What Is The Most Essential Book? - Page 5

Brandonkill I could not agree more, I would definitely go for Jamies 30 minute meals (or actually any of Jamies books) I loev his recipes because he keeps the ingredients so simple. When I was a student we never had enough money to make it worth buying, for example, a very specific spice that you need just a 'pinch' of etc, so Jamies recipes are great that they tend to use cheap ingredients and things that you tend to have around the house anyway.

My one complain with the 31 minute meals book is that if you dont have an electric whisker it makes a lot longer than 30 mintues! 

This is one of my favourite of Jamies recipes, and also one of the most simple, I make it on nights I cant be bothered to do anything fancy, but people are always really imrpessed by it!

My background is Spaniard, and as such, my cooking is heavily influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, and more than a few hints of Moroccan and Middle Eastern cooking. There are more than a few books that I could recommend; however, if I had to choose only one book, I would choose "The New Spanish Table" by Anya Von Bremzen. As sometimes happens, an outsider view reveals details and texture that we fail to notice when is part of our world. Von Bremzen captures both the essence and the richness of the wonderful flavors of Spain.

I vote for America's Test Kitchen.  I enjoy food science as much as actually cooking, and their books have so many scientific explanations. But their recipes range from basic to adventurous cookery.

The Food Lover's Companion.  Great reference book, talks about food, flavors, techniques...