With many restaurants temporarily closed or limited to carryout due to the COVID-19 outbreak, you may be cooking now more than ever. This makes it the perfect time to decompress, try a new recipe, and express love for yourself or others.
Local chefs and bakers shared their favorite cookbooks, which are all available on our eBranch for instant access by Library cardholders. Bon appétit!
Chef Jose Salazar, James Beard-nominated chef of Mita’s, opens a new window, Goose & Elder, opens a new window, and Salazar, opens a new window
The French Laundry Cookbook, opens a new window
“[This cookbook] is geared towards the advanced home cook or professional, but is one that molded me as a young cook. It led me to seek employment with Chef Keller," said Salazar.
“Prune is my all-time favorite restaurant and the recipes are very well written and easy to follow. They also give a bit of insight on how to prep and cook like a pro," said Salazar.
Note: Chef Salazar has provided some ideas for helping our local restaurant community in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. Please see the bottom of this post for more information on how you can offer support during this time.
Baker Taren Kinebrew of Sweet Petit Desserts , opens a new window
Rachael Ray’s 30-Minute Meals , opens a new window
“I love Rachel Ray and her 30-minute meals. I love her because she uses simple ingredients that are typically fresh. Her recipes are simple and can be made in 30 minutes!” said Kinebrew.
Note: Each Sunday at 3 p.m., Kinebrew is teaching a baking class on Instagram Live to spread a little extra happiness. Tune in by following @sweetpetitdesserts, opens a new window.
Chef Jason P. Lafferty, Associate Dean and Executive Chef of Midwest Culinary Institute , opens a new window
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, opens a new window
“My mother-in-law bought this for me as a Christmas present because she knows that I love to cook, read, and most importantly, understand the science and techniques that occur during the cooking process. This book allows you to see why chefs choose ingredients and cooking methods to make the perfect dish,” said Lafferty.
Our Pick
The Chopped Cookbook, opens a new window
"The Chopped Cookbook is all about making do with what ingredients you happen to have," said Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Materials Selection & Acquisition Librarian Rebecca Quinones.
For more eCookbooks and audiobooks for every taste, skill level, and palette, check out our Materials Selection & Acquisition Librarians' curated list of best sellers and home cooking favorites.
To support our community of restaurant workers, bakers, and cooks or to received relief if you are a restaurant worker impacted by COVID-19 check out this Eater list of resources , opens a new windowor donate to the Restaurant Workers Relief Fund at LEEInitiative.org, opens a new window. For more resources and information about Salazar's effort visit our COVID-19 Employment & Small Business Resource Guide, opens a new window.
Add a comment to: What to Make: eCookbook recommendations from local chefs and bakers