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Entertaining

Cookbooks They Love: Tastemakers Share Their Favorites, Old and New

September 13, 2018

We asked nine of our favorite food-loving tastemakers: What’s the one cookbook you can’t live without?


THE NEW YORK TIMES COOKBOOK
by Craig Claiborne

“This was the first cookbook I ever bought. On special occasions I would make waffles, which was quite an undertaking since the recipe involved folding in egg whites. My kids called them New York Times waffles.”

—Cathy Graham, illustrator and author



CHARLESTON RECEIPTS
by The Junior League of Charleston, 1950

“Any cookbook that contains recipes that go back 200 years is for me. I love the history of food as much as I love making and eating it!”

—Johnson Hartig, fashion designer and author



THE GOURMET COOKBOOK
by Ruth Reichl

“If you own only one cookbook, this should be it. I often give it as a gift. It contains a pimento cheese recipe that I have relied on for years (though I add a dash of Crystal hot sauce).”

—Ken Fulk, interior designer



LEE BAILEY’S DINNERS AT HOME
by Lee Bailey

“I knew Lee Bailey from his Henri Bendel days, even before he started writing his many cookbooks. I’ve always particularly loved his pies and cakes.”

—Carolyne Roehm, fashion designer and author



HEART OF THE ARTICHOKE AND OTHER KITCHEN JOURNEYS
by David Tanis

“I’ve referred to the masterfully seasonal menus in this book countless times. I’m inspired by every page. Plus, the title is a line from one of my favorite movies, All About Eve.”

—Aria Alpert Adjani, farmer and community activist



FOOD IN VOGUE
by Maxime de la Falaise

“De la Falaise subscribed to the idea that since you have to eat everyday, you must do it with style. Her interviews with a notable and quotable group of cosmopolitan foodies are plain fun and good reading, not to mention the recipes, such as Lily Auchincloss’s Watercress Soup.”

—Charlotte Moss, interior designer and author



BAREFOOT CONTESSA FOOLPROOF
by Ina Garten

“I love Ina Garten’s books. If you asked me to pick my favorite, I would say, ‘All of them’—this is just one. Her recipes are easy and clear and delicious, and allow you to enjoy cooking and spending time with your family or guests while preparing the food.”

—Miguel Flores-Vianna, photographer and author



THE PLEASURES OF COOKING FOR ONE
by Judith Jones

“I always knew how to cook, but somehow this little book really taught me. It’s about cooking for yourself as well as for other people, no matter the number. It’s perfect.”

—Thomas O’Brien, interior designer and author



ENTERTAINING
by Martha Stewart

“Making the gingerbread house from this classic book with my parents is one of my earliest baking memories, and I just made the almond tart for Thanksgiving last year. It’s always been on our kitchen bookshelf.”

—Max Sinsteden, interior designer