enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

our new cookbook.

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On our flight home from Thanksgiving, Paul and I both felt a little blah. Paul did because he was heading into three weeks of sitting in lecture and I did because I am tired of the limbo feeling of not knowing where we are headed and what we'll do when we get there.

We made a few lists of things to do to help erase the blah's. Some of my suggestions were "rock-climbing" and "dog-walking." (Paul's were "veto" and "veto.") But one of the ones that stuck was "buy a new cookbook."

We cook at home about six out of seven nights and after two and a half years have fallen into quite a cooking rut. When we have some extra time and are totally bored with food, we usually turn to google, but following an online recipe is not very exciting. We wanted the glossy images and page turning energy that come with a real book.

I went to Williams-Sonoma the Monday after our decision to branch out and picked up the Barefoot Contessa Family Style cookbook. It's been two weeks and we have attacked just two recipes, but the ones we have tried have been fabulous. We're going to keep working our way through it and meanwhile, I am on the hunt for more great cookbooks. Do you have any favorites? Something you go back to again and again?

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PS : Today is the last day to order custom journals for delivery by Christmas.

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32 responses to “our new cookbook.”

  1. Allison Avatar
    Allison

    on my christmas list is the pioneer woman’s cookbook. i’ve looked through it at borders and it’s fabulous. every recipe of hers i’ve tried online has been delicious, so i’m sure this cookbook is even better.

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  2. Elise Blaha Avatar
    Elise Blaha

    that’s right! I need to get that… Thanks for the reminder.

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  3. scissor variations Avatar
    scissor variations

    I LOVE the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks–terrific, great food recipes that let the ingredients shine through.
    ‘Some’ of our favorites from her cookbooks:
    Lemon Arugula Pasta–Macaroni + Cheese–Scones, scones, scones—Apple Tarte—Tzatziki—Cupcakes—Beef Bourguignon—Yam Fries..
    Actually, when we want to try something new we sit curled up with ‘Ina’, reading off recipe titles–we know the recipes will ALWAYS turn out.
    Others that I go to again and again:
    Cold Weather Cooking (Sarah Leah Chase)
    pumpkin cranberry muffins–oatmeal cranberry orange cookies–the BEST beef stew ever (which I would not even eat until this recipe)
    Heart Smart Cooking (Bonnie Stern)–she has several Heart Smart collaborations.
    Fabulous recipes, with LOTS of flavor.
    Lemony Lentil Soup–Pad Thai–Ground Turkey Patties with a luscious sweet ‘n sour sauce—roasted squash spread, this is amazing on sandwiches…
    I have a large cookbook library, but when I want flavor, and guaranteed results these are the cookbooks I go to

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  4. Julie Johnson Avatar
    Julie Johnson

    I will second Pioneer Woman’s cookbook! I have made 5 or 6 recipes from in and everyone in my family LOVES them all! Even my kids who are quite picky and mostly boring eaters!

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  5. Chelsea Avatar
    Chelsea

    I am more of a baker than a cook-er…. but if you’re looking for easy, yummy desserts one of my favorites is called The Cake Mix Doctor
    http://www.cakemixdoctor.com/cakemixblog/index.php
    It’s full of recipes using boxed cake mix that you then add other goodies into. My absolute favorite cake ever is in here, the Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake. Lots of the recipes can be altered into cupcakes too!
    Yummmm I’m drooling right now just thinking about it!

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  6. scissor variations Avatar
    scissor variations

    I forgot to include that Barefoot Contessa has the BEST recipe for apple crisp–it calls for pears, but we just use all apples it has hints of lemon + orange zest and is incredible.

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  7. Susan C. Avatar
    Susan C.

