14 best basic cookbooks

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Speedy prep pointers

Discover ways to speed up food preparation time for faster home cooking, from planning ahead to knowing how to use a knife efficiently.

Classic & contemporary fare

Explore comfort classics with special twists, as well as contemporary dishes with creative flavor combinations.

Cooking tips & tricks

Find suggestions for getting the most out of each recipe, from cooking tips to ingredient variations that step up the flavors of each dish.

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Anti-inflammatory diet basics

Get essential information to jump-start your progress, including foods that can help with inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis, how to stock your kitchen, and more.

A kick-start meal plan

This anti-inflammation cookbook features a two-week meal plan, complete with shopping lists, simple recipes, and nutritional information.

Recipe hacks

Find suggestions for getting the most out of these recipes, from substituting ingredients to storing leftovers.

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SAMPLE RECIPE: CACIO E PEPE

1. Fill a large stockpot two-thirds full with water. Add the salt and stir to dissolve. Place the pot over high heat, cover it, and bring the water to a boil.

2. Add the linguine to the boiling water, stirring immediately so it doesn’t stick to the pot and itself. Cook the pasta for 9 to 11 minutes (depending on the pasta you use), uncovered, until al dente (see page 13).

3. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil in a large saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the pepper to the pan and cook until it is fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Using a ladle, pour 1 cup of the pasta cooking water into the pan. Use a whisk to incorporate.

5. Once the pasta is cooked, using tongs, transfer the pasta from the pot of hot water to the saute pan. Toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce.

6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, continuing to toss the pasta thoroughly.

7. Add the cheeses, and toss the pasta continuously until they begin to melt. Remove the pan from the heat when you see that about half the cheese has melted.

8. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to loosen the mixture.

9. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away if you add too much. Garnish the finished dish with extra cheese, if you like.

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Get Started in the Kitchen with Super Simple, 5-Ingredient Recipes:

The Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners makes it easy to get started in the kitchen with recipes that use only five main ingredients-that means no long grocery shopping lists and minimal prep, too! Written for all level cooks, you don't need any cooking experience to make the simple recipes in this book. Just follow the instructions and you will be on your way to wonderfully easy meals.

Set Up Your Kitchen:

Before you start cooking, you need some essential kitchen tools, necessary appliances, and staple ingredients to store in both your pantry and the refrigerator. This cookbook makes sure that with just a little preparation, you will be ready for this new cooking adventure.

Make Prep Easy:

5-ingredient recipes make it easy to whip up meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also snacks, desserts, and a chapter on sauces, dressings, and staples.

Start Cooking:

These recipes are convenient and can be made in 30 minutes or less, in one-pot or one-pan, and in slow cookers. Plus, make-ahead recipes that you can store in the freezer save you even more time on busy nights.

Sample Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken Wings

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, toss the wing pieces with the olive oil and seasoned salt. Spread the chicken out on the baking sheet.

3. Roast for 20 minutes, then turn the wings. Roast 20 to 25 minutes more, or until the wings are crispy.

4. In a large bowl, whisk together the pepper sauce, honey, and melted butter. Toss the baked wings in the sauce until well coated. Serve with dressing on the side, if desired. These wings can also be garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Tip:

Restaurant wings are typically deep fried; baking chicken wings seals in the flavor and cuts down the fat and calories. I promise, these are still extra delicious. You can use this recipe to make different flavor wings, too. Instead of the pepper sauce, honey, and butter, toss the wings with 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ or teriyaki sauce.

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A sample bite from the book: Easy Air Fried Old-fashioned Cherry Cobbler

Cherry cobbler is a delicious treat, whether in the summertime or the middle of winter. It’s a perfect dessert that the whole family will love. I like to serve it on Sunday morning with a hot cup of coffee for the adults and a warm cup of hot chocolate for the kids.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the milk and mix until well blended.

2. Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, about 45 seconds.

3. Pour the butter into the bottom of an 8-by-8-inch pan, then pour in the batter and spread it in an even layer. Pour the pie filling over the batter. Do not mix; the batter will bubble up through the filling during cooking.

4. Set the temperature to 320°F. Set the timer and bake for 20 minutes.

5. Check the cobbler. When the cobbler is done the batter will be golden brown and cooked through. If not done, bake and recheck for doneness in 5-minute intervals. Overall cooking time will be between 30 and 35 minutes.

6. Remove from the air fryer and let cool before serving.

NUTRITION INFO: Calories Per Serving: 706; Fat: 24g; Saturated fat: 15g; Carbohydrate: 121g; Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 52g; Protein: 6g; Iron: 2mg; Sodium: 219mg