Top Cooking Reference Materials and Guides

The best Cooking, Food & Wine Reference includes Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 2, The Perfect Loaf: Sourdough Baking Guide, Mastering Flavor, Technique, and Balance in Cooking and many others as mentioned below.

1

Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 2

  • Sequel to the iconic culinary classic.
  • More step-by-step French recipes included.
  • Focus on mastering French cooking techniques.
  • Utilizes American ingredients for authentic flavors.
  • Includes classic dishes and regional specialties.
  • Detailed and clear recipe instructions provided.
  • Perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $1.99
2

The Perfect Loaf: Sourdough Baking Guide

  • Award-winning sourdough baking cookbook by Maurizio Leo.
  • Includes foolproof recipes from beginner to advanced.
  • Covers loaves, pizza, doughnuts, and more.
  • Step-by-step guidance for novice bakers.
  • Troubleshooting tips for common bread-making issues.
  • Deep dives into baking science for seasoned bakers.
  • Your essential guide to mastering sourdough.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.03
3

Mastering Flavor, Technique, and Balance in Cooking

  • Master the four elements of cooking.
  • Over 1 million copies sold worldwide.
  • New York Times bestseller and award-winning cookbook.
  • Transform your cooking techniques and flavor balance.
  • Includes over 100 delicious recipes to try.
  • Charming narrative and illustrated walkthroughs enhance learning.
  • Suitable for novice and experienced cooks alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.75
4

Ready for Dessert: Best Baking Recipes (Revised Edition)

  • Revised edition of David Lebovitz's dessert classic.
  • Features over 170 mouthwatering dessert recipes.
  • Includes stunning new photography throughout the book.
  • Perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Offers both simple and showy dessert options.
  • Includes tips, serving suggestions, and storage advice.
  • New recipes inspired by seasonal ingredients and flavors.
  • Price Range: $37.99
5

The Flavor Bible: Culinary Creativity from Top Chefs

  • Timeless guide to culinary creativity and flavor combinations.
  • Inspired by America's most innovative chefs and restaurants.
  • Explore hundreds of ingredients and their flavor affinities.
  • Learn to harmonize salty, sour, bitter, and sweet.
  • Discover techniques to brighten and deepen flavors.
  • Essential for every culinary enthusiast's kitchen library.
  • Also available: The Vegetarian Flavor Bible and Kitchen Creativity.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.99
6

Joshua Weissman: An Unapologetic Cookbook (Hardcover)

  • #1 New York Times Bestseller
  • Over 100 delectable, easy-to-follow recipes
  • Emphasizes cooking from scratch for better flavor
  • Irreverent humor keeps the cooking fun
  • Perfect for hosts and food enthusiasts alike
  • Take control of your kitchen with confidence
  • Transform your meals with personal twists
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.19
7

Mastering French Cooking Volume Set [2 Volumes]

  • Two-volume set of classic French cooking recipes.
  • Includes 524 recipes in Volume One.
  • Features 257 additional recipes in Volume Two.
  • Detailed instructions for mastering French cuisine.
  • Perfect for fans of Julia Child.
  • Beautifully boxed for a stunning presentation.
  • A timeless addition to any cookbook collection.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $41.87
8

Joshua Weissman: Texture Over Taste (Hardcover, 256 Pages)

  • New York Times bestseller cookbook by Joshua Weissman.
  • Focus on texture for unforgettable eating experiences.
  • Explore six fundamental textures in cooking.
  • Over 75 exciting and diverse recipes included.
  • Chapters dedicated to Crunchy, Chewy, and Creamy.
  • Learn to elevate dishes with unique textures.
  • Fun storytelling makes cooking engaging and enjoyable.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.25
9

5 Ingredient College Cookbook by [Brand Name]

  • More than 100 easy 5-ingredient recipes.
  • Quick meals ready in 30 minutes or less.
  • Budget-friendly options for college students.
  • Simple recipes for beginner cooks.
  • Includes tips on essential cooking skills.
  • Variety of flavors with alternate recipe versions.
  • Encourages healthy eating on a student budget.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.27
10

The Flavor Matrix: Ingredient Pairing Guide

  • Revolutionary ingredient pairing based on scientific research.
  • Created by renowned chef James Briscione.
  • Utilizes IBM Watson's big data for recipes.
  • Features easy-to-use infographics for quick reference.
  • Unlocks unique flavor combinations for extraordinary dishes.
  • Perfect for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
  • Essential guide for mastering flavor pairings.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.95
11