    I will third the Pioneer Woman Cookbook! I’ve tried several of her recipes from her blog and they were all so good. (I highly recommend the Onion Blue Cheese sauce recipe that goes over steaks!!)
    Also, I’ve found some quick and easy recipes on Martha Stewart’s website. Oh! And never doubt the McCormick seasoning packs from the spice aisle at the grocery store. The White Chicken Chili one is good and sometimes you need an easy day when you can just throw it all into a crock pot. =)

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  8. cara harjes Avatar
    cara harjes

    check out heidi swanson’s Super Natural Cooking. she also has a website http://www.101cookbooks.com
    have fun!

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  9. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    OMG…I swear I can smell that fabulous looking meal!

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  10. KZJO Avatar
    KZJO

    if you love to bake, I love Martha Stewart’s baking handbook. The cinnamon raisin bread is so good! I make it at least every 2 months (it makes 2 loaves) I also got Martha Stewart’s Cooking School Book- I use it has reference all the time for techniques, basic recipes and great step by step photos.
    I also love all of the Barefoot Contessa Books.

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  11. Miss Cupcake Avatar
    Miss Cupcake

    My go to cookbook is “how to cook everything” because it provides the foundation for nearly every food and the recipes are fairly simple but allow you to spice up and tailor them to your likes. I’ve made quite a few items out of the book and added my personal touches and they have been very good.
    I also love Cooking Light magazine. Such great healthful food that is fun to make. Their inspiration and guildance taught me how to cook.

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  12. Tor Avatar
    Tor

    You should give “the silver spoon” a try. It is kind of an italian version of “the Pioneer Woman Cookbook”. No nonsense, really good recipies and useful tips. But don’t think that it is all about pasta and pizza. It is really a must have!

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  13. Marina H Avatar
    Marina H

    This is my favorite cookbook I own. It was a Christmas present last year and I cook a bunch of things from it. Great pancakes recipe, tortilla soup, cookies, and dinners. I love it! And I also love the Barefoot Contessa. Love her show too…

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  14. Marina H Avatar
    Marina H

    Totally forgot the link. Here you go!
    http://www.amazon.com/Food-Network-Kitchens-Favorite-Recipes/dp/B001Q3KM5I/ref=pd_sim_b_2

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  15. Jessy Avatar
    Jessy

    That looks absolutely delicious.
    I tend to use the (classic) Better Homes & Gardens plaid cookbook. I don’t remember which version I have, but there’s not that many new recipes compared to my mom’s, which is an older edition. Most of the new stuff is details on, like, how to properly cut this meat or pictures and flavor descriptions of squashes or something. Nice though.
    We got one (and man I wish I were home to tell you which one! I think it’s a Taste of Home chicken) at the grocery store checkout line. Best purchase in a while. There’s 2 recipes we’re loving heavily out of it: a chicken curry (it’s not spicy so my husband likes it), and chicken onion apple wraps.
    I also have 2 of the “Fix it and Forget it” crockpot/slowcooker recipe books. I haven’t tried much out of them (no pictures, unfortunately), but what I’ve tried’s been mostly good. I think a lot of them are the types of recipes you’ll try and then modify yourself the next time you do. I know there was a mandarin chicken we tried one night that was so-so and a really tasty cranberry turkey. I think I have the regular and the “light” cookbooks? I can’t remember though.
    One I like to do that my husband’s not as fond of is a peanut chicken stir-fry. You can buy peanut sauce at the grocery store, make the noodles to go with it (we just use spaghetti), add some veggies and that’s pretty much it.

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  16. Jessy Avatar
    Jessy

    Something else I did when we first moved into our apartment too was go to the library and get several cookbooks that I thought looked interesting. We could cook from it once and if we didn’t like it, back it went, with no issues. I found a couple recipes I liked, but I don’t think we’ve tried any. I want to get some of the cooking for two type books because I hate overmaking.

