The Apron Diaries

Everytime I walk into my local library branch, I always make a point to stumble past the cookbook section: usually adding a couple of pounds to my book bag. Over the past few months, I have compiled a list of my absolute favorite cookbooks and my favorite recipes in them.  The full list can be found by searching the library catalog for a list  under the name “All-Star Cuisine.” The recipes cover a wide variety of desserts, main courses, appetizers and more – there’s no true rhyme or reason. So for all you aspiring chefs out there, here goes (in no particular order) some of my personal favorites:   

Making Artisan Gelato

1. Making Artisan Gelato by Torrance Kopfer & Madeline Polss — This is an excellent time to judge a book by its cover. The moment I saw the picture and title, I knew we would be friends (good call). It’s tough to pick a favorite recipe, but I have to admit that the Straticella gelato is the best I’ve had in a long time. The recipes are sorted by difficulty, cover a wide variety of flavors and the book contains many tips on ingredients and techniques you can refer to.  Don’t be intimidated! Experiment! If you have an ice-cream maker, this is a book I highly recommend. If you don’t, I highly recommend you get one. 🙂   

2. Williams-Sonoma Essentials of Breakfast & Brunch — I was a little hesitant about this one (it was on the heavy side) but the large pictures and detailed instructions convinced me to take it home. It was worth every pound! The images are very helpful and it has a KILLER pulled pork sandwich recipe… It’s tedious and time-consuming but you will not regret it. There’s a myriad of dishes here to try. 

 3. The Crabapple Bakery Cupcake Cookbook by Jennifer Graham — I’ll admit there are more dessert books on this list that I originally intended, but that’s because it’s hard to go wrong with them. This gourmet cupcake book is from Austrailia (so some is in Metric, etc) but is managable. Impress your family and friends with these ulitmate cups of scrumptious cake! Even the simplest Vanilla Daisy Cupcakes give Cupcake Royale a run for its money. 

4.  Tapas (A Taste of Spain in America) by José Andrés — I first tried tapas at Andrés’ JALEO restaurant in Washington DC, only to fall in love. Some of the recipes are too exotic for me, but hopefully you are more courageous (I passed on the octopus). However, even for us weak-hearted chefs, there are tasty tapas such as Potato Chip Omletes, petite paellas and chicken fritters.

Bon Appetit!

~Maddie, 14

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Have a favorite restaurant/recipe/cookbook? Please share it in the comments!