Choosing between Julia and Martha

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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.

I agree emphatically. A famous pastry teacher who knows her well once told me that Martha's recipes often don't work and there are lots of mistakes in her books.
 
this evening i chose barefoot contessa, saw a show where she did baked shrimp scampi. over the last couple of weeks have tried to email it to myself. a feature of the web site. said it was sent but never got any of them. does she have some kind of a block? went to her site and no luck either, said to buy cook book
what's up with that. i would pick julia i guess, though martha's baking book is very good.
 
Martha is a very talented lady, and I respect her for her abilities, but...

I love Julia...wish I could have had her in our kitchen cooking with us!
 
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!

I have them both. The Way To Cook is beautifully done with color photos and more contemporary directions. It's obviously done with a more modern home cook in mind.

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.
 
Cookbook Collection Considerations

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.

Point well made! I guess it also depends what other books are in your collection. I have a few text books from school that are more in the style of Master the Art, and they were dry the first time I HAD to study from them! These days I'm strictly a home cook, so I appreciate the more laid back style with the updated info geared towards a home cook and home cooking equipment.

This has been such a fun topic - I'd love to see more of these!! I'm going to have go back and re-read Mastering the Art!

Stacy
NY,NY
 
Last edited:
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? :rolleyes::LOL::wacko:
 
Jersey City

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? :rolleyes::LOL::wacko:

I grew up in JC - Bidwell Ave and went to school in Bayonne till we moved when I was 8, but I still have family in JC and Bayonne.

Stacy
 
Julia, without a doubt. for one thing, she was a great teacher, and I always liked that she didn't take herself so seriously.
 
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...
 
Keep us posted ....

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...

I'm sure you'll enjoy the book. Please let us know your thoughts after you've had a chance to digest the information. I'm sure I'm not alone in my excitement over your journey to further your knowledge of the culinary arts.

Wishing you tasty adventures,

Stacy
NY,NY
 
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