Treasured Cookbooks: Readers Share Beloved Recipes
What priceless items would you grab when fleeing disaster? Thousands of Angelenos faced this question during the wildfires in January. This experience sparked curiosity about emotional attachments to cookbooks and the impact they have on cooking. Our Food writers, along with local chefs and culinary figures, compiled a list of 62 cookbooks they can’t live without. From memoirs to collector’s items, these titles hold a special place in their hearts.
Cookbook Favorites from L.A. Times Readers
In response to the call for cherished cookbooks, readers shared their most beloved titles and recipes. Amy Lebenzon, who lost her collection in a fire, received cookbooks from all over the country. Her favorites include “Plenty” and “Plenty More” by Yotam Ottolenghi, with recipes like Chickpea and Tomato Bread Soup. Barbara Thompson treasures cookbooks like “Pie School” and “Barefoot Contessa,” while Janet Davis replaced her lost copies of “Joy of Cooking” and other favorites.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Kim Janssen, a senior director at The Times, saved a handmade cookbook from his mother after his house burned down. Jim Potter, an amateur baker who lost his home, relies on essential bread books for his baking passion. Each cookbook tells a story of resilience and the power of food to bring comfort in difficult times.
Favorite Recipes and Must-Have Cookbooks
From classic Italian dishes to innovative bread recipes, readers shared the cookbooks and recipes that hold a special place in their kitchens. Whether it’s mastering French cooking or baking the perfect loaf of bread, these titles have become trusted companions in the kitchen. Each recipe carries memories and traditions that transcend the pages of a cookbook.
Cooking Through Adversity
Despite facing challenges like fires and loss, readers find solace in the pages of their favorite cookbooks. From family heirlooms to modern classics, these titles offer a sense of continuity and connection to the past. Cooking becomes a form of therapy, a way to navigate through difficult times with a sense of purpose and creativity.
Embracing the Joy of Cooking
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, cookbooks offer a sense of stability and comfort. They are more than just collections of recipes—they are gateways to new experiences, memories, and traditions. As readers share their favorite cookbooks and recipes, they invite us into their kitchens and their lives, showing us the power of food to heal, inspire, and bring people together.
In the midst of tragedy and loss, these treasured cookbooks serve as beacons of hope and resilience, reminding us of the enduring power of food to nourish both body and soul. As we face an uncertain future, let us hold onto the stories and recipes that bring us joy and comfort, knowing that they will always be there to guide us through the darkest of times.
