My two favorite cookbooks are actually from the 1950s. Maybe this is because I love almost anything from that era, but part of it is that they are extremely informative references for the serious homemaker. My absolute favorite cookbook is a fascimile of the 1950 edition of Betty Crocker's first comprehensive cookbook, appropritely titled Betty Crocker's Picture Cookbook.
Truthfully, I hardly ever look at the newer version, (the fascimile of the 1950 edition is so much more interesting!) and the older one is permenantly displayed on my cookbook stand. It has everything in it that you could possibly need to know about cooking--and more! It also has a meal-planning guide, nutrition tips (though some of the nutirition information is probably somewhat outdated), and even has helpful household hints (many of which the modern housewife would probably never use, but are nonetheless interesting to read about). It will explain everything from how to make perfect coffee (and the proper way to serve it), to how to set a table, or even fold napkins. When I first got it, I actually sat down and read it like a regular book (and still do from time to time)!
Very similar to BC book, is a fascimile edition of the 1953 edition of the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook
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It includes much of the same, helpful and additional information as the BC fascimile. Both of these cookbooks were Christmas presents from my grandmother, Hattie, which she gave me over the last two holidays before she passed away. For this reason, they hold a certain nostalgic meaning; but even before she passed, I was so thrilled with my first one (the BC Picture Cookbook), that I openly told everyone it was the best Christmas present I ever received. Needless to say I didn't put it down for about 3 days. I suppose part of my attraction to them is due to their vintage nature. (I absolutely LOVE vintage things; check out my vintage housewifery blog to see more about that). Granny knew how much I loved to cook and knew I loved older recipes. (When I stayed with her, I would regularly spend hours copying her collection of handwritten recipes from into my own spiral notebook.)
While these cookbooks are my favorite, and are excellent, comprehensive reference cookbooks, I am also a big fan of regional cookbooks such as:
(Which I still have yet to actually buy for myself...) I also am a huge fan and collector of what I would call "community" cookbooks, which are put-together (usually as fundraisers) for churches and other local organizations. I have found the recipes in them to be very reliable due to the fact that they have already been tried and approved. After all, if you're going to share a recipe with someone, you want to know that it's worth sharing; right?
These cookbooks, due in particular to their unique nature, make excellent gifts for bridal showers, holidays, birthdays, etc. If you buy one, please leave me a comment, and let me know if you like it half as much as I do! =)
