Cookery books, why do we buy them?

[veg4681]

I've just been to my son's nursery and had a look at the selection of books from the Book People Ltd (books sold this way are substantially cheaper than even Amazon). Anyway there were 2 cookery books, one called Comfort Cooking and the other Complete Cookbook (I think) by Good Housekeeping.

I'm getting this really stupid urge to buy them but I know from my past mistakes they'll only clutter the house and worst of all, how many of us actually get round to using the recipes. As I flicked through the pages, I'm disappointed to find the usual toad in the hole, mousaka, lasagne, chilli carne that will only serve as duplicate to my other cookery books, not counting the million recipes you collect from supermarket, the magazines etc. Oh my dear god, do we need to punish ourselves with this pointless journey. So what are your thoughts and experiences and have you made it work for you?

[bobleponge]

I buy at least one a year, at xmas as the Boss loves em. Now I buy French ones and I must say, just as a book to look at, they can be wonderful.
I dont think she has ever made a recipe out of one, although I can say that she has looked at many piccys and recipe's and taken ideas from them.
So it works for me in that it keeps me out of trouble at least.

[smallblueplanet]

I now tend to buy only 'specialised' cookbooks, so recipes that are authentic(ish) such as the Indian/Asian ones. Or French vegetarian cooking!

Also got a box full of cuttings from magazines and stuff printed off the Net.

[lainey lou]

Just did a quick count and I have 21 cookery books!
I also have a file of cut outs from mags, other peoples recipes, made up stuff etc!!! I think I'm a bit obsessed!

[SMS6]

I find I buy them if when flicking through I see something that looks tasty or if they show them on the TV and something look sgood.

I'm just awaiting delivery of Jamie at Home because I've seen him make some really scrummy looking food on his program.

I have a few but even so when I think of making something now and again I have to hunt through them all to find a recipe and have some times failed to do so.

Last two that I bought were Hugh F-W (never can remember his name) but they are more reading books than cookery books.

[lainey lou]

I recntly bought the jamie book and I'm very pleased with it!

[TEB]

getting a bit surly about cookbooks, well over 50 now and thats not counting the Country Cooking, Gourmet magazines etc. Do like the Jamie at home though especially his Cheeky Chilli Chutney

[OverWyreGrower]

Oh dear, I'm quite sad then.... I have over 30 cookery books....

All my favourite recipes are bookmarked with little post-it-notes, so I can pick them out as I need them!

I also have an extensive collection of recipes ripped from magazines and print-offs from the web.

However, I wouldn't buy a cookery book without having a read-through first to make sure it was worth buying (e.g. different recipes etc)

[quark1]

My fave cook is Keith Floyd, who's not been too well lately.

I've always loved his programmes as he really takes you on a cooks tour of each area he visits - bit of geography and bit of good nosh and PLENTY of his slurps!

I've several of his books and whilst I may not get round to cooking every recipe - I do like to browse them and like I say - you also get a look into the country/people which is/are the subject of the cuisine.

[Seahorse]

Just been to count mine and I have 84!

I think they're all useful though! I have a few basic ones that I find handy for things like knowing how long to cook a particular cut of meat and stuff, others that I use often for 'favourite' things, some classics (Mrs Beeton, Elizabeth David, Jane Grigson etc) and quite a lot of specialist ones. My most recent aquisition is a book on North African cooking, as I'm going to try and grow some beans from that region this year.

[yoanbob]

mmm I know what you mean I have quite a few and only use them for occational idea's and inspiration I never follow a recipee.
Its a bit like seeds though, you know you dont need them but you just cant resist!

[OverWyreGrower]

I have a few basic ones that I find handy for things like knowing how long to cook a particular cut of meat and stuff,

Yup, I have a huge book like this, I use it more for "technique" than recipe... I also have a specific veg one, which is rather good with what's in season when and how it should be prepared.

I have a few Jamie O ones, a few Nigella ones, 2 James Martin ones, 2 Sophie Grigson ones and some "composite" books as well.

My favourites are the specialist dessert books I have to confess!!

[Mrs Dobby]

Got to agree with Yo here, useful for ideas and inspiration, but very rarely follow them to the letter, and deffo like seeds, cant resist!

[Steve(spt)]

Just been to count mine and I have 84!

84! wow.

If I had that many I think may build a shed with them.

[beefy]

So we are addicted to -

1- buying seeds (covered last year but v 2.0 is rapidly approaching I fear)

2- buying cook books .
"Hello my name is Beefy .I'm addicted to buying cookery books. I have 38 sitting on a shelf gathering dust and I keep wanting to buy more to keep them company. Is there any hope?"