Get Cooking with the Port Jefferson Free Library

      Let the PJFL help you cook up a storm! It is a question almost worth of the chicken or the egg. In this case, did the magazine inspire the cookbook or did the cookbook’s success help to create the magazine!

Cooking has long been a popular subject in print.

Some publications and individuals have been able to take culinary expertise and create a literary empire with a line of successful cookbooks as well as a monthly magazine. Some even have TV tie-ins.

One such culinary superstar is Rachael Ray. She is known for her engaging personality, bright smile, and recipes using ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen. Her magazine Everyday with Rachael Ray is an extension of her culinary aesthetic in which, fun, easy, and simple and tasty foods dominate. There are some lifestyle articles that help with party planning, decorating, and other foodie related pursuits.

Her cookbooks have a design and emphasis similar to the magazine. The cookbooks however, are focused primarily on recipes. Check out some of them today:

Classic Rachael Ray 30 Minute Meals http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3843334~S50

Rachael Ray’s Big Orange Book http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4059793~S50

Bon Appetit is a magazine written for those don’t just eat to live, but live to eat. If you know the difference between pork belly and pancetta Bon Appetit will be the perfect read for you! The recipes and features focus on fine gourmet style dining,and a focus on food related trends. In each issue a particular city and its restaurants and food culture are featured. Attention is not just on preparation, but presentation as well. Written for gourmands, it offers an interesting view into the kitchen of restaurants.

Like the magazine itself, the cookbooks follow a similar trend of fancier gourmet dishes. Fans of the magazine will find even more recipes to try!

The Bon Appetit Cookbook by Barbara Fairchild http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3819008~S50

The Bon Appetit Fast Easy Fresh Cookbook by Barbara Fairchild http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4070477~S50

For those who are looking to eat healthier or must do so, Cooking Light can be a great resource! Suggestions range from helping to measure portion sizes, cut back on salt, recipe makeovers as well as plenty of healthy recipes. Each recipe includes nutrition information. Each issue offers a wide variety options for different tastes both simple and more complex dishes.

      Try some of Cooking Light’s recipes books.

Cooking Light: Slow Cooker http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3839544~S50

Cooking Light: Dessert http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3842486~S50

Cooking Light: Soups and Stews Tonight http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4387330~S50

The Food Network is a culinary triple threat with an entire television channel, a magazine, and a line of cookbooks. The magazine features a variety of recipes creating by the chefs who appear on Food Network shows including: Bobby Flay, Anne Burell, Alex Guarnaschelli, and Giada de Laurentiis. Recipes range from simple to more complex, from kid friendly, to more gourmet offerings. It is a nice balance designed to appeal to the broadest audience. Little if any discussion is made about the shows presented other than a few ads scattered throughout the magazine.

The cookbooks are more of a mixed group. Many of the networks stars have cookbooks that reflect their own personal cooking styles. Check out some of their diverse offerings!

Food: More than 150 Off the Hook Recipes by Guy Fieri http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4336578~S50

Giada’s Family Dinners by Giada de Laurentiis http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3780338~S50

Old School Comfort Food by Alex Guarnaschelli http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4617837~S50

Bobby Flay’s From My Kitchen to Your Table by Bobby Flay http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b2477208~S50

We have many more cookbooks than those listed here. Please note all our magazine can be checked out so you can take them home and browse them at your leisure! (Please note only the newest issue that is out in the clear plastic wrapping cannot be checked out). The magazine collection can be found in the Front Reading Room.  Want to find the back issues? The shelves displaying the current month’s issue can be raised and on the interior shelves you will find the back issues. Catch up on some of your favorite publications free of charge! As always if you need assistance please see the Reference Librarian.