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Kitchen Tips & Tricks

5 Tips For Finding The Best Cookbook for You

How do you know which cookbook to pick for yourself with so many options releasing each month? It can be a daunting task but I have 5 tips below that will help you get the best cookbook for you. 

1. Determine your skill level.
Are you a novice? Will this be the first cookbook you own or do you own a ton of cookbooks? Do you get overwhelmed in the kitchen? All of these questions help you determine your skill and comfort level in the kitchen. Don’t worry there are cookbooks out there for all skill levels. 
2. Decide what cuisine or technique you are interested in.
Do you want to learn a specific technique such as grilling or are you looking to master a new cuisine such as Thai? Knowing what you want to learn can make it a lot simpler when you are looking through all the cookbooks. 
3. Read reviews to help you narrow down to the best choices. 
I may be a little partial but I find that cookbook reviews can help you find the best cookbook for you. Most reviewers such as myself test the cookbooks to see what the recipes are like and if they are tailored to a certain skill level of cook. Plus you can get a better idea of what types of recipes are in the cookbook, which can be really helpful if you are only ordering the cookbooks online.  
4. Buy and try the new cookbook. 
Now you have picked the cookbook you want it’s time to buy it and start cooking. Don’t just buy it and let it sit on your shelf. One of my favorite things to do is look through a cookbook once I have bought it and mark all the recipes I want to try with my bookmarks (get our free ones here). Once you try some recipes you will get a feel for the cookbook and be able to decide if it was a good purchase for you. 
5. Keep cooking and trying new cookbooks to improve your skills.
The more you cook the more you will improve your skill level, which will make you more confident in the kitchen. Confidence is a key to cooking and trying new cookbooks, if you believe in yourself you will be willing to push yourself and try that new cuisine or technique. 

Best Cookbook for New Home Cooks

Picture of The Pioneer Woman Cooks Dinnertime cookbook on a tan background
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime – Comfort Classics, Freezer Food, 16-minute Meals, and Other Delicious Ways to Solve Supper
Time and time again I find myself reaching for this cookbook. The recipes are easy to follow and I cannot get enough of the freezer meals. I love to keep my freezer stocked for those nights I just don’t have time to cook. Check out my full review here to see more. 
 

Best Cookbook for Intermediate Home Cooks

Picture of the cover of Les Marches Francais Cookbook
Les Marchés Francais: Four Seasons of French Dishes from the Paris Markets
When I am looking for delicious seasonal French meals, I always reach for this cookbook. The cookbook is gluten free and the recipes are very easy to follow. A must have for anyone who loves French food. Check out my review here. 
 

Best Cookbook for Experienced Home Cooks

Picture of Mastering the Art of French Cooking cookbook on a black background
Mastering the Art of French Cooking
A great cookbook focusing on the techniques used to make amazing French cuisine. The recipes are involved and best for experienced home chef’s. My favorite recipe is the beef bourguignon. Check out my review here. 
 

When you start looking at all the cookbooks available at the store it can be a little overwhelming. If you follow the tips above they will help you find the best cookbook for you. Don’t worry about what you choose I have learned something from every cookbook I have ever tried even if it’s just that I don’t like pomegranate. What’s your favorite cookbook you have bought?  

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