Let's Dish: 1/1/09

Appetizers Dips, spreads and delicious hot and cold appetizers for every occasion

Breads Yeast breads, quick breads, muffins and biscuits

Breakfast and Brunch Recipes for your morning meals, including breads, eggs and cereals

Condiments and Dressings Salad dressings, salsas and more

Desserts Cakes, pies, candy, cookies, and so much more . . . find all your favorite sweet treats here

Holidays Recipes for all your favorite holidays and celebrations

Kid Friendly Easy favorites that kids love to make and eat!

Main Dishes Hearty main dish meals, including chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian recipes

Salads Pasta, fruit, vegetable and main dish salads

Slow Cooker A variety of slow cooker recipes to make your life a little easier

Soups Warm and satisfying soups, stews and chilis

Vegetables and Side Dishes Rice, pasta and vegetables dishes to compliment your meal

Vegetarian A variety of vegetarian appetizers, main dishes, soups and salads

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.

Jamie's Food Revolution by Jamie Oliver: I love the simple, everyday recipes in this cookbook, but I especially love the stories about real people who've learned how to cook and change their lives. There are plenty of great photos to help you along as well.

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.

The Ultimate Shortcut Cookie Book by Camilla Saulsbury: With 745 quick and easy recipes that start with a cake mix, brownie mix or refrigerated cookie dough, you're sure to find something tasty here. There are also over 150 no-bake cookies--perfect for kids who want to whip up a treat on their own. I've barely made a dent in trying all of Camilla's recipes, but the Key Lime Bars are a definite favorite.