For the last 30+ years the cookbook I’ve used the most is Jacques Harvey’s “365 Ways to Cook Pasta.” Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t something from a Time Life series or a Pasta for Dummy’s book. Jacques Harvey wrote it in 1974 in collaboration with Alfredo of the restaurant Alfredo l’Originale of Rome. It has really wonderful, traditional pasta dishes which are unlike those found in most American cook books, but most of which can still easily be made with ingredients found in American grocery stores. (There are some exceptions like his recipe for Pigeon Ragu).
Some are bold like his Grand Hotel Spaghetti with chicken and ham. Others subtle like his Spaghetti Rosemary which we make frequently with Rosemary from our garden. Others dense and cheesy like his Spaghetti ala Papa which Alfredo claims was one of the Pope’s favorites. Some are strange to American palettes like a lasagna recipe which requires you to make an omelette, cut it into squares, and use that in the layers, but they are all fun to try.
I just had to order myself another copy because my college bound daughter made it clear she was taking the copy I’ve had since college with her.
Betty Crocker Cookbook I have an earlier version, but hopefully this one is just as good. Joy of Cooking I believe I have the 1997 edition, which you can still find on Amazon. This is the cookbook that I give my nieces and nephews when they move out on their own. Great for technique and basics as well as some fancy stuff. The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook. I love their recipes. I’ve rarely had one fail. And lots of great tips and reviews of gadgets and cookware.
If they are into cookies, then I second the Betty Crocker Cooky Book. Grew up using mom’s copy. When I moved out, I bought a used copy on eBay.
