Building a Cookbook Collection (Because, 2020)
Did you score any good deals over the weekend? My big Black Friday purchase was all new pillows for our basement—so excited! I asked for a couple new throws for Christmas and once I add a bookshelf for storage, the basement will be in pretty good shape! We spend so much time down there on the couch, so making it cozy and pretty is clutch!
So, it was just Chris and me at home for Thanksgiving last week. We canceled our plans to see family since the governor of Minnesota issued an order not to gather with anyone outside of your household due to rising Covid cases. We made a traditional Thanksgiving meal, but I didn’t take the opportunity to make any new or interesting dishes—and I’m kicking myself for it. It would’ve been the perfect year to at least try a pie since there were no guests to disappoint! The whole situation got me thinking about cookbooks and inspired me to start a collection to turn to in times like this. I find most of my recipes on Pinterest, but cookbooks are great decor, keepsakes to pass down through a family and just the thing to pull you out of a recipe rut. How fun would it be to work your way through one a la that movie, Julie & Juila? Or start a cookbook club with friends?
In any case, Christmas is around the corner, and who knows if we’ll have to stay home again! This time I’ll be prepared.
Here are a few categories to consider when building your cookbook collection. With a few picks in each category, you’ll have a well-rounded, beautiful and functional mix!
Everyday Cookbooks. Collect a few that you’ll turn to for daily meals. Chris and I love easy, healthy, one-pot recipes during the week. Skinnytaste is one of my favorite recipe blogs, so I will definitely be scooping up her books!
2. Cultural Cookbooks. Add a few that reflect your global interests or your heritage. I love Mexican food (empanadas all day every day), and would like some cookbooks that reflect my Scandinavian ancestry—maybe one day I’ll attempt Swedish pancakes (ha)! This Norwegian and Israeli book also caught my eye.
3. Collectible Cookbooks. These are more for display than function. The Joy of Cooking is a classic, and the picks above would look chic on a shelf, too. This is definitely my favorite category. 😉
4. Cuisine/Niche Cookbooks. Whether you’re pizza people, Keto or want a taste of Rocky Mountain backcountry lodges (a great gift for hikers!), there’s a cookbook for everything. Stock up on some books that you’ll be excited to bust out on the weekend.
5. Entertaining Books. From mastering the perfect cheese board to preparing Sunday dinner for a crowd, these books make me want to host more regularly. Don’t forget Wine Simple for notes on wine pairings!
6. Baking/Dessert Books. I’m not a huge sweet tooth, but everyone needs a couple baking books for when a holiday or birthday calls for a tart or a global pandemic (and weekend at home with zero plans) calls for warm Southern biscuits.
Don’t forget …
Cookbook Stand + Chef Apron
(Add personalization to the apron for sure! Fun fact: this apron was the first item I emblazoned with my new/married initials, KP!)
