Best of Cookbooks 2008

• The Paley's Place Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from the Pacific Northwest by Vitaly Paley and Kimberly Paley
  
  The couple's deeply personal approach to food in the Pacific Northwest is evident throughout the entire cookbook. Local ingredients and gracious hospitality prove to be the building blocks of memorable meals.
  
  Recipes to try: Pasta alla Chitarra with Pork Sugo and Porcini, Ken's Potato Galette, and Apple Pandowdy with Maple Syrup and Creme Fraiche.
  
  Available at TenSpeedPress.com.
  
  
  

  Courtesy of Ten Speed Press

• Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin by Kenny Shopsin and Carolynn Carreno
  
  Blunt, rough around the edges and absolutely delicious are the best descriptors for Kenny Shopsin's book. Stories detailing the life and times of his family and the restaurant bring a tremendous intimacy to this one-of-a-kind cookbook.
  
  Recipes to try: Mac n Cheese Pancakes and Bread Pudding French Toast.
  
  Available at RandomHouse.com.
  
  
  

  Courtesy of Knopf

• Cooking by James Peterson
  
  Do you know the 10 basic cooking methods? James Peterson shares his expertise in one all-inclusive cookbook -- teaching fundamentals and classics with step-by-step photos.
  
  Available at Ten Speed Press.
  
  
  

  Courtesy of Ten Speed Press

• Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen by Jose Andres
  
  Bringing Spanish flavors and traditions to American plates, Jose Andres organizes his book by region and the type of food for which each is best known. Don't fret -- these meals can be easily prepared at home.
  
  Recipes to try: Noodle Paella with Pork Short Ribs and Lobster and Pork Loin Baked in Sea Salt with Sliced Spanish Cured Ham
  
  Available at Amazon.com.
  
  
  

  2008 by Thomas Schauer

• A Day at elBulli: An insight into the ideas, methods and creativity of Ferran Adria
  
  A collector's item and treasure for years to come, this account of a day in the life of Ferran Adria will open your eyes to a new world of culinary wonders and take your breath away with simple and stunning photographs.
  
  Available at ecookbooks.com, Phaidon.com and all major bookstores.
  
  
  

  Courtesy of Phaidon Press

• Martha Stewart's Cooking School by Martha Stewart
  
  Regardless of your level of experience, Martha Stewart's Cooking School has something for everyone. Kitchen basics such as equipment use and proper cooking techniques are thoroughly illustrated via step-by-step photos and easy-to-follow text.
  
  Available at AOL Shopping or Amazon.com.
  
  
  

  2008 by Ditte Isager

• MILK: The Surprising Story of Milk Through the Ages by Anne Mendelson
  
  Rarely does a book dedicated to one ingredient come along and knock our socks off. Anne Mendelson engaged her readers with a walk through the history of milk and a thorough breakdown of labels and recipes.
  
  Recipes to try: Chinese Fried Milk and Southern Buttermilk Pie.
  
  Available at RandomHouse.com.
  
  
  

  Courtesy of Knopf

• Urban Italian: Simple Recipes and True Stories from a Life in Food by Andrew Carmellini
  
  Andrew Carmellini shared his non-intimidating approach to soulful and captivating Italian cuisine.
  
  Recipes to try: The Best Gnocchi and Short Ribs Braciole
  
  Available at AOL Shopping and all major bookstores.
  
  
  

  Courtesy of Bloomsbury USA

• A Platter of Figs by David Tanis
  
  Don't let the title fool you -- this book isn't just a single ingredient survey; a platter of figs illustrates seasonal eating. Ideal for the ardent host, each menu is designed for 8-10 people and is simply served on a platter, family style.
  
  Menus to try: Too Darned Hot, Alors! and Feeling Italian, Part I.
  
  Available at AOL Shopping or call 800-722-7202.
  
  
  

  Christopher Hirsheimer

• Cooking with Curtis: Easy Everyday and Adventurous Recipes for the Home Cook by Curtis Stone
  
  The Take Home Chef shares his passion for seasonal and traditional favorites, tailored for the home cook. The book is broken down into easy, everyday and adventurous recipes within each of the four seasons.
  
  Recipes to try: Home-Made Ravioli of Pumpkin and Parmesan with Roasted Pine Nuts and Sauteed Wild Mushrooms on Fried Ciabatta with a Poached Egg.
  
  Available at AOL Shopping or Amazon.com
  
  
  

  Craig Kinder