Cookbooks: Discover the History and Types

What is a cookbook? 

A cookbook is a book containing recipes and cooking instructions, usually for preparing food. 
There are many different types of cookbooks, including general cookbooks, specialty cookbooks, and healthy eating cookbooks. 

Let’s look at each type in more detail.

The Multilingual Treasury of Fine Cooking: What is a Cookbook?

Definition and Etymology

A cookbook is a collection of recipes and cooking techniques that are compiled and published in book form. The term “cookbook” is a calque of the German word “kochbuch,” which means “cookery book.” The word “cookbook” has been in use since the early 19th century.

Types of Cookbooks

Cookbooks come in many different forms, including:

• General cookbooks that cover a wide range of recipes and techniques
• Specialty cookbooks that focus on a specific type of cuisine or cooking method
• Regional cookbooks that highlight the cuisine of a particular geographic area
• Celebrity chef cookbooks that feature recipes from famous chefs
• Healthy eating cookbooks that focus on nutritious and low-calorie meals

The Authoritative Work

A good cookbook is an authoritative work that provides clear and concise directions for preparing a wide variety of dishes. It should be well-organized and easy to use, with recipes that are tested and proven to work. A great cookbook should also provide helpful tips and techniques for home cooks, as well as information on ingredients, equipment, and serving suggestions.

The Multilingual Collection

Cookbooks are found in many languages around the world, including:

• Vietnamese: “dạy nấu ăn”
• Czech: “kuchařská kniha”
• Greek: “βιβλίο μαγειρικής”
• Japanese: “料理の本”
• Korean: “요리책”
• Polish: “książka kucharska”
• Russian: “поваренная книга”
• Turkish: “kitabı yemek”
• Vietnamese: “sách ăn”
• Chinese: “食谱”

The Thesaurus and Related Terms

The thesaurus provides a wealth of antonyms and related terms for “cookbook,” including:

• Cookery book
• Recipe book
• Refer book
• Direction book
• Culinary guide
• Recipe collection
• Cookery treasury
• Cooking clipart
• Cuisinier book
• Kookboek
• Kokaraamat
• Livre de cuisine
• Ricettario
• Sukaldaritzako liburu
• Кулінарная кніга
• Готварска книга
• Llibre de cuina

In conclusion, a cookbook is an essential tool for anyone who loves to cook. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, a good cookbook can help you to expand your culinary horizons and create delicious meals for yourself and your loved ones.

The Historical Development of Cookbooks

The Beginning of Cookbook Culture

Cookbooks have been around for centuries, providing a sweeping literary and historical overview of the development of food culture. The first known cookbook dates back to the Akkadian tablets of ancient Mesopotamia, which contained recipes for dishes like boiled meat and roasted barley. Large fragments of a Latin cookbook attributed to Marcus Gavius Apicius have survived, but doubts cast on its authenticity.

The Emergence of Modern Cookbooks

The term “cookbook” came into use to designate current editions of cookery texts that appeared in the 19th century. The first modern cookbook is believed to be the “Mixturae” by Greek dietitian Buyantu, recorded in the 13th century. The oldest surviving cookbook in East Asia is the “Manasollasa,” a compendium of Indian vegetarian cuisine that preceded the Chinese “Eumsik dimibang” by several centuries.

Types of Cookbooks

Instructional Cookbooks

Instructional cookbooks are the most common type of cookbook and are primarily designed to teach the reader how to cook. They provide an overall instruction on cooking techniques, ingredient selection, and preparation methods. These cookbooks are typically written for the beginner cook and assume that the audience is not familiar with cooking concepts. Some examples of instructional cookbooks include:

• “How to Cook Everything” by Mark Bittman
• “The Joy of Cooking” by Irma S. Rombauer
• “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” by Julia Child

Family Cookbooks

Family cookbooks are typically collections of recipes that have been passed down through generations of a family. They often include stories and anecdotes related to the recipes and reflect the vernacular style of cooking. These cookbooks are designed to teach the reader about the cuisine of a particular family. Some examples of family cookbooks include:

• “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime” by Ree Drummond
• “The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook” by Matt Lee and Ted Lee
• “The Deen Family Cookbook” by Paula Deen

