Finding the Perfect Online Cookbook

I don't really own proper cookbooks anymore. When I moved to London, I flew here with just one suitcase and a carryon bag. This means I left behind just about everything I owned, including all my cookbooks.

And when it comes to cookbooks, I'm pretty particular. I prefer cookbooks that have interesting, straightforward recipes, but don't mean I have to run to a specialty supermarket for ingredients.  In my opinion, you always need one generalist tome with a variety of recipes- my favourite in New Zealand was my copy of Mark Bitman's How To Cook Everything Vegetarian. 

Since leaving my cookbooks behind, I've turned to the digital cookbook of the web.



But of course while you can trust that Mark Bitman tried and tested all his recipes, some recipes online can be pretty dodgy or just plain wrong. As a result, I usually trust the recommended recipes of my favourite bloggers: Luisa from the The Wednesday Chef or Deb from Smitten Kitchen .

However, I've really missed having a generalist cookbook that I could browse for dinner inspiration that wasn't full of gross shortcuts - think tins of creamed corn - or wrong proportions.  After all, there is nothing worse than baking powder biscuits that come out stodgy instead of fluffy.

However, discovering the Saveur Magazine website has finally filled the gap left by How to Cook Everything Vegetarian. Here's a website crammed full with every recipe you could wish for - tried, true and trusted. Plus there are fantastic pictures along with each recipe, another criteria for satisfying browsing.

Thanksgiving

Although I've lived outside of the USA for over 4 years now, this will be the first year I try doing my own Thanksgiving. At the moment I'm looking into what Saveur Magazine recommends:

Cranberry Sauce with brandy and black peppercorns

Chestnut Stuffing

Honey and Herb Biscuits

Winter Squash and Apple Soup

Potato Gratin

Pumpkin Pie