Scotch
Head Chef
I have more than 1000 cookbooks, and I don't think a single one of them is by Ms. Stewart -- by choice. Julia all the way!
no question, Julia! She is the ultimate cooking teacher. and "the Way to Cook" is the best basic book out there, imho.
My next question is, if I were to choose between 2 of Julia's books, The Art of Mastering French Cooking, and The Way to Cook, which one should I get? Thanks for all the replies!
However, that being said, when I want a good reference point, I always go first to Mastering the Art. What it lacks in beauty and a bow to modern America, it more than makes up for in detail and technique.
I guess if your goal is to use it for recipes and instruction, go with The Way. But if somewhere in your heart you harbor a secret desire to learn to be the next great chef of your generation, Mastering the Art is the way to go.
June,
Where is "Metro New York"?
I'm in Manhattan, so storage space is an issue - even in a large Pre-war apt. I love cookbooks but rarely use them for recipes - I use them as reference materials.
Stacy
I live across the Hudson in the 6th Borough, Jersey City. In a large prewar apartment. With a wall of cookbooks in my dining room. Storage space? what is that?
Thanks everyone for helping me arrive at a decision. I'll go with Julia, and The Way to Cook. I'll keep her Mastering The Art in mind for the future, when I do want to 'master' the art...