From Spills to Skills: My Favorite Cookbooks
And How They Fill My Kitchen with Flavor
Growing up, I was always reading.
I felt comforted by the smell of old pages and the feel of a well-worn book cover.
Books have always been my teachers. I’ve spent hours upon hours reading, often disappearing into a world where each turn of the page taught me something new.
I tend to find my books secondhand, whether from estate and yard sales, library book fairs, or borrowed copies that are well-loved and dog-eared. Some of my favorites were picked up on clearance at stores that no longer exist.
From these vintage books, I’ve learned to build machines, play music, and—most importantly—how to cook.
Cooking is an art form I’ve grown to cherish over the years, and the cookbooks that have accompanied me along the way have played a huge part in shaping the cook I am today.
The beauty of a cookbook is that it provides structure while also encouraging creativity. You can follow a recipe to the letter or let it inspire you to add your own twist, knowing that the foundation is solid.
Unlike the fleeting nature of technology, cookbooks are permanent companions. You can come back to them over and over again, with your hands covered in flour or sauce, turning to the same beloved pages as the spine softens and the corners bend.
Each spill on the page tells a story of its own, marking your progress as a cook.
Ultimately, cookbooks are more than just guides—they are silent, knowing mentors. They are there with you, offering both the freedom to explore new flavors and the reassurance that with each dish, you’re growing as a cook.
In this post, I highlight five of my favorite cookbooks.
Let me know in the comments which cookbooks are in your kitchen!
Best-Ever Curry Cookbook
I picked up the Best-Ever Curry Cookbook when I wanted to dive into the world of far Eastern cuisine. Curries, samosas, and the spices of India have always fascinated and nourished me, and this book was my passport into that vibrant culinary landscape. What I love about it is how accessible it made a world of flavors that initially felt intimidating. I learned how to layer spices, create balance in a dish, and master the art of curry. But it was more than just learning to make specific dishes; it opened up an entire new way of thinking about food—bold, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Bragg’s Vegetarian Health Recipes
I discovered Bragg’s Vegetarian Health Recipes in my early thirties when I was on a healing journey. After being very sick, I needed a complete reset—physically, emotionally, and nutritionally. This book was a lifeline during that time. I also like how quirky it is written. It’s written by the same folks that bring you Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar (With the Mother)! You can truly sense Paul and Patricia’s lively personality in every recipe. It’s packed with plant-based recipes that are nourishing and simple. What makes it special is the way it approaches health through food, emphasizing healing through nature’s bounty. It wasn’t just about eating better; it was about feeling better and this book helped me to rebuild my health from the inside out. While I am no longer a vegetarian, I still come back to this cookbook anytime I need a pick me up or am feeling under the weather. It’s a great book!
Tartine Bread
I bought Tartine Bread when I was first learning how to bake bread. If you’ve ever tried making sourdough from scratch, you know it’s a humbling process, one that requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of how dough reacts to time, temperature, and touch. Tartine Bread by Chad Robertson guided me through this journey with such clarity. It’s almost like a bread bible, explaining the nuances of naturally leavened bread in ways that made the process feel achievable, even when my first loaves didn’t turn out quite as expected. Through this book, I discovered the joy of slow, methodical work, laying the foundation for confidently baking my own fresh, delicious sourdough bread (and pizza dough, too). It’s really about muscle memory and practice makes perfect. There is nothing quite like a freshly baked loaf, hot out of the oven, with melted butter oozing over it. The crust is perfectly crispy while the inside is soft and delightful.
The Noma Guide to Fermentation
When I found myself with an abundance of peppers from my garden one summer, I had no idea what to do with them all. That’s when The Noma Guide to Fermentation by René Redzepi and David Zilber entered my life. This book is a deep dive into the art of fermentation, offering insights far beyond just preserving vegetables. I was particularly drawn to the idea of making my own hot sauces, and this book took me on a journey into the science behind fermentation, making complex processes feel accessible. It transformed the way I thought about food and flavor, showing me that fermentation isn’t just about preservation—it’s about unlocking entirely new dimensions of taste.
Joy of Cooking
The Joy of Cooking holds a special place in my heart because it was my first real cookbook. It was gifted to me when I left home at 18, and it quickly became my kitchen companion as I navigated life on my own. It’s the kind of book that has everything—from the basics to more advanced techniques—and it gave me the confidence to experiment in the kitchen without fear. Whenever I didn’t know how to cook something, this book was my go-to. It’s like having a private chef standing beside you, guiding you with timeless wisdom and foolproof recipes. It belongs in every kitchen and I especially love the hand drawn illustrations! It’s like a time capsule and a timeless resource all in one.
All of these books have shaped me, not just as a cook, but as a person. They’ve been my teachers and my inspiration. And for as long as I’ve been learning from them, I’ve also dreamed of writing my own book—one that could, in some small way, do for others what these books have done for me.
Over the past few months, I’ve been collecting my thoughts, categorizing my ideas, and beginning the process of writing. My goal is to create a book that captures not only my love for cooking, but also the stories and experiences that have shaped me as an artist and knifemaker.
One day, I hope to share my journey with others in the form of a book that inspires, teaches, and encourages, just like the books that have inspired me. I have even started a special project to help fund this vision. Check it out here.
Have a great day,
