The Fannie Farmer Cookbook (1990 edition)
revised and updated by Marion Cunningham
**Published originally in 1896 under the title "The Boston Cooking School Cook Book" by Fannie Merrit Farmer**
It's just what the cover says it is: "The All-American Cookbook Classic", and I crack it open whenever I'm in need of consulation. Usually when I'm unsure at what temperature/time to cook a certain cut of meat or want to make some kind of flapjack.
It has basic recipes that will always come in handy (e.g. pancakes, soup stock, béchamel sauce...) and many more original ones from different regions in the United States. It's full of interesting stories and tid-bits about the recipes themselves, and reads something like a history lesson.
When it's not on my kitchen-shelf...it's cause it's in my handgbag and I'm about to read it on the métro. I love it and give it many stars.
** The 1972 edition of "Joy of Cooking" by Irma S. Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker is also an excellent all-purpose compendium. I also give it many stars.