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  17. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    We got the First & Forever cookbook for our wedding and I adore. The recipes are pretty easy, comforting, nourishing, modern – I love the commentary & it focuses on the bride & groom. I highly, highly recommend it!
    http://www.amazon.com/Bride-Groom-First-Forever-Cookbook/dp/081183493X

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  18. Alison Holcomb Avatar
    Alison Holcomb

    An inn in Fredericksburg, TX has 3 amazing cookbooks out. The only one I have and use is The Peachtree Family Cookbook.. Their soups are extremely easy and delicious! Everything I’ve tried has been amazing
    http://www.peach-tree.com/cookbooks/index.shtml

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  19. sarah Avatar
    sarah

    i have all but one of ina garten’s cookbooks…LOVE them. beautiful photos and yummy food.
    i’m not remembering what all is in that cookbook…but that chicken stew with biscuits is a BIG favorite (put the parsley in the biscuits – it’s delicious. well, if you like parsley). is the tequila lime chicken in that book? it’s good too. i’ll have to check out my cook tonight and get back to you with my faves from it 🙂

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  20. mandie segura Avatar
    mandie segura

    As a self-proclaimed non-cook, I suggest The Pioneer Woman’s cookbook. It’s amazing, and the photos help SO much! We’ve made several of her recipes, and I’ve never spent so much time in the kitchen(and being so proud of myself!) as I have the last month or so! It’s given me confidence to try other recipes, too!

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  21. Jill Avatar
    Jill

    I like the Moosewood Cookbook, and a recent on-line discovery for me, smitten kitchen.

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  22. Jennifer I. Avatar
    Jennifer I.

    I am not a cook by any means, but I really enjoy The Simple Foods cookbook by Alice Waters and the Pioneer Woman’s Cookbook is great also!

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  23. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    Barefoot Contessa books are the best!! I haven’t tried a recipe that I haveen’t liked yet!! But really, how can you go wrong with butter and cream…. 🙂

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  24. virginia Avatar
    virginia

    i am a cookbook junkie – i love the contessa ones
    another one that is great (and i mean every page great) is Martha Stewart Great Food Fast – easy and delish meals organized by season.
    i also love trish magwood party dish – has great casual sharesies type food (this may be a Canadian pub though b/c i know she is Cdn)

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  25. cedwards Avatar
    cedwards

    whole foods has a cookbook. I think it’s just called The Whole Foods Cookbook. Anyhow, I’ve tried many dishes and they are very good. I like to cook more than “comfort” foods. These are great tasting dishes but a bit more on the healthier side.

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  26. Marie T Avatar
    Marie T

    I agree with Miss Cupcake — How to Cook Everything (Mark Bitman) is a terrific book – it’s straight forward, easy to follow — and consistently good. I was a personal chef for a summer and this was one I used a lot.
    And a magazine is a great thing – I love Everyday Food from Martha Stewart.
    Classic’s are Shelia Lulkin’s Silver Palate books — you might be able for find them @ a used bookstore.

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  27. Patricia Avatar
    Patricia

    My new favorite is the Pioneer Woman’s cookbook ~ we’re working our way through it and every single recipe has been awesome! Another one that’s good is Incredibly Easy Weeknight Meals. So many good ones out there to choose from … happy cooking!!

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  28. Lane C Avatar
    Lane C

    I heart Apples for Jam, it is specific but gives you wiggle room and full of family favorites aka comfort food.

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  29. cris Avatar
    cris

    “The Splendid Table’s How to Eat Supper”
    Best. Vegetable. Soup. Ever.

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  30. cheiron Avatar
    cheiron

    The Pioneer Woman is excellent. But I have all the Barefoot Contessa books too..that Chicken Stew is excellent! Even the kids loved it.

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  31. fiona lynne Avatar
    fiona lynne

    We got the Ottolenghi cookbook as a late wedding present just last week and it has been obsessive bedtime reading for me since it arrived! We tried the caramlised endive recipe at the weekend which was wonderful, and I’ve added post-its to the majority of pages 🙂
    Their restaurant webpage (they’re based in London) is: http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/

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  32. andrea Avatar
    andrea

    I have to agree with the Pioneer Woman comments. I LOVE it!

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