My Top 8 Recipe Books

Over here at Rainier House, we are giant foodies. Every weekend, and even some weeknights, we try out a new recipe or go “fancy.” Fancy just means that we use some higher-end ingredients or try items you might see in a gastropub or fine dining restaurant. We love to experiment with different types of cuisine and cocktail recipes.

Years ago, I was relying heavily on recipes from Pinterest. I loved the ease of searching for recipes based on an ingredient and stumbling across new ideas. While I still use Pinterest often, I recently dove back into old school recipe books. There’s something about holding a physical book, flipping through the pages, and having a full recipe in front of you while you cook that I love.

For those of you rediscovering (or just expanding on) your love of recipe books, I have gathered my top 8 favorite recipe books. The books selected are not only visually appealing, but have tried-and-true recipes that you can’t go wrong with.

For the Home Chef that Likes to Host Dinner Parties

Washington Wine and Food: A Cookbook

This is a book I love to display prominently in our kitchen. I can’t say enough good things about this cookbook if you enjoy elevated recipes. Some of our favorites recipes that we’ve tried have included:

• Beef Keftas with Eggplant Purée, Mint, and Pickled Onions
• Grilled Salmon with Syrah BBQ Sauce and Corn Risotto
• Lamb Chops with Carrot Mostarda, Kale, and Mushrooms

Are you drooling yet?

As you can probably guess from the title, Washington Wine and Food also includes wine pairings. If you’re looking to impress some friends with restaurant-worthy food, and wine that seamlessly complements your meals, this is your book.

For the Home Chef Who Loves to Use Seasonal Ingredients

Cook Beautiful

Like the name implies, these recipes will come out looking beautiful. This book’s chapters are broken down into Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, and the focus is on utilizing what produce is in season. There are also tips for setting your table to help elevate your food’s presentation. Each recipe feels refined and visually appealing, so break out your pretty serving bowls and platters. The Mustardy Smashed New Potatoes With Jalapeño Gremolata are in heavy rotation in our kitchen.

A Cookbook that Deserves to Be Displayed

A Boat, a Whale & a Walrus: Menus and Stories

A Boat, a Whale and a Walrus wins my vote for the most gorgeous cookbook you will ever own. From the aesthetic of the cover to the pictures included, you can’t go wrong with this one. Chef Renee Erickson owns a number of seafood-focused restaurants in Seattle, so this would also make a great gift to lovers of Seattle cuisine.

Similar to Cook Beautiful, these chapters are also broken down seasonally. It even includes fully planned menu ideas if you really want to impress your dinner guests. In addition to the recipes, you can expect some stories and helpful kitchen tips.

For the Home Chef Who Loves Global Cuisine

The Immigrant Cookbook: Recipes That Make America Great

If you love global cuisine and want to experience food from new cultures, this book is the perfect addition to your collection. The Immigrant Cookbook is filled to the brim with unique recipes from every continent. If you’re like me and you watch a lot of food competitions on TV, you’ll recognize recipes from the likes of José Andrés, Nina Compton, Martin Yan, Curtis Stone, and Aarón Sánchez. 

The All-Purpose Cookbook

Magnolia Table

If you want an everyday cookbook that covers all your bases in one book, you can’t go wrong with Magnolia Table. This cookbook includes recipes for breakfast, lunch, soups and salads, appetizers and starters, side dishes, dinner, and desserts. I’m a huge fan of Joanna’s recipe for jalapeño drip jam. If you’ve never had drip jam on your burger, do it… NOW.

For the Barbecue Fan

Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto [A Cookbook]

I’m of the opinion that anyone who loves to smoke meats should probably own a “meat-smoking manifesto.” Franklin Barbecue not only includes recipes for your standard barbecue fare like brisket, ribs, barbecue sauces and rubs, but extensive insight from Aaron Franklin (one of the most successful pit-masters in the business). If you’re a BBQ fan, this book will impart you with some serious meat wisdom.

For the Fan of Classic Cocktails

Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined

This book is for the unapologetically classic cocktail drinker. You can expect reimagined recipes for things like Martinis, Sazeracs, Mojitos, and Manhattans. The tried-and-true Manhattan recipe is our go-to when we want to dust off our coupe glasses and savor a refined cocktail. Expect recipes with lots of fresh-squeezed juices, homemade simple syrups, and bitters. Also expect recipes with vermouth. Lots of vermouth.

The Everyday Cocktail Book

I’m Just Here for the Drinks: A Guide to Spirits, Drinking and More Than 100 Extraordinary Cocktails

If you need more variety in your cocktail life, this might be the book for you. Recipes are grouped by alcohol type, and cover you from clear to brown liquors. For the fans of more obscure alcohols like mezcal, brandy, or Amaro, you’re also covered.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your food game or just get out of a food rut, there’s some great options out there. I hope you enjoy the recipes from these books as much as we do!