The Wedding Gift That Changed Our Lives

The Wedding Gift That Changed Our Lives

September 11th, 2009 @ 5:30 pm by Ms. Dahlia

We’ve been married for almost a year and a half. In that time, we’ve found a lot of uses for some of the items for which we registered. The plates, glasses, cups, flatware - we use them every day. The pots and pans, most days in a week. The mixer, about once a week.

But none of those things really changed our lives. We did just fine without them; our lives aren’t any different because we got them. Prettier, perhaps, since everything matches, but it didn’t change things.

There is one gift that we got, however, that has really changed the way we do things around our house. It wasn’t on our registry, and was actually a shower gift.

How to Cook Everything

This is our go-to cookbook, for just about everything. My mom’s go-to cookbook was McCall’s, and we have a Joy of Cooking, but this is really the one that teaches you how to cook, in plain English, with items you already have in the cupboard.

Favorite recipes include ice cream (the best Christmas present we received last year was the KitchenAid mixer attachment), pizza dough (a doubled recipe makes enough for 3 pizza stone sized pizzas, and keeps in the freezer), and crackers. Yes, crackers. For really cheap (like, 20 cents cheap) and 15 minutes time, you can have amazing homemade crackers. They are Mr. D’s specialty, and he makes them all the time.

We’ve given the cookbook to every member of our families, and talk about it whenever cooking comes up. It is that fantastic. And who knew that a cookbook could change your life?

What was your most useful wedding gift? And what is your favorite cookbook?

Tags: food, registry |

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38 Responses to “The Wedding Gift That Changed Our Lives”

Bee

Mrs. Espresso (message) 1,064 posts, Bumble bee

I love this cookbook! The homemade tortilla chips are my favorite recipe- and they’re so easy!

9/11/09 @ 5:34 pm (reply)

Member

bethanyleigh (message) 57 posts, Worker bee

All of our shower gifts are boxed up in my parents’ basement for now (and awaiting our October wedding), but so far my favorite gift would probably be the porch swing from my parents. It’s hard to choose though!

My new cookbooks are still sitting down there too, so I don’t know yet which will be my favorite!

9/11/09 @ 5:37 pm (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Joey (message) 829 posts, Busy bee

We got this one too! I haven’t used it yet but I might have to tonight!

9/11/09 @ 5:44 pm (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Lovebird (message) 693 posts, Busy bee

Just bought mine! Thanks, D!

9/11/09 @ 5:44 pm (reply)

Member

sarahnyc23 (message) 115 posts, Blushing bee

His “How to Cook Everything Vegetarian” is also amazing!

9/11/09 @ 5:49 pm (reply)

Bee

Mrs. French Bulldog (message) 6,063 posts, Bee Keeper

Oooo I need to get one of these! Thanks

9/11/09 @ 6:08 pm (reply)

Member

tea (message) 2,616 posts, Sugar bee

hmm, i’ll have to check this out sometime!

9/11/09 @ 6:10 pm (reply)

Member

iswimibikeirun (message) 507 posts, Busy bee

I spotted this book, but haven’t had a chance to really study it. The old Betty Crocker is a great standby too.

9/11/09 @ 6:10 pm (reply)

Guest

leslie

Thank you for sharing! I just added it to my shopping list

9/11/09 @ 6:14 pm (reply)

10.

Bee

Mrs. Canary (message) 636 posts, Busy bee

Nice, Mrs. D! I love this book! I’ve used it since college. It’s like the Joy of Cooking for a new generation! There’s also a Vegetarian version.

9/11/09 @ 6:15 pm (reply)

11.

Member

teamzeewagen (message) 126 posts, Blushing bee

Ooh I love to cook and I don’t have this one! My favs right now are Mollie’s Katzen’s Vegetable Heaven and A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen. FI and I aren’t vegetarian, but we eat veg most days of the week and these are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!

9/11/09 @ 6:20 pm (reply)

12.

Hostess

HumarockBride (message) 1,480 posts, Bumble bee

This is so FUN and this would be a GREAT bee series!!! For all the “Graudated” bees!

9/11/09 @ 7:03 pm (reply)

13.

Member

Perk (message) 125 posts, Blushing bee

Our favorite cookbook for a go-to-be-all-end-all is The Joy of Cooking (but depend greatly on the Barefoot Contessa). And our favorite gift is a tie between two unique platters from two completely different people. One is a Moroccan stone platter and the other is blown glass. Both so unique- and NOT from our registry!

9/11/09 @ 8:31 pm (reply)

14.

Bee

Miss Moonbeam (message) 1,328 posts, Bumble bee

I certainly enjoy his NY times articles. I’ve made homemade crackers before too, so yummy. Might have to give hints about this one to people.

9/11/09 @ 9:34 pm (reply)

15.

Hostess

BeachBrideT (message) 1,056 posts, Bumble bee

That’s a great gift!

9/11/09 @ 11:31 pm (reply)

16.

Member

Gerbera (message) 823 posts, Busy bee

I have this book! The FI got it for me a couple years ago as a part of christmas gift. It is a great go to book for cooking techniques, recipes and all. =) Love it. It’s the “What to Expect When Your Expecting” caliber book for cooking. In my mind. =D

9/11/09 @ 11:43 pm (reply)

17.