Tolkien-Inspired Recipes from Literary Legends

  • Inspired by Tolkien's beloved fantasy world.
  • Delicious recipes for all six mealtimes.
  • Perfect for themed parties and gatherings.
  • Modern ingredients with American measurements included.
  • Brings Middle-earth's culinary delights to life.
  • An unofficial tribute to Tolkien's literary legacy.
  • Craft tasty meals for Hobbits, Elves, and more!
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.52
12

Cook This Book: Techniques and Recipes for Success

  • Learn essential cooking techniques for better meals.
  • Easy, flavorful recipes anyone can master.
  • Includes QR codes for technique-driven video tutorials.
  • Encourages creativity and improvisation in cooking.
  • Celebrated by NPR and Food52 as a top cookbook.
  • Transform your kitchen experience with Molly’s guidance.
  • Inspires confidence in home-cooked meal preparation.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $22.69
13

The All New Ball Book of Canning

  • Comprehensive guide for modern home cooks.
  • Over 350 delicious canning and preserving recipes.
  • Includes techniques like pickling, fermenting, and dehydrating.
  • Step-by-step photos ensure successful canning.
  • Tested for safety and quality by experts.
  • Highlight seasonal fruits and vegetables for recipes.
  • Lush color photographs enhance the cooking experience.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.99
14

More Is More: A Kitchen Cookbook (Hardcover)

  • New York Times bestseller for confident cooking.
  • 100 bold, flavorful recipes from Molly Baz.
  • Embrace a "more is more" cooking philosophy.
  • Designed for cooks of all skill levels.
  • Includes QR codes for hands-free tutorials.
  • Maximize flavor with every ingredient used.
  • Vivid photographs inspire a playful cooking journey.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.70
  • Color: 4 positive
15

Mastering French Cooking, Volume II (50th Anniversary)

  • Comprehensive guide to French cuisine techniques.
  • Features 524 meticulously crafted recipes.
  • Accessible for beginners and seasoned chefs alike.
  • Includes over 100 helpful illustrations.
  • Encourages creativity with classic French dishes.
  • Celebrates 50 years of culinary excellence.
  • Written by renowned chef Julia Child.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.28
16

Good Things: Shared Recipes and Rituals (Cookbook)

  • 125 soul-nourishing recipes for joyful cooking.
  • Celebrate connection through shared meals and rituals.
  • Expert tips for choosing quality ingredients effectively.
  • Warm, creative, and precise guidance from Samin Nosrat.
  • Comforting dishes for friends and family gatherings.
  • Includes childhood favorites like yellow cake and frosting.
  • Essential cookbook for enriching your culinary experience.
  • Price Range: $35.00
17

Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition: Essentials

  • Over 375 new recipes for modern cooking.
  • Includes air fryer and multicooker recipes.
  • Perfect for busy families and home cooks.
  • New veggie-forward, gluten-free, and vegan options.
  • Comprehensive guides for cooking and storage tips.
  • Durable, lay-flat format for easy use.
  • Trusted cookbook for generations of American cooks.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.89
18

Better Homes and Gardens Ultimate Cookbook

  • Celebrating 100 years of culinary excellence.
  • Over 1,000 diverse and delicious recipes.
  • Includes traditional and modern popular dishes.
  • Features clear directions and helpful how-to photos.
  • Organized for today’s cooking style and preferences.
  • Lay-flat hardcover design for easy use.
  • Explore America's first test kitchen history.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $26.53
19

The Science of Cooking: Perfect Culinary Skills Explained

  • Explore food science in your kitchen.
  • Answers to common cooking questions.
  • Step-by-step techniques for clarity.
  • Striking illustrations enhance learning.
  • Organized by food group and ingredient.
  • Perfect for hobby cooks and food lovers.
  • A delightful coffee table book for all.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.17
20

Foolproof Fish: Easy Recipes for All

  • 198 delicious seafood recipes for every occasion.
  • Step-by-step guides for cooking fish confidently.
  • Organized by fish type for easy navigation.
  • Tips on selecting quality fish and varieties.
  • Nutritional information and substitutes for every recipe.
  • Perfect for beginners and seafood enthusiasts alike.
  • Inspired by Mediterranean diet and global cuisines.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.12
21

