Favorite Cookbooks for 2010:

Slightly beyond the realm of the magazine, however, what better way to describe a man than by what he eats.  Food is luxury and so is the art of making food.  Here are some cookbooks that I have had the pleasure of cooking out of.

1) Canal House Cooking, Vol. 1 and 2, by Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer: The first two installments in a cookbook subscription series, these books are inviting and inspiring. Written for the home cook, their recipes range from classic main courses to trendy cocktails, all written with a calm simplicity that proves inspired gourmet cuisine can indeed be accomplished by home cooks everywhere.

2) In Season: Cooking with Fruits and Vegetables by Sarah Raven: A visual masterpiece, this British export is my newest favorite source for seasonal cooking with fruits and vegetables. Organized by season, each section showcases colorful photographs and accessible recipes that will inspire everyone to rethink their everyday vegetable and fruit menus.

3) Baking from My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan: Equal parts reference guide and recipe source, this book will be on my shelf forever. With decadent sweets that span the gamut from breakfast buns to decadent layer cakes, the information covered here includes everything from ingredient ideas to freezing tips.

4) Apples for Jam by Tessa Kiros: When it comes to fitting great food into family life, Tessa is in-the-know. A mother of two, accomplished chef and resident of Tuscany, Tessa utilizes all of the sources to inspire her recipes. Scattered throughout are memories of her children, doodles and photographs showcasing a happy family enjoying extraordinary food.

5) A16: Food + Wine: by Nate Appleman with Kate Leahy: Not often can you make restaurant quality food at home, but with this cookbook you can. I had the pleasure of eating at A16 last September in San Francisco and I still remember almost every bite. Thank goodness for this book, even if you’ve never been to the restaurant, now you can enjoy their food in the comfort of your own kitchen.

6) Unforgettable Desserts by Dede Wilson: Beware, this book will make you drool. I figured out, the hard way, not to look through this book when you are trying to cut back on sweets. Dede’s inviting recipes, luscious photography and simple flavors will make you drop everything and run for your spatula. Well-balanced and easy to understand, these recipes could be served anywhere from family occasions to chic black tie dinners.

7) Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations by MSKCC and Florence Fabricant: Menus and tips on how to entertain like a hostess with the mostess, this book is your go-to guide. Photographs provide inspiration for table settings, while menus by occasion will fit almost every entertaining need.

8) How to Eat by Nigella Lawson: A classic on my bookshelf, Nigella is the embodiment of the busy mum enjoying her time in the kitchen. I re-read the introduction to this book at least once a month, and always enjoy any of the classic recipes she writes.

Post by James Lin