My Favorite Cookbooks

Robby and I cook at least three nights every week. We both love to cook, experiment with new recipes, and try new things. When we put cookbooks on our wedding registry, we were stoked that so many people got us books off our list, and we have since put them to good use in the almost three years we've been married. But, just like anything else, you soon find out which cookbooks are better for quick, easy recipes and which ones require more time. So while we have a lot more cookbooks than what I mention here, the books below are the tried-and-true that I know we can always grab and find something in there that is easy and delicious. I'll list the dishes we go to often in each one.

The Homemade Kitchen by Alana Chernila

This cookbook is a dream if you've ever wanted to know how to make yogurt, kefir, jams and jellies, pickles, and pretty much everything in between. It's great for beginners and those just looking to expand their skill set: it tells you every way to make eggs, prepare vegetables, and how to live a sustainable life through the food you make. It's beautiful, and a recipe book I enjoy just reading through every now and then. Because of the nature of this cookbook, however, you will find some recipes that require more time.

Recipes we love: Stuffed Winter Squash, Preserved Lemons, Cold Brew Concentrate, Seeded Bagels, and Quiche

The Tucci Cookbook by Stanley Tucci

Firstly, I LOVE Stanley Tucci. Secondly, I got this cookbook in the bargain section of Barnes and Noble and was shocked to find easy (and not-so-easy) Italian recipes within its pages. The first time we made a recipe from it, the sauce for the pasta was olive oil, pasta water, and herbs. We were skeptical until we ate it and were both so surprised at how flavorful the dish was. Ever since, when we're craving comforting Italian, we turn to this book and have yet to be disappointed.

Recipes we love: Ziti with Broccoli, Brushetta with Tomato, Spaghetti with Fresh Tomatoes, Eggs with Tomato, and Chicken Soup with Tiny Chicken Meatballs

Eating in the Middle by Andie Mitchell

I'm a big fan of Andie Mitchell - I read her book, It Was Me All Along, first and then purchased her cookbook. She takes the foods she loves and makes them a little more waist-friendly, which I appreciate. Her photos are beautiful, and her recipes are pretty easy and pretty tasty. Literally every recipe we've tried, we've really enjoyed. So narrowing down a top five was a little difficult.

Recipes we love: Smashed Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Cauliflower and Bacon, Brown Sugar & Chili-Rubbed Salmon w/Avocado Crema, Chicken & Mushrooms in Mustard Marsala Cream Sauce, and Parmasan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Marcus Off Duty by Marcus Samuelsson

This is probably the cookbook with the most complex flavors and includes some of the longer ingredients list. He has recipes that come from a lot of ethnic backgrounds, and are just phenomenal to make and eat. I tend to grab this cookbook when I do have a little bit more time to make things, but he also has some great recipes that are easy and quick. I love Marcus's diverse food background, and his story is incredible. If you like memoirs, check his out: Yes, Chef.

Recipes we love: Dill-Spiced Salmon, Coconut-Lime Curried Chicken, Crab Fried Rice, Fried Pickles, K-Town Noodles, and Salmon in a Sea of Coconut

Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines

I feel like I'm looking through a family cookbook when I flip through these pages. There are a lot of hearty recipes, and most are simple to make. These recipes do require a little bit more time, I've noticed, but would be great for the days you meal prep or have a few more minutes. Plus, I mean, the Gaines' have become a household name. Who doesn't love them?

Recipes we love: Mushroom, Spinach, and Swiss Cheese Quiche; JoJo's Biscuits; Country Potato Soup; Lemon Pie; Bow-Tie Pasta with Baby Kale & Sun-Dried Tomatoes; and Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Please list any of your favorite cookbooks below for me to check out! We have a lot that we reach for, but these are for sure the ones we reach for the most often. I'd love to hear where you find the meals you gather around, so tell me your favorite recipes from your favorite cookbooks as well!