The Milk Street Cookbook: Definitive Edition

  • Over 620 tested recipes from Milk Street TV.
  • Includes 70+ new dishes from 2024-2025 season.
  • Simplified cooking with bold, healthy flavors.
  • No hard-to-find ingredients or complicated techniques.
  • Organized by primary ingredients and dish types.
  • Perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
  • Indispensable kitchen companion for every home cook.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $32.71
22

Super Easy Cookbook: 5 Ingredients (Beginners)

  • 120 simple 5-ingredient recipes for beginners.
  • Step-by-step guidance for essential kitchen techniques.
  • Affordable, accessible ingredients for hassle-free cooking.
  • Learn safety practices and food storage tips.
  • Understand key cooking terms and techniques easily.
  • Kitchen setup tips for essential appliances and pantry items.
  • Build confidence in cooking with practical experience.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.99
23

Salt Fat Acid Heat Audiobook by Samin Nosrat

  • Learn cooking through four essential elements.
  • Read by bestselling author Samin Nosrat.
  • Master flavor with salt, fat, acid, and heat.
  • Engaging approach for all skill levels.
  • Inspires confidence in the kitchen.
  • Bridges home and professional cooking techniques.
  • Lighthearted kitchen science for everyone.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.46
24

The Cake Bible [35th Anniversary Edition]

  • Updated 35th Anniversary Edition of a classic
  • Includes 30% new recipes and updated methods
  • Features stunning color photographs of cakes
  • Introduces innovative techniques for perfect cake texture
  • Guidance for baking special occasion cakes
  • 150 additional pages of baking wisdom
  • Perfect for serious bakers and cake lovers
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.99
25

Unlock Flavor Connections: Transform Your Culinary Skills

  • Transform bland dishes into flavorful masterpieces.
  • Explore 52 exciting recipes from diverse cuisines.
  • Learn spice production and historical significance.
  • Discover dozens of homemade spice blend recipes.
  • Utilize color-coded charts for flavor compound understanding.
  • Design your own unique spice blends easily.
  • Perfect for curious cooks and adventurous foodies.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.74
26

On Food and Cooking: Kitchen Science and Lore (1 Edition)

  • Award-winning kitchen classic for over 35 years.
  • Hailed as "a minor masterpiece" by Time magazine.
  • Comprehensive guide for food lovers and chefs.
  • Explores food origins, compositions, and transformations.
  • Fully revised edition with extensive new illustrations.
  • Pioneered kitchen science and molecular gastronomy insights.
  • Delivers tips for ingredient selection and preparation.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $25.24
27

Depression Era Recipes by Patricia Wagner

  • Over 450 authentic Depression Era recipes.
  • Nostalgic photos and illustrations included.
  • Learn about Grandma's cooking techniques.
  • Simple, basic cooking for everyone.
  • Includes household hints and spice guide.
  • Positive insights from the 1930s era.
  • Light, engaging writing style throughout.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.25
28

Company's All-Purpose Companion (Revised Edition)

  • Revised recipes for modern home bakers.
  • Comprehensive guide to baking skills and techniques.
  • Over 350 easy, foolproof recipes included.
  • New photography enhances visual appeal.
  • Includes gluten-free options and substitutions.
  • Step-by-step instructions for clear understanding.
  • Award-winning cookbook with expert insights.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.97
29

Start Here: Your Guide to Cooking Better (Cookbook)

  • Epic guide for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Reimagines traditional cooking with innovative techniques.
  • Over 200 delicious recipes for every craving.
  • Learn fundamental skills to boost your confidence.
  • Award-winning, bestselling cookbook from Sohla El-Waylly.
  • Packed with practical advice and scientific insights.
  • Transform your cooking and conquer the kitchen!
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.12
30

The Wine Bible [3rd Edition] by Karen MacNeil

  • America's bestselling wine book, revised and updated.
  • Comprehensive guide for wine enthusiasts and professionals.
  • Over 400 stunning full-color photographs included.
  • New chapters on Great Britain, Croatia, Israel.
  • Expanded sections on France, Italy, Australia, and more.
  • Includes detailed grape glossary with 400+ varieties.
  • Incorporates latest science on taste and smell.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.10