Finding recipes that work (and some that don’t) while exploring new and old cookbooks can be the best part of a cooking project. Do you read through your new favorite cookbook like a novel that you just can’t put down? Flipping through the pages, dreaming of those homemade croissants baking in the oven. Do you have cookbooks that see so much use that their bindings are falling apart, and they are covered in stains? Us too. If you are looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, check out some staff favorite cookbooks listed below, along with recipes they enjoy. Any of these books would be a great addition to your collection:

Linda G:

Joanne Chang's Flour-- I just love her Chocolate Cupcakes with Crispy Magic Frosting

Myers and Chang at Home by Joanne Chang with Karen Akunowicz-- Tiger's Tears but I make it with tofu instead of flank

The First Mess by Laura Wright-- Creamy Quinoa and White Bean Risotto

Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi-- Every Single Recipe

Jane R:

Standard Baking Co Pastries – have made their Pear Frangipane Tart numerous times, love it, great recipe!

Sweet by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh – Chocolate Panforte with Oranges and Figs – my go to Christmas present for friends and family, love that you can make it way ahead and it only gets better with time. Also, waiting for a good excuse to try Belinda’s Flourless Coconut and Chocolate Cake.

Flour by Joanne Chang– the ones I make over and over are the Classic Carrot Cake, and the Chunky Lola Cookies – addictive!

Raising the Salad Bar by Catherine Walthers – I love all of Cathy’s salads and dressings, but two that are different and really delicious are the Arugula, Celery & Date Salad, and the Wild Rice and Wheat Berry Salad.

The Last Course by Claudia Fleming with Melissa Clark – haven’t tried any yet but have a long list of ones that look amazing: Hazelnut Torte, Pistachio Brittle, Hazelnut Parfaits, Maple Flan in Walnut Crust (guess I like nuts!), Lemon Verbena Ice Cream, Triple Crème Tart, Rose Meringues with Summer Berries.

First Mess by Laura Wright – the Weeknight Root Vegetable Dal is one of my favorite winter dishes

Soframiz by Ana Sortun & Maura Kilpatrick – Persian Love Cake, Almond Rose Cake and, again, addictive: Crick Cracks!

Julia T:

The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz – All time favorite ice cream recipes! I have yet to make one that isn’t great. If I had to choose my favorite would be the Fresh Ginger! I doctor it with some chopped up crystalized ginger when I churn it.

A Bird in Hand by Diana Henry- An entire cookbook dedicated to chicken; you will not be disappointed. My favorite recipe is the Mexican Grilled Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Avocado Salad with Chipotle Mayo. The only thing I don’t do is make the mayo, instead I used prepared mayo and blend in chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice and sour cream.

Soframiz by Ana Sortun & Maura Kilpatrick- Great cookbook, and for those of you who have made it in to Sofra in Cambridge, full of familiar favorites. The Tahini Brioche Dinner rolls are fabulous. I also have great success with the Yufka dough, which is perfect for the Chicken Shawarma.

Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan- If you like Italian food, this is the book for you. Full of true Italian fare from fresh pasta, to soups, fish, meat, veggies and poultry, these recipes transport you to Italy. Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter, as well as her Pesto sauce, both made in a food processor, and mortar and pestle are always in my rotation. I make loads of pesto in the summer and store it in the deep freeze to use all year for a taste of summer when I need it most.

Flour Water Salt Yeast by Ken Forkish- My go-to bread recipe is the Same Day White Bread. I bake this bread every 2 weeks, and use it for sandwiches and toast. The pizza dough recipes are wonderful, not to mention the simple but delicious smooth tomato sauce.