Every Sunday, I head over to the local library and make a beeline for the cookbook section. People often ask, “Why don’t you just use Pinterest?” or “Why not just Google a recipe?” and my answer is always the same. Sure, I could grab a recipe online, but it just doesn’t feel the same as flipping through a real book, browsing through its glossy pages, and slapping sticky notes on the recipes that look good for the week. It’s kind of therapeutic, honestly; it’s my little escape from the fast pace of daily life. I’ll plop down with a stack of cookbooks, feeling all the culinary possibilities in my hands, and narrow it down to about 4 (or more) that really speak to me that week, exploring different cuisines, from spicy Asian dishes to comforting Italian meals. Then, I get to head home with this awesome selection. It lets me try out popular cookbooks without breaking the bank, like Tieghan Girard’s world of Half Baked Harvest, whose recipes always get my creative juices flowing. Plus, it forces me to sit down and think about what I want to cook, with a timeline based on when the books are due back, which creates a nice rhythm in my week. I’ve discovered that this actually helps me plan meals, shop for ingredients in advance, and avoid the trap of saving tons of recipes only to forget about them on a Pinterest board, something that usually leads to more stress than fun. If you don’t already, sign up for a membership at your local library; you may be surprised how nostalgic the experience is.
Have a favorite cookbook? Drop it in the comments below.
Leave a Reply