The first cookbook I ever bought…though to call it just a cookbook is doing it an injustice. This is a book about food; great writing and insightful easy recipes.

I bought this when I finished reading ‘Appetite’. The fact that so many of Nigel’s favourite ingredients are the same as mine is icing on the cake.

This book was a gift from a friend. Like the other Slater books, it stayed on my bedside table for night time reading. He is that good.

My first and favourite Jamie Oliver cookbook. The others don’t even come close. This book inspires me to cook everytime I pick it up. Have I mentioned we share birthdays? Stoked!

My second Jamie Oliver book, a gift from my husband. I love the way Jamie hands out food-related advice. The recipes are top-notch, every time.

Annie Sommerville is the chef at Greens, my absolute favourite restaurant in San Francisco. The food there always makes me happy. The recipes in the book fill me with the same wondrous satisfaction.

My only Tyler Florence cookbook. Having tried some of his recipes off of Food Network, which turned out pretty well, I thought I might try this book. I haven’t been disappointed with it.

Alice Waters’ theories on food are interesting. Her herb butter is amazing. The recipes in the book are simple just as she promises. That they are also delicious is a bonus.

I got this book from Amey’s aunt as a pre-wedding gift. I love this Indian chef’s recipes so it was an excellent gift for me. His advice is top-notch, every time.

The best thing I’ve ever found at Crate & Barrel. I love the idea of a book about one ingredient, especially when it is one I love.

The lady knows her stuff. I love her writing and the easy and the tasty recipes I’ve been able to make with this one.

Easy and delicious food. No one does it like Monsieur Pépin.

Another gem from Annie Somerville.

My mom packed me off to the US with these books. They served me well through many a lonely dinner in grad school.

I inherited (umm…took with permission) an old cookbook my mother used while she was in England. This was one of the maybe three cookbooks she has ever owned and was the first one I ever saw. My first mayonnaise recipe in my early teens came out of this one.

A birthday gift from my wonderful friend Marie, who is a smashing cook and has been brilliantly supportive about my blog. I can’t wait to try the recipes in here!

Another birthday gift from one more of my fabulous friends Cristina, who is also a wonderful cook. 2009 brought wonderful presents.

Very good book for discovering new and rediscovering known Italian recipes.

Recipes from the founder of my favourite San Francisco restaurant

Everything you ever wanted to know about sauces and stuff you didn’t think of is included in this gorgeous tome dedicated to the subject. A treasure trove of recipes and a great read! This is so far my favourite gifted book this year. Thanks Sanjeev and Vandana!

Oh my! Look what I got my hands on! This wonderful book was a gift from Sanjeev and Vandana. Sanjeev had previously mentioned that he thought it as essential I acquire it, then took it upon himself to supply me with it. I reverently make my way through its pages often. What a treasure trove of information! My friends have been so incredibly generous and supportive of this little venture of mine. Love you guys!

I also found two older books, The Sunset Cookbook and The Omelette Book which I wrote more about here.