Whether you are a novice or experienced cook, a good general reference cookbook is a must in the kitchen. Most will have not only basic and advanced recipes, but also basic cooking instructions for a variety of specific foods, food glossary, weights and measure conversion charts, and other basic facts to help you in the kitchen. Here are my picks for essential kitchen general reference cookbooks.
1. The New Doubleday Cookbook
I've used the 1975 version of this general reference cookbook on a weekly basis for over twenty years. The updated version is even better with over 4,000 recipes, nutritional values, microwave and specific appliance references, temperature and weight charts, and an excellent detailed index to help you find what you need. Excellent for new cooks.
2. The All New Good Housekeeping Cookbook
There are many cookbooks with general cooking information. This one wraps it all up into one slick volume covering basic cooking techniques, general background, and a wide variety of classic, modern and ethnic recipes. Full-color photos give you a visual idea of finished products and tips from chefs give you insight from a professional angle.
3. How To Cook Everything
Veteran food journalist Mark Bittman has put together a very user-friendly cookbook with over 1,500 recipes. Each category chapter begins with basic information and moves on to recipes and procedures that are easy to follow. Recipes cover old favorites as well as new, plus many ethnic specialties. The index contains menus, a glossary, and an index of quick-fix recipes.4. Cookwise
This is a book for not only the curious cook, but for anyone who wants to know why things go wrong in the kitchen. Corriher delves into the scientific side of cooking to explain why cooking disasters occur and how to avoid them. The explanations are scientific yet easy for the novice to understand. Also included are over 200 recipes, plus at-a-glance informational charts and helpful tips.