Despite women’s historical role as homemakers, the heads of restaurants have overwhelmingly been male. Survey the list of James Beard Award winners as of 2018 and you will see that less than 25% are women. Despite that lack of opportunity and recognition, you will find plenty in front of cameras or with their names on the cover of cookbooks, including many available right here on our cookbook library’s shelves. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re going to highlight some of our favorites. Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom

It’s impossible to talk about female cookbook authors without mentioning the Grande Dame herself, Julia Child. From her introducing the stateside masses to French cooking on public television to the distinct voice that got her the SNL treatment, she was one of the first chefs to engrain themselves into the cultural conscience of Americans. She brought us many books along the way. Mastering the Art of French Cooking is a must-have book for any burgeoning cook.  She also boiled down (pun intended) decades of knowledge into “Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom”. This 115-page paperback covers what she considers “essential techniques and recipes”. Pretty sure you can consider these cooking canon.

The Vegetarian Flavor Bible

Ever wonder how chefs like Julia Child come up with the recipes and what flavors to incorporate? Aside from years and years of trial and error, there has to be some way to reduce (I’m on fire!) the guesswork. Enter Karen Page. As a food writer, she’s been exposed to countless chefs and ingredients. It also did not hurt that she was married to a chef. Taking those connections and the writer’s spirit, she set out to compile a comprehensive reference list of flavor affinities and combinations aptly named The Flavor Bible (also available at COOK). It was hailed by many as one of the best food reference guides EVER. Fast forward 8 years, along with husband, Andrew, Karen embarked on a plant-based journey together and decided to update their celebrated compilation to focus solely on that endeavor. The Vegetarian Flavor Bible is that result. Believe me, you will not be disappointed in picking up either title.

The Jewish Cookbook

Philadelphians are spoiled. We have so many exciting restaurants that represent a large number of backgrounds. From East African to Western European and from Middle Eastern to Far East Asian, you assuredly can find something that sparks your interest. One such restaurant is Zahav. It showed us how diverse and exciting Israeli food is. Despite its current widespread popularity, it doesn’t begin to tip the scales in terms of Jewish cuisine as a whole. With a vast diaspora, Jewish cooking is not a heterogenous tradition. So when Leah Koenig tasked herself with putting together The Jewish Cookbook, she had her work cut out for her. In it, you will find recipes that adhere to Kosher-style, ones that are used during celebratory times, quick eats, and a plethora of other options from all corners of the globe.

The Beer Lover’s Table

The Beer Lover’s Table spins two “truths” on their heads. The first is that beer is a guy thing. With groups like Pink Boots Society and Philly Loves Beer being led by women and promoting beer culture in places like Philly, the beer scene has a great deal of diversity. The second “fact” is that wine is the best pairing for food. As a whole, beer incorporates many elements that make it a fantastic food companion. This goes well beyond your backyard burger and light beer combination. Author Claire Bullen explores all of the possibilities and attempts to push you to try new beverage-food partnerships. In it, you will see why beer’s vast portfolio and crafted flavor profiles work as well as, if not better than wine as a pairing.

Simply Sensational Cookies

Want to see me happy? Come find me after a trip to buy fresh-baked desserts from Sprouts or catch me in my favorite coffee/pastry shop Bakeshop on 20th. Cookies and I have a love-love relationship, and I owe my ability to express that affection to Ruth Wakefield. Back in 1938 at the Toll House Inn, Ruth invented the chocolate chip cookie, and the rest is heavenly history. Not to say that no cookies were made before then, but come on, is there a more iconic one? Now, we have plenty of options and amalgamations to enjoy (seriously, go visit Lisa and her crew at Bakeshop). Of course, you’re welcome to bake them at home as well. What better place to start than a book dedicated to them. Simply Sensational Cookies gives us the whole farm in terms of these tiny delights. There are tried-and-true types like Ruth’s gift to the world, sugar, and oatmeal raisin. Or if you’re feeling fancy, try your hand at macaroons or the berry swirls. Either way, be sure to bring me some.

As an added bonus this month, we are featuring one of our COOK veteran instructors on March 7th. Jezabel Careaga of Jezabel’s Cafe will be at COOK from 11am to 2pm (or until sold out) for a special pop-up sale of her Argentine treats, including her beloved empanadas and alfajores. Additionally, you can buy any of the above books or anything in our boutique at a 20% discount!

Happy COOKing!