Cook Books

A couple of months ago we cleaned out our storage room. I had a ton of cook books stored in there - which was silly, because they were completely inaccessible. I sorted through them, and got rid of almost all of them. All the recipes I use regularly I have on my computer, or in my binder and I get most of the new one's I try from friends, blogs or online searches. I don't think that's unusual anymore, I think the day of the cook book is drawing to a close.

That said - despite a thorough purging of my cook books, I purchased these last Spring

I saw them in Australia on our trip in 2007 - but figured I'd wait until they came out in the US, so I wouldn't have to do the metric conversions every time. Then I kind of forgot about them. I was delighted when I stumbled across them again, and bought them instantly.

 I feel the same way about cook books as I do knitting or sewing pattern books - I just can't justify the purchase if there's only one thing in there that I like. I need to like and want to make most of the items in the book to warrant buying the collection. I don't need to love them all, but most of them.

I use these ALL THE TIME.

Donna Hay is probably my all time favorite! I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the fact that she's Australian and her food really takes me home - or if it's just so darn good that anyone would love it. Probably both.

If you're only going to get one - get the salads & vegetables. Everything in there is to die for. My favorite has got to be the white bean, roasted tomato & chick pea salad. I'm not kidding TO DIE FOR!!

I also give high praise to the kids book. While being pretty basic food, it has a good selection with easy to read & follow directions. Emily loves this & can make most things on her own. I also don't think it's a bad start for Em, learning your way around the kitchen with Donna Hay!