Cookbooks for Specific Techniques or Styles

Cookbooks for specific techniques or styles focus on a particular method of cooking or a specific group of dishes. These cookbooks are designed to teach the reader about a particular style of cooking or a specific group of dishes. Some examples of cookbooks for specific techniques or styles include:

• “The Pressure Cooker Cookbook” by Tori Ritchie
• “Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art” by Shizuo Tsuji
• “The Grilling Book: The Definitive Guide from Bon Appétit” by Adam Rapoport and the Editors of Bon Appétit

Some of the Most Famous Cookbooks of All Time

The Jemima Code: Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks by Toni Tipton-Martin

Toni Tipton-Martin’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of African American cooking. The book is dedicated to the enslaved Africans who found their way to freedom in Texas, and it honors their legacy by pushing back against stereotypes of southern food. Tipton-Martin spent years researching and collecting cookbooks written by black authors, and her book is a preview of the rich history and culture that these authors embody. Some of the recipes in the book include:

• Watermelon and Birds
• Charred Poblanos with Bright Hibiscus Snow
• Green Cake
• Red Coleslaw

The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker

The Joy of Cooking is one of the most beloved cookbooks of all time. First published in 1931, it has been updated and revised many times over the years. The book is intended to be a comprehensive guide to good food, and it covers everything from appetizers to desserts. Some of the recipes in the book include:

• Summer Squash Casserole
• Chicken and Dumplings
• Beef Stroganoff
• Chocolate Mousse

The Silver Spoon by Phaidon Press

The Silver Spoon is a weighty tome that embodies the pleasures of Italian cooking. First published in 1950, it has become a classic in its own right. The book contains over 2,000 recipes, and it covers everything from antipasti to desserts. Some of the recipes in the book include:

• Spaghetti Carbonara
• Osso Buco
• Tiramisu
• Minestrone Soup

The Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle, and Simone Beck

The Art of French Cooking is a classic cookbook that has been inspiring home cooks for over 50 years. Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle, and Simone Beck wrote the book to bring French cooking to an American audience. The book is heavy on technique and detail, but it also includes some classic French recipes. Some of the recipes in the book include:

• Boeuf Bourguignon
• Coq au Vin
• Quiche Lorraine
• Chocolate Mousse

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is a book that aims to teach home cooks the fundamentals of good cooking. Samin Nosrat breaks down the four elements of cooking and shows how they work together to create delicious food. The book is filled with helpful tips and tricks, and it includes some great recipes as well. Some of the recipes in the book include:

• Buttermilk-Marinated Roast Chicken
• Green Goddess Dressing
• Roasted Carrots with Carrot-Top Pesto
• Chocolate Truffles

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook is a classic cookbook that has been inspiring home cooks for over 20 years. Ina Garten’s recipes are known for being simple and delicious, and her book is filled with great ideas for entertaining. Some of the recipes in the book include:

• Lobster Mac and Cheese
• Roast Chicken with Bread and Arugula Salad
• Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart

The Southern Living Cookbook by Editors of Southern Living Magazine

The Southern Living Cookbook is a collection of recipes from the editors of Southern Living magazine. The book is filled with classic southern recipes, as well as some new twists on old favorites. Some of the recipes in the book include:

• Shrimp and Grits
• Buttermilk Biscuits
• Pecan Pie Bars
• Chicken-Fried Steak

The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen

The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook is a great resource for anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals. The book is filled with delicious vegetarian recipes, as well as tips for cooking with vegetables. Some of the recipes in the book include:

• Vegetable Lasagna
• Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
• Black Bean Burgers
• Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Grapefruit

The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook by Nisha Vora

The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook is a great resource for anyone looking to cook vegan meals quickly and easily. The book is filled with delicious vegan recipes that can be made in an Instant Pot. Some of the recipes in the book include:

• Spicy Red Lentil Soup
• Chickpea and Spinach Curry
• Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwiches
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon

The Oh She Glows Cookbook is a great resource for anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals. The book is filled with delicious vegan recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor. Some of the recipes in the book include:

• Green Monster Smoothie

Conclusion

So there you have it – everything you need to know about cookbooks. Now you know what to look for when buying one, and how to use them to their full potential. So pick up a cookbook and get cooking!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.