As Reflekt’s in-house baker and lifelong food aficionado, I’ve amassed more cookbooks than I’d care to admit. In honor of National Cookbook Month, I’m sharing the ones I reach for again and again, plus the one at the top of my wish list.
1. "Dorie's Cookies" by Dorie Greenspan
This cookbook holds a special place in my heart not only because I consider the author a friend, but also because it features one of my momma’s recipes: her famous Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread (think Jewish biscotti, if you’re unfamiliar). Beyond that personal connection, though, I’ve made countless delicious cookies from its pages. Dorie never fails me, and she’ll never fail you either!
2. "Open Kitchen: Inspired Food for Casual Gatherings" by Susan Spungen
Whenever I’m hosting, I always check this Susan Spungen cookbook first. Each recipe is packed with flavor and impressive in the details, but she makes the recipe approachable, and the outcome look effortlessly *chef’s kiss*. The recipes are thoughtful and ultra-detailed (like myself), which is exactly how I want to cook for the people I love.
3. "Hello, Home Cooking: Do-Able Dishes for Every Day" by Ham El-Waylly
In one of this summer’s Founder Fixations, I shared Ham El-Waylly’s unrivaled Tahini & Silken Tofu Dip. From that moment on, this cookbook has become one I reach for regularly. Ham taps into warm, nostalgic recipes in the most innovative way that are perfect for cooks of all levels. Think Spaetzle & Cheese (his version of Mac & Cheese), Boiled Potatoes With Green Cream, Za’atar & Labnah Crescent Rolls, and Date Fudge (droolworthy). My stomach’s growling just typing this.
4. "Daily Dessert" by Caroline Schiff
Even though this one isn’t out yet, it’s already destined to become a favorite of mine. Not only because I adore the twists Caroline bakes into her work, but also because I can confirm the chocolate chip cookie recipe published inside is, in my opinion, the best one out there (yes, I dug it out of the Internet archives, and I put it to a rigorous test against five other recipes). Let’s just say, I am counting down the days until I can bake my way from front to back cover.
5. Any Cookbook by Ina Garten
Of course, this list would be incomplete without the one and only Ina Garten. Narrowing down to just one of her cookbooks would be a disservice to you, though, so I’m vouching for all of them. I pull from her cookbooks all the time, but I often start off searching her website or Food Network first to find the recipe, see which cookbook it’s from, then go straight to the book. Her recipes are foolproof, comforting, and constantly in my rotation.
