I really like the Cooks Illustrated books. They have some really great tips, and the recipes are testing. There are lots of cookbooks where you just know the author never even tried the recipe before it was included in the book. Also Cooks Illustrated will suggest flavorful and healthier alternatives for some ingredients.
My other favorite series of books were the Frugal Gourmet. I had every single book and used them regularly. After I found out the author was discovered to be a pederast, I got rid of them all. I have mixed emotions about that one.
Then of course, the Joy of Cooking is awesome. But, I like the old version. When the new one came out, I donated my old one and bought the new edition. To my dismay, many of the recipes were changed and things were not the same. Even my favorite bran muffin recipe on page 630 was removed. I was able to find the older edition from the 70s at a local Goodwill.
My other favorite series of books were the Frugal Gourmet. I had every single book and used them regularly. After I found out the author was discovered to be a pederast, I got rid of them all. I have mixed emotions about that one.
Then of course, the Joy of Cooking is awesome. But, I like the old version. When the new one came out, I donated my old one and bought the new edition. To my dismay, many of the recipes were changed and things were not the same. Even my favorite bran muffin recipe on page 630 was removed. I was able to find the older edition from the 70s at a local Goodwill.