I just received my copy of Joy of Cooking – 75th Anniversary Edition. Flipping through it took me back to all of the times that I poured over the pages of my grandma’s copy, when I was in my early teens. Those were the days!

This was and still is a WONDERFUL cookbook. Everyone should add it to their collection, regardless of their level of cooking expertise. It is truly in a class by itself.

This particular edition of Joy of Cooking has over 1100 pages. It contains 4500 recipes…500 of which are brand new. It is packed with food history and reference, trivia and countless tips and tricks, as well.

The first edition of the Joy of Cooking was published in 1931, by Irma Rombauer. (Believe it or not, it was self-published. She published 3000 copies, using the insurance money her husband left her.) Her daughter, Marion, was the books cover designer, illustrator and recipe tester.

1936 marked the first year that the Joy of Cooking was published by a publishing house. 10,000 copies were printed and sold for $2.50 each.

There have been several other editions published, throughout the years. This includes leather bound copies, published in 1963 and 1975, marketed as the ‘Bridal Edition’.

Do you own an older edition of Joy? Feel free to share your review.

I just purchased The Ultimate Bisquick Cookbook. After thumbing through it, for the first time, I wholeheartedly give it 5 stars!

I’ve always loved baking with Bisquick. Several years ago, I actually went through an ‘impossible pie’ phase… where I think I tried every variation of the original recipe that I could get my hands on. (The original recipe made its debut in the early 70s.)

To date, this new edition is the biggest (and best) Bisquick cookbook ever published. It features hundreds of wonderful recipes, including over 280 new ones. My favorites tend to be back of the box recipes, which go all the way back to the 1930s.

The Ultimate Bisquick Cookbook is a must for those who are struggling to learn how to make perfect pancakes, biscuits, dumplings, muffins and short cakes.

There are over 100 color photos and even a brief product history, explaining how this versatile baking mix came to be. Did you know that it was created in 1931? That’s a lot of pancakes, in my book!

Whether you are in need of a hearty breakfast dish, a savory suppertime comfort food, pizza with pizzazz or a yummy dessert, you will find it in this cookbook. Honestly, I haven’t run across a single recipe that sounds unappealing.

Do you bake with Bisquick? Feel free to tell us about your favorite recipe.

I am, among other things, a cookbook junkie. I don’t have as much time to cook as I used to, but that hasn’t stopped me from adding to my collection.

I recently acquired a copy of The Deen Bros. Cookbook – Recipes from the Road and can’t say enough about it. (It was a gift from the publisher.)

I love cookbooks that feature restaurants and recipes, from around the country. There are so many smaller, family-owned, establishments that have a great history and serve up a wonderful menu. If it wasn’t for this type of cookbook, these eateries would probably remain unnoticed for the most part… except to the locals.

Most of you are probably aware that Jamie and Bobby Deen are the sons of Paula Deen. They worked right along side of her when she started her first business, The Bag Lady. This successful venture eventually evolved into their restaurant, The Lady & Sons.

This cookbook is filled with yummy recipes, interesting history and amazing photographs that almost jump off the page. (Let’s face it; what’s a cookbook without tantalizing pictures?)

To date, I have tried several recipes and have been pleased with all of them. So far, my favorite is the Turkey and Cranberry Mayo Pretzel Sandwiches. For convenience, they are made with frozen pretzels that have been toasted to perfection. To say that they are to die for is an understatement!

If you are a fan of the Deen Brothers and/or great recipes that come from family-owned diners and other restaurants, consider adding Recipes from the Road to your collection. You won’t be disappointed.

If you already own this cookbook, please feel free to tell us the recipes, you’ve enjoyed the most.