Too Many Cookbooks?

I love to collect books, pretty books (yes, I want my shelves to look well-stocked and pretty).  However, a few years ago I was afraid of having stacks of pretty cookbooks that were full of not-so-pretty recipes.  To prevent that problem I asked three of my favorite cooks what cookbooks they couldn't live without.  Here are their answers:

#1: Down Home In High Style

This was the first one my mother listed.  It is a cookbook published by Jack Deloney in Dothan, AL.  It has, hands down, the best and easiest biscuit recipe ever! It also has great, classic "old-fashioned Southern" recipes for just about everything.  I know my grandmother and aunts have always used it as well, so many of the recipes are very familiar to me.

#2: The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook

This cookbook has a recipe for everything and we know Southern Living doesn't print it unless its great.  It's also a very helpful book to have around as it lists ingredient conversion charts (i.e. how to make a recipe with baking powder when you don't have any) and step by step instructions for cooking techniques. I've never made anything from this wasn't great and consider it a kitchen staple!

#3: The Williamsburg Cookbook

 The Williamsburg Cookbook - Another suggestion from my mother.  She bought this cookbook when she visited colonial Williamsburg in high school and still loves it.  She gave me copy for Christmas a few years ago.

#4: Southern Sideboards

 Southern Sideboards: This is a cookbook printed by the Junior League of Jackson, MS.  I had heard about it before moving here and it is now a part of my everyday vocabulary.  Around here you can refer to is as the "old testament." I recieved a copy for Christmas this year (which wasn't totally necessary because two of my roommates have it, but I wanted one of my own).  I've heard it is about to go out of print so grab a copy while you can.

#5: Come On In

 "The New Testament" a.k.a Come On In: This is the newer cookbook from the Jackson Junior League.  My mother received this as a gift when I was growing up and I now use it frequently.  The Crunchy Romaine Salad recipe is made frequently in our kitchen (as in every other week).

Here are a few others, in no particular order, that I enjoy!

The Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics: my favorite of Ina's.

Tables of Content :  From the Birmingham, AL Junior League
Frank Stitt's Southern Table: Try the recipe for Jack Daniel's Chocolate Ice Cream :)

What are the cookbooks and recipes you can't live without?  I'd love to hear more!