Member

Champagne Wishes (message) 485 posts, Helper bee

Couples that cook together, stay together! That’s our motto so naturally, we are cookbook crazies! We love Joy of Cooking and ALL the Barefoot Contessa books. I will NEED to add this to our collection!

9/12/09 @ 12:31 am (reply)

18.

Hostess

Lillindy (message) 4,251 posts, Honey bee

I’m totally going to buy one of these, thanks so much for sharing it!

9/12/09 @ 3:20 am (reply)

19.

Member

mrspaetz (message) 1,707 posts, Bumble bee

Can I ask, what’s the diff between this and the one with the red cover???

9/12/09 @ 5:50 am (reply)

20.

Member

pvaulter718 (message) 1,593 posts, Bumble bee

My favorite cookbook is actually a textbook from the Culinary Institute of America. It’s not for beginners, but I adore my grandmother for seeking it out for me. It is well worn and has food all over the pages, but it is well loved Might have to pick up your book as well - my husband could use something a little more simple than “fabricating a leg of lamb”

9/12/09 @ 8:20 am (reply)

21.

Bee

Ms. Dahlia (message) 412 posts, Helper bee

mrspaetz, I think that the primary difference between the yellow cover and the red cover is that the red is hardcover and is the 10th anniversary edition. I haven’t looked at it too closely, but I think all the recipes are the same.

And the Bittman vegetarian cookbook is also awesome- it’s our second go to cookbook. Although now I may have to add some others to our collection- thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

And if you have any more, please share!

9/12/09 @ 8:41 am (reply)

22.

Bee

Miss Dew Drop (message) 250 posts, Helper bee

I love this book!! Especially the blondie recipe, which is so simple but seriously awesome.

9/12/09 @ 9:23 am (reply)

23.

Member

princetonbride (message) 126 posts, Blushing bee

i’ll definitely check this out. i actually have stayed away because i haven’t had much luck with his nytimes recipes…but i think i’ll have to check this out.

i HIGHLY recommend the Cooks Illustrated website and cookbooks. My favorites is the Best 30 Minute Recipe cookbook. The other night I made a delicious salmon and couscous meal in less than 30 minutes.

I also really like the Recipes for Health column on the New York Times website.

9/12/09 @ 9:48 am (reply)

24.

Member

thefuturemrsjewell (message) 1,529 posts, Bumble bee

i have tons of cookbooks, but i don’t have this one… i might need to add it to my collection. my favorite recipe ever is from tyler florence’s “eat this book” it’s the best tuna recipe ever!

9/12/09 @ 10:52 am (reply)

25.

Member

alishaneva (message) 1,524 posts, Bumble bee

wow - I definitely don’t have this cookbook - but it sounds great - and homemade crackers? I love crackers and always scoff at how expensive they are! Thanks for sharing!

9/12/09 @ 11:13 am (reply)

26.

Bee

Mrs. Champagne (message) 1,068 posts, Bumble bee

I’m totally going to get this cookbook

9/12/09 @ 11:40 am (reply)

27.

Member

musingsfromhere (message) 63 posts, Worker bee

I love this post! We got a copy of the cook’s illustrated “Best Recipes” (I think) and it has changed our cooking. We use it ALL the time, and have bought copies for family members. It’s totally our go-to reference.
Even better is that it came from a minister friend, with a note saying “I hope this becomes your other family Bible.” It definitely has!

9/12/09 @ 11:48 am (reply)

28.

Member

hannahmarie327 (message) 20 posts, Newbee

We The More With Less Cookbook as a wedding gift, and I love it! It also has recipes for homemade crackers, chips and other snacks.

9/12/09 @ 12:55 pm (reply)

29.

Member

daftrob (message) 6 posts, Newbee

I’ll have to check that out at some point.

9/12/09 @ 2:49 pm (reply)

30.

Member

jmc (message) 469 posts, Helper bee

Just added it to the amazon universal registry. Homemade crackers? ON IT!

9/12/09 @ 4:13 pm (reply)

31.

Member

JeniRae (message) 319 posts, Helper bee

I also LOVE this cookbook. It’s the only one I have that always stays within reach on the counter. I Have several Rachael Ray ones, a Betty Crocker one and an Asian specialty one that are in the cupboard above the fridge. HTCE is stained and showing wear. I’ll pass it down someday.

9/12/09 @ 9:00 pm (reply)

32.

Member

jduck84 (message) 337 posts, Helper bee

I love Mark Bittman! His blog for New York Times is fun, too.

9/12/09 @ 11:15 pm (reply)

33.

Member

MariaPaz (message) 132 posts, Blushing bee

I love this cookbook! Every single recipe I’ve tried is so well explained, and has come out sooo yummy. And the chapters on cooking equipment and techniques are real lifesavers!

9/14/09 @ 1:24 am (reply)

34.

Bee

Miss Poodle (message) 3,020 posts, Sugar bee

I think I need that book AHORA!

9/14/09 @ 2:05 am (reply)

35.

Bee

Miss Lamb (message) 461 posts, Helper bee

Thanks for the recommendation! I just added it to our registery!

9/14/09 @ 10:26 am (reply)

36.

Member

bflobride (message) 12 posts, Newbee

This is definitely going on my registry - thanks!

I also love the Cooks Illustrated “Best Recipe” series. They devote about a page to telling you how they arrived at the “best recipe” - it really helps you understand the science of cooking, and gives you an idea of what it’s going to taste like.

9/14/09 @ 1:49 pm (reply)

37.