Over the past couple of years I have been prowling used bookstores for culinary gems and have put together a nice cookbook library. I often refer to cookbooks for straight-up recipes, culinary inspiration and tips on ingredients and techniques. I thought it might be nice to share some of my favorites. This is a list targeted for new cooks but I think they are a great addition to any collection.

I try to purchase all of my cookbooks second-hand, either from local shops or on mega-sites like Amazon where you can buy from individual sellers - this definitely helps the budget and is also a bit more fun finding hidden treasures (I think this is how people who like to antique must feel!).

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any cookbooks for new cooks that you’d like to share, drop a note in the comments section.

For Instruction on Technique: Cooking - James Peterson

I think this would be the text used in Cooking 101. With detailed pictures of techniques, cooking styles and ingredients, the purpose of this book is a total kitchen education and it certainly gets the job done.

For Local/Sustainable Cooking: The River Cottage Cookbook - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

If you want to know the what and the why behind local and sustainable cooking, then Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is your man and The River Cottage Cookbook is your bible. The text is filled with outstanding recipes and detailed entries about finding, raising and cooking sustainable foods. It’s hard not to catch on to Hugh’s excitement and who knows- in a couple of years you might be scrambling eggs from the hens housed in your backyard!

For Younger Cooks: The Moosewood Cookbook – Mollie Katzen

I enjoy Mollie Katzen’s recipes because they are simple, healthy and creative – perfect for someone who is new to cooking. I kind of think of this as the book you’d want to tuck into the backpack of someone who is college-bound or heading off to his/her first apartment. All of the recipes are vegetarian and most are budget-sensitive.

For Food Like Mama Used to Make: The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

This book is filled with detailed recipes for old-school family favorites. The best aspect of the America’s Test Kitchen series is the piece of mind in knowing the recipes have been tested and re-tested – so you know they’ll work. These recipes are perfect for feeding a family and creating potluck dinners.

For Entertaining: Cook with Jamie – Jamie Oliver
If you are looking for simple recipes that will wow your friends and family, then this is your go-to book. In this text, Oliver shows you how to combine the best ingredients with simple techniques to create amazing food. With lots of great pictures and detailed instruction, you can be sure you’ll get a lot of great feedback from dinner party guests.