My cookbooks

I am not sure how many cookbooks I have collected so far. Have I read them all? Not really, I just like to know that I have it. When I am looking for a particular recipe, I still do my research at the internet. I may have seen the particular recipe I need at the moment but I could not remember where I've seen it.

It is really an obsession for me to buy more and more cookbooks. I joined a bookclub wherein each month, a cookbook you've preselected will be delivered to your doorstep. I've had cookbooks as a gift, a few from my daughter. She believes that a cookbook will always bring lasting pleasure to me. She also know, more or less which ones I want to keep. My criteria for cookbook selection has changed. I no longer buy the bargain cookbooks (the cheap ones). I like cookbooks with lots of good food pictures, not the author's nor their family and friends. I did not buy one from one of my favorite cooks on PBS, because of this(although, I watch her show and used her recipes). Most of the time, I check the index and peruse to see if the recipes are something that I would try in the future. If it looks fancy or something I would cook when entertaining, then I just put it back on the shelf, because I do not entertain a lot. My preference are family style dishes, not too many ingredients and would be a pleaser not only to my family but to some friends, just in case I am invited to a potluck dinner.

I also acquired cookbooks from my travels. They are good mementos and are not really available in NY or in the internet cookbook websites. Sometimes when I enjoy a good meal in a particular country, I wish I could find a cookbook with the recipe so I can create the dish when I get home. Checking the internet for internet could be an alternative. I have tried this before.

I've also started to give cookbooks as a gift too. It is like sharing your favorite things with someone. It gives me pleasure if my gift is accepted with the same gusto that I experience when I bring home a new cookbook home.