What cookbooks should I add to my collection?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores various cookbooks that participants recommend for enhancing their collections, particularly for use in cooking shows and personal cooking experiences. Participants share their preferences and experiences with specific cookbooks, discussing the types of recipes they find valuable.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a new consultant, expresses a desire for cookbook recommendations beyond online resources and the Season's Best.
  • Another participant mentions that they primarily use the Season's Best for its simple recipes, which are easy to demonstrate.
  • One participant shares a positive experience with the "29 Minutes to Dinner 2," noting that they have not encountered any issues with the recipes.
  • A participant discusses using the "All the Best" cookbook for shows, highlighting its continued popularity despite being older.
  • Another participant appreciates the "All the Best" cookbook for specific recipes like salsa and guacamole, while also mentioning interest in the "Make it Fresh Make it Healthy" cookbook and a new grilling cookbook.
  • One participant describes their approach of testing new recipes from the Season's Best, adding them to a mental list for potential shows.
  • Another participant recommends several cookbooks, including "All The Best," "29 Minutes to Dinner," and "Weekday Dinners Done," emphasizing the value of promoting higher-priced products through these cookbooks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity of expanding beyond the Season's Best, with some participants advocating for additional cookbooks while others express satisfaction with the Season's Best alone. No clear consensus emerges regarding which cookbooks are essential.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding cookbooks, reflecting a variety of cooking styles and show preparation methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking to expand their cookbook collections or seeking insights on popular cookbooks within the community may find this discussion beneficial.

terimayo
Gold Member
Messages
19
I am a new consultant with 30 days under my belt, but was wondering what cookbooks you would recommend. I so far, have just been going online or using my seasons best. I love cookbooks, so do most of you ladies just start collecting them or do you go online or search recipes here? : )T
 
I mostly use the Season's Best because their simple recipes that are easy to show :)
 
I love 29 Minutes to Dinner 2. I haven't gone wrong with a recipe yet, and I'm usually within the recommended time frame.
 
I do a lot of my shows from recipes in the All the Best cookbook. It is older but still has stuff that people love in it.
 
All the Best is a good one, the salsa and guac recipe is a hit everytime I make it for cookouts. A lot of people like the Make it Fresh Make it Healthy (or something like that) cookbook, it's actually the next one I'm getting. I've also heard good things about the new grilling cookbook, I'm just waiting for it to get here then I'll be able to give you a better review of it. The Cooking for Two one was really rather disappointing in my opinion, I thought it was going to be wasy, tasty things for two people. Most of the recipes seem a lot more fancy than what I was expecting.
 
I try to test out the new recipes in the SB and see what I like. I usually find that there are at least 2 of them that I could do for a show, so I add them to my mental list of potential recipes. With each season, that adds more, so I don't really branch out into the full cookbooks for recipes. I try to do SB ones, too, and from the latest issues because then I'll be using the most recently developed products. But that's me...I like to try new things. :D
 
The Season's Best always has great recipes, especially for new consultants. However, I'd recommend you get a few others: All The Best (has the rings/wreaths recipes and a ton of other tried and true PC recipes), the 29 Minutes to Dinner Vol. 1and/or 2 (some great show recipes and they are all truly 29 minutes or less), and the Weekday Dinners Done (this has the Rush Hour Fajitas recipe that many talk about doing at shows), or Dinner in Your Deep Covered Baker.

Of course you can get any and all cookbooks. The reason you want to invest in cookbooks beyond SB is that when you do a recipe from one of the others (like those listed above), you are promoting a $7.50 - $14.75 product rather than a $1 product.

Here's some sample wording to use when explaining how fabulous our cookbooks are (when you're showing them the cookbook you've used to make a recipe):
"How many of you have a cookbook with 1 recipe you make regularly? That's a good cookbook! When you have a cookbook with 3-4 go to recipes that's a Great cookbook. Anyone have one of those? How about 7, 8, 10 great recipes?? That's a priceless cookbook!! That's how I feel about THIS cookbook. There are xx# of recipes I make from this one cookbook on a regular basis. Anyone else have some of our other cookbooks? Which ones do you have? What recipes do you like to make from them?..."
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cookbooks are essential for beginners?

For beginners, it's essential to have cookbooks that cover basic cooking techniques, simple recipes, and essential kitchen skills. Look for titles that focus on quick meals, one-pot dishes, and beginner-friendly cuisines. Cookbooks that include step-by-step instructions and photographs can also be very helpful.

Should I consider dietary restrictions when choosing cookbooks?

Yes, considering dietary restrictions is important when building your cookbook collection. If you or your family members have specific dietary needs, look for cookbooks that cater to those requirements, such as gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb options. This ensures you have a variety of recipes that everyone can enjoy.

Are there cookbooks that focus on specific cuisines?

Absolutely! There are many cookbooks dedicated to specific cuisines, such as Italian, Mexican, Asian, or Mediterranean. If you have a particular interest in a cuisine, adding a few well-reviewed cookbooks from that category can greatly enhance your cooking skills and allow you to explore new flavors.

How can I find cookbooks that suit my cooking style?

To find cookbooks that suit your cooking style, consider what types of meals you enjoy preparing. If you prefer quick and easy meals, look for cookbooks that emphasize simplicity and speed. If you love experimenting, choose cookbooks that offer a variety of techniques and ingredients. Reading reviews and browsing through sample pages can also help you determine if a cookbook aligns with your style.

Are there any recommended cookbooks for entertaining guests?

Yes, there are several cookbooks specifically designed for entertaining. Look for titles that focus on party planning, appetizers, and crowd-pleasing recipes. Cookbooks that include menus for themed dinners or holidays can also be very useful for hosting gatherings and impressing your guests.

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