful Cookbook : Authentic Recipes from the Regions of Provence
by Richard Olney (Editor), Jacques Gantie, Michael Freeman
Expect to be swept away by this luscious addition to the Beautiful
Cookbook series. With fascinating, well-researched descriptions of each
region's history and cultural peculiarities, as well as evocative photographs
of Provençal life, the magical atmosphere of Provence is perfectly
captured. Not least of all, look for exquisite photography accompanying
Olney's treasure trove of recipes. Many of the dishes, such as classic
stuffed tomatoes, will be accessible to beginning cooks, and other gastronomic
pleasures will surely challenge even sophisticated gourmets. If nothing
else, Olney and his cohorts provide a thrilling armchair excursion to one
of the loveliest areas in France--with just the turn of a page.
Red,
White & Greens : The Italian Way With Vegetables
by Faith Willinger
For those who immediately associate Italian cooking with meatballs
and red sauce, Faith Willinger has a treat. She has composed a cookbook
of everyday, family Italian recipes that rely on vegetables and tradition.
Each chapter features a specific vegetable, offering recipes and entertaining
explanations on the traditional purpose of specific dishes. Try Carmignano
fennel seed-spiced dried figs or Torquato's Rice and Cabbage Soup--her
concoctions are creative yet simple to make.
Risotto
Risotti
by Judith Barrett
Judith Barret offers nore than 100 new recipes for risotto, showcasing
the flavors of not just Italy, but Asia, India, and Latin America. Following
a reference guide to risotto and risotto techniques, Risotto Risotti includes
chapters on broths, vegetable risotti, seafood and fish risotti, meat risotti,
low-fat risotti, risotto cakes, riceless "risotti," and dessert risotti.
The
Sephardic Kitchen : The Healthy Food and Rich Culture of the Mediterranean
Jews
by Robert J. Sternberg
The definitive book on the foods, menus, celebrations, and lore of
the Mediterranean Jews, this book will be a mainstay of Jewish-American
cooks of all backgrounds. It provides American cooks with a comprehensive
introduction to this cuisine and helps them add spice and variety to their
menus. Line drawings throughout.
Simple
French Food
by Richard Olney, Patricia Wells, James A. Beard
With over 250 recipes, this true cooking classic met with critical
acclaim by cooks and critics when first published in 1974.
Sweet
Basil, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Chives : The Vegtable Dishes of Tuscany and
Provence
by Diana Shaw
With the popularity of Tuscan and Provencal cooking at an all-time
high, this collection of 160 recipes presents a glorious variety of meatless
soups, salads, hearty main courses, and delicious desserts drawn from the
rich culinary traditions of the two regions. Will appeal to dedicated vegetarians
who are tired of more pedestrian meatless cookbooks, as well as anyone
eager to sample tantalizing dishes from a part of the world where living
to eat is no vice.
Taking
Tea With Alice : Looking-Glass Tea Parties and Fanciful Victorian Teas
by Dawn Hylton Gottlieb, Diane Sedo
This delightful party planner combines the magic of Alice in Wonderland
with the timeless charm of tea, showing readers how to create six of their
own magical tea parties with "Alice" themes, and featuring recipes for
a wide variety of scrumptious treats. Full-color illustrations & photos.
A
Taste of Old Cuba : More Than 150 Recipes for Delicious, Authentic, and
Traditional Dishes Highlighted With Reflections and Reminiscenes
by Maria Josefa Lluria De O'Higgins
An evocative feast for all the senses, A Taste of Old Cuba combines
a Cuban expatriate's charming and vivid memories of a childhood on the
idyllic island before Castro's revolution with more than 150 recipes for
delicious, authentic, and traditional Cuban dishes.
Taste
of Romania : Its Cookery and Glimpses of Its History, Folklore, Art, Literature,
and Poetry
by Nicolae Klepper
Over 140 recipes, including the specialty dishes of Romania's top chefs,
are intermingled with fables, poetry, illustrations, and photos. "A brilliant
cultural and culinary history of this little-known country . . . a collection
of recipes to be treasured, tested, and enjoyed".--George Lang, owner,
Cafe de Artistes (New York)
Your
Backyard Herb Garden : A Gardener's Guide to Growing over 50 Herbs Plus
How to Use Them in Cooking, Crafts, Companion Planting, and More
by Miranda Smith
Your Backyard Herb Garden brings both beauty and practicality to this
immensely popular subject. Over 300 color photos and illustrations are
featured, covering more than 50 of the most popular garden herbs. Includes
recipes for herbal seasonings, vinegars, oils, jellies, breads and teas.