FAVORITE COOKBOOKS

The Best Skillet Recipes from Cook's Illustrated:  who doesn't love a one pot meal?  I turn to this cookbook again and again to feed my family on busy weeknights.

Everyday Pasta by Giada De Laurentiis:  This cookbook is full of simple, delicious Italian recipes.  I love the chapter on easy weeknight pastas, but even the pasta recipes for special occasions aren't too challenging.  There are also plenty of kid-friendly dishes.  Some of my favorites are the Fried Ravioli, Italian Chicken Salad and Rigatoni with Sausage, Pepper, and Onions.

Everyday Food: Great Food Fast from Martha Stewart Living:  This is one of my all-time favorite cookbooks.  Every recipe is simple, and as the name suggests, fast.  There aren't plenty of recipes with 5 ingredients or less.  Even if I haven't planned ahead, I know I can turn to this cookbook and find something I can put together with the ingredients I have on hand.

The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook:  Because the recipes have been so vigourously tested, it's hard to go wrong with this cookbook.  I love that there are several variations for many of the recipes.  For example, the cobbler recipe offers variations for all different kinds of fruits.

Taste of Home Celebrations Cookbook:  This is my go-to cookbook when I need ideas for holidays, showers, parties and other special occasions.  There are recipes for almost every holiday imaginable, including St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day, plus all the traditional holiday recipes you would expect to find.  Some of my favorites are the Swedish Pancakes, the Red, White and Blue Chili (a.ka. Chicken Chili), and the  Frightening Fingers.