I love a good cookbook, but sometimes I get overwhelmed when picking them out because it’s hard to know what recipes will speak to me and how much I will really get out of the book. We’ve certainly purchased a few duds, but we have quite a few that are real winners. If you’re in the market, here are our current top 3 cookbooks that we own and love to use!

3. Dining In by Alison Roman

Our wedding planner and my good “friendor” (wedding vendor friend), Meagan, gifted us this cookbook at our rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding! It had the most thoughtful note written inside, hoping that we always enjoy each other so much and constantly seek new adventures, both in and outside of the kitchen. This is obviously special to us and we will always cherish it! Beyond that, we’ve found some delightful recipes in this one! I’m really drawn to the aesthetic of the whole book and the photography is amazing! We also just bought her newest book, Nothing Fancy and we’re loving it too!

Don’t miss recipes:

• Spilt Pea Salad
• Littleneck Clams with Green Garlic Butter and Leftover Wine
• Slow Salmon with Citrus and Herb Salad

 

2. Pooles by Ashely Christensen

Probably not a surprise to anyone who knows us or anyone that lives in the Raleigh area. There is a reason Ashley Christensen won the James Beard Award for most Outstanding Chef in America – she’s a powerhouse. You probably can’t go wrong with any of these recipes.

Don’t miss:

• Duck Slick
• Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Hot Honey
• Mashed Potatoes with Herb-Scented Cream

 

1. Heritage by Sean Brock

This book is beautiful – it’s well written and the photography is breathtaking. The cookbook itself is a James Beard Award Winner. It’s full of delicious things and if we’re being honest, it’s an intimating book for the home chef. Recipes that we’ve cooked from this book are complex and take a good about of time and ingredients, but they have been worth it every time.

Don’t miss:

• How to Cook Grits Like a Southerner
• Lowcountry Hoppin’ John
• Wild Ramp and Crab Stuffed Hushpuppies with Green Goddess Dressing

 

Honorable Mention:

Secret Sauces by Vanessa Seder

This book has hundreds of ideas for dishes, which is why I love it. It gives you a sauce and then lots of examples of what to make with it. My favorite is the Ginger Carrot Fixer, which is just like the delicious dressing you get at the Japanese steakhouse.

Let us know what you think! What are some of your favorite cookbooks? We’re always looking to expand our collection!