Ken Concepcion

Chef

A modern take on The Joy of Cooking. Any cook on any level can find a new revelation every time they pick it up. See also The Food Lab by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, which I put on the same level.

Beverly LeBlanc

Author

The title is quite a claim and the book isn't quite that comprehensive, but this is my go-to reference source for straightforward, clear information and fail-proof recipes.

Melissa McCart

Food writer and restaurant critic

Mark always reminds me that cooking need not be precious and there are a lot of approaches to tackling a new dish (and anxiety need not be part of the experience).

Sheryl Kirby

Food writer

A more advanced “basic” cookbook, this is what I reference when I'm looking up recipes for something slightly more detailed.

Carolyn Jung

Food and wine writer

It's the perfect go-to resource book when you're in the middle of cooking something and have a question.

Lilian (Chinese Grandma)

Blogger, Chinese Grandma

A classic guide; Bittman's trademark minimalist approach, applied to everything.

Linda Anusasananan

Cookbook author

Good reference for basic directions, proportions, or baking temperatures.

Clay Williams

Photographer and blogger

My first go-to cookbook.

Cathy Cochran-Lewis

Consultant and writer

Molly Siegler

Editor

Vikram Vij

Chef

Jane Tran

Executive Chef, Eat First

Amanda Feifer

Fermentation blogger and educator

Joanne Chang

Chef

Peter J Kim

Executive director of the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD)

Monica Bhide

Food writer

Alice Fotheringham and Catherine Gazzoli

Director (Alice) and Founder (Catherine) of Baby's Taste Journey

Jennifer Bushman

Culinary Consultant, Route to Market LLC

Carey Polis

Editor, Bon Appetit

Emily Elsen

Owner & Founder, Four & Twenty Blackbirds

Daphne Cheng

Chef

Marvin J. Taylor

Director, Fales Library and Special Collections

Marissa Nicosia

Assistant Professor at Penn State Abington

Russell van Kraayenburg

Writer

Valentina Solfrini

Blogger

Angela Duckworth

Psychologist and best-selling author

Ellen Schrecker

Professor of American History and author