Recipe Roundup: My Ultimate Cookbook

Most busy moms have a favorite cooking resource they always turn to: a Web site, a collection of old family recipes, their own moms. Although I do turn to the Kraft and Epicurious websites, as well as my mom, my favorite resource happens to be "The New Basics Cookbook" by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins.

There are many reasons why I love my well-worn copy of this 800-page book (849 pages if you count the bibliography and index in the back). One reason is that this is the first cookbook I bought after my husband and I got married 15 years ago. Another reason is the gingersnap recipe the authors included in this book. That particular recipe, with just a few alterations by me, has been a hit at every cookie exchange party I've participated in since 1992. (Stay tuned. I might post that recipe in a roundup closer to the holidays.) But what I really like about this cookbook is all the helpful food hints the authors provide throughout the book.

I can't even count the number of times I've referred to the beef roasting chart; the selecting, storing and preparation methods for various produce; the herb and spice chart (including their best use); and their suggestions for how to stock what they call a "Panic-Proof Kitchen" and a "Basic Pantry."

Most of the recipes aren't the kind you make in 30-minutes or less, but the time you spend on what you prepare is worth the effort. Some of my favorites are recipes for shrimp scampi, olive rosemary bread, chicken Kiev, curried zucchini soup, lemon shortbread cookies, and of course gingersnaps.

If you haven't picked up this cookbook before, I highly recommend that you do. It came in handy for me as a newlywed who didn't know her way around the kitchen, and it comes in handy for me now when I want to try a special recipe or need more information about a specific ingredient.

I love collecting cookbooks, and would love to hear about your ultimate cookbook. Use the Mr. Linky below so others can visit your blog and learn about your favorite cookbook. don't forget to leave a comment to let us know you plan to participate. Also, if you've used "The New Basics Cookbook," let me know some of your favorite recipes. I might try them out and post either for a Recipe Roundup or on my cooking blog, Just Mom Cooking.