Comments on: dinner: a love story – book and giveaway! (closed)

By: Alicia

Alicia — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 20:31:23 +0000

When I read the comments above, I despaired because so many of the cookbooks mentioned have changed my cooking, and of course I did not want to be redundant. Then I re-read the prompt and realized it could be any book, not just a cookbook. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle came to mind, which really got me on the seasonal bandwagon. Omnivore’s Dilemma and Food, Inc heightened my awareness of agribusiness and the importance of knowing from where (and from whom) my food comes. I was feeling pretty good, then, nice and self-righteous.

Then It hit me- the book that made it possible for me to imagine myself as a person who cooks (unlike my mom, who is great in so many ways, but eats only in order to live): the A-to-Z No-Cook Cookbook (“No Stoves-No Ovens-Lots of Fun”) by Felipe Rojas-Lombardi, With adorable illustrations by Dorothy Ivens. Despite its “no cook” promises, this book made cooking seem fun to me, and every recipe delivered. It started me on my way to becoming a happy cook who is always excited about making the next meal. My daughter now has my well-loved and well-used copy.

By: Hillary

Hillary — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:48:59 +0000

The book that changed the way I cook? I can think of a couple. Nigella Lawson’s How To Eat is up there. She was is so casual and seductive in the way she eats and cooks. I love the combo. Also, Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. When I got that book I was living alone in a small town and pawning off extras from her recipes to cute boys. Those were the days.

By: Lindsey (Cafe Johnsonia)

Lindsey (Cafe Johnsonia) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:49:19 +0000

I’ve had my eye on this book as well.

The Joy of Cooking. I first saw it on the shelf of a family I worked for 11 years ago. The recipes, the basic directions and helpful hints, and info about different kinds of food really opened my eyes.

It’s still my go-to book, even though I have dozens of other books I love just as much.

By: Deb Tarricone

Deb Tarricone — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 19:00:26 +0000

The rural church cookbook we found when cleaning out my grandmothers house after she passed away. It had all her notes written in it about the recipes she loved.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:38:47 +0000

Cooking for Isaiah by Silvana Nardone. It was the first gluten-free cookbook I bought after my son was diagnosed with celiac disease. I was so overwhelmed back then but the first recipe I tried, banana doughnuts, was a hit with our whole family and it gave me hope that i would be able to find and create many great gluten-free recipes going forward. I love adapting great recipes or finding those that are already gluten-free and highlighting them in my blog for others who may be overwhelmed like I was in the beginning! That why I would love a copy of Dinner: A Love Story!

Such a great give-away. Do I have to share this with others? I feel like I should but won’t that lessen my chances???

By: Sara

Sara — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:52:22 +0000

The book that changed the way I cook was the coursebook for my Italian Cooking class I took in Florence while studying abroad. The slow, careful attention to detail and bringing out every flavor is more than cooking, it’s a lifestyle!

By: Gabrielle

Gabrielle — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:22:15 +0000

Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything

By: meredith

meredith — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:23:48 +0000

Ignore all these other comments because I want this book kinda kidding…but not really My most beloved cookbook, and don’t laugh, Mastering the Art of French Cooking by my all time favorite Julia. When I first started really cooking it was the only book I really referred to and still do!

By: Jackie

Jackie — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:41:05 +0000

For me it was and is Veterinarian Cooking for Everyone. It was the first time I could pick-up any veggie at the market and be confident I could make something delicious at home. I still use this book all the time, even though I have to hold it together when I pick it up.

I’ve read DALS cookbook and would love to have a copy!

By: sherisilver

sherisilver — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:13:29 +0000

Of course it counts! The first cookbook I bought was Glamour Magazine’s “Gourmet on the Run” http://www.amazon.com/Glamours-Gourmet-Run-Jane-Kirby/dp/0394564170