Every so often I mention a cookbook in a post. I decided it would be helpful to write a list of the books I own and the books I want to own. Ideally, readers will suggest books too. What better way to share our collective food knowledge than by creating a cookbook resource page. I will begin with books I already own. Books I highly recommend will have an asterisk.

1. * How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman (a modern Joy of Cooking)
2. * The Gourmet Cookbook edited by Ruth Reichl
3. * Cook With Jamie by Jamie Oliver
4. The Best Italian Classics from the editors of  * Cook’s Illustrated (a monthly magazine)
5. Baking Illustrated from the editors of Cook’s Illustrated
6. * Splendid Soups and Spectacular Sides published by Cuisine at Home
7. Open House Cookbook by Sarah Leah Chase
8. The Jewish Holiday Baker by Joan Nathan
9. Fresh from the Farmer’s Market by Janet Fletcher
10. Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan
11. The Bread Baker’s Apprentice by Peter Reinhart
12. What to Have for Dinner published by The Best of Martha Stewart LIving
13. The Minnesota Homegrown Cookbook presented by Renewing the Countryside

Here is a list of books I hope to get some day (assuming my wife does not hate a cookbook library!)

1. The Silver Spoon by Phaidon Press
2. Other books by Jamie Oliver
3. The French Laundry by Thomas Keller
4. The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz
5. Books devoted to seasonal NW cuisine

I’m leaving room here so that I can add books to my “hope to own” list. Please leave a comment on books you love to use or love to dream of owning.