When looking for a good cookbook, many people do not realize the library has a growing and diverse ebook collection. Using the term “cookery” as a subject keyword and limiting to ebooks reveals the library’s current holdings of 399 titles about food preparation, as well as food culture and history.
A quick perusal shows the number of titles published between 1976 and 2002 is still small, with most written by lesser known authors and released by smaller publishing firms. One noted exception is Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen by the much loved and respected Lidia Bastianich.
Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen (2001)
Between 2003 and by 2005, the collection starts to take shape and diversify with additions from authors such as; culinary doyenne Joan Nathan, popular TV network cook Giada De Laurentiis, culinary maverick Matthew Kenney, and foodie and blog writer Mark Bittman.
Joan Nathan’s Jewish Holiday Cookbook (2004) by Joan Nathan
Raw Food, Real World -100 Recipes to Get the Glow (2005) by Matthew Kenney
Everyday Italian – 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes (2005) by Giada De Laurentiis
The Best Recipes in the World: More than 1,000 International Dishes to Cook at Home (2005) by Mark Bittman
By 2006, the water in the pot really started to simmer and by 2010 things were at a full boil. With an increase in the number of titles, authors, approaches, and cuisines available in the ebook format, the collection really began to take shape.
The United States of Arugula: The Sun-dried, Cold-pressed, Dark-roasted, Extra Virgin Story of the American Food Revolution (2006) David Kamp
The Art of Simple Food (2007) by Alice Waters
The New Book of Middle Eastern Food (2008) by Claudia Roden
The Asian Grandmothers Cookbook – Home Cooking from Asian American Kitchens (2009) by Patricia Tanumihardja
Is There A Nutmeg in the House? (2009) by Elizabeth David
Flying Apron’s Gluten-free & Vegan Baking Book (2009) Jennifer Katzinger
Tender at the Bone: Growing up at the Table (2010) by Ruth Reichl
Tomorrow’s post will explore the process of obtaining and using print and ebook cookbooks – from the library to your table.
~ Valerie, Central Library
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