A Woman Obsessed.

Not unlike Heidi Swanson (who started 101cookbooks because she was collecting too many cookbooks and making too few recipes), I also have a bit of a cookbook situation on my bookshelf. Some call me a hoarder. Others, cultured. Fewer, inspired. Either way, I'm a woman obsessed with a good cookbook. My idea of relaxation is curling up with one on the couch and devouring it like a novel.

In case you're in the mood for some inspiration - or are generally nosy and want to know what I've been reading lately - here is a short list of my current favorites:

An Everlasting Meal

Not a cookbook in the traditional sense (no pictures! stay with me), Tamar Adler writes for the everyday cook and teaches invaluable lessons in food preparation, planning, thoughtfulness, and creativity in the kitchen. More than anything, she makes you feel like you already are a cook and that you have the gift of improvisation.

Super Natural Everyday

My desert island cookbook. I cook from this on a weekly basis and have yet to be disappointed. My favorite part about this book is that each recipe has no more than 8 ingredients and grains, cheeses, proteins, and nuts are completely adaptable and interchangeable for what you have on hand. Personal favorites include: Breakfast Frittata, Linguine with Grated Zucchini, Mushroom Casserole, & Cabbage with White Beans.

Baking Illustrated

The baking bible to end all baking bibles. My Irish Soda Bread was based off one of these recipes. I also made some dreamy blondies  from this book.  The dream is to be a baker for America's Test Kitchen. Can I get a witness, Christopher Kimball?

Plenty

Pure eye candy. Vegetarian recipes from award-winning London restaurant, Ottolenghi. So far, I've actually only stared at this book. Stared and admired. You'll be the first to know when I try out a recipe.

Very Fond of Food

My childhood was built on a foundation of Roald Dahl books. His granddaughter, Sophie, (the heroine of The BFG! Nerd alert!) was clearly also blessed with the gift of words. The book is divided into seasons and she prefaces and ends each section with a nostalgic story from her life. I also like getting a feel for British ingredients and techniques. This book is how I learned about gooseberries.  

How to Cook Everything Vegetarian
Useful. Also doubles as a weapon.

Joy the Baker Cookbook

Idol caliber. But I'm pretty sure I didn't need to tell you that. This book is full of fun anecdotes, life lessons, and cookie dough. Favorites that I've made so far include Brown Butter Blueberry Muffins (ZOMG) and Vanilla Bean Snickerdoodles.

Books not to read: Fifty Shades of Grey. Just...no. Decidedly does not belong on the bookshelf. Or in or around anyone's brain piece.