Countertop Worthy Cookbooks
Looking for cookbooks that aren’t just filled with great recipes, but are beautiful enough to sit out on those new countertops? Below are a few of our favorites that add something to the space, and of course, add something to our plates! Some of them are from local Maine chefs, and others are from timeless, and iconic cooks like Julia Child. Either way, tested and approved by Arcadia. Happy cooking!
The cover of this book just makes us want to have that chocolate cake on our countertop! This book by Benjamin Ebuehi, one of the winning contestants of The Great British Bake Off has recipes for more adventuresome sweets and savory treats, as well as the classics that you just love. Flip through chapters like Herbs & Tea, Stone Fruit & Berries, Vegetables, Best of Beige, Spice Cupboard, and of course chocolate. This is a beautiful book to not only display but use on a cozy Sunday afternoon.
Walk into most kitchens in Maine and you’ll find Marjorie Standish’s classic cookbook, dog-eared and well-loved. Filled with those classic New England staples like the perfect chowder and what exactly to do with those lobsters. It perfectly highlights the food Mainer's eat, and her recipes remind us of why we love these home-cooked, familiar meals that remind us of our favorite state!
Flipping through this one gets us through those Maine winters, and sits out all summer long on our countertop as we tend to use it every week! Al Fresco is all about dining outdoors and leaning into those easy recipes that taste delicious on a warm summer evening. The recipes are great for larger groups and hosting in your backyard. This bright yellow book is the perfect little touch of sunshine in your kitchen!
Erin French grew up using cookbooks to educate herself on the craft. Now she has created her own! The Lost Kitchen is not just a beautiful book that makes us dream of summertime peaches, but it’s filled with those types of recipes that make you feel right at home. Simple and delicious, nothing too fancy, but always exactly what you want to be eating on a lazy Friday night.
Nothing is more classic, and timeless than this iconic cookbook by none other than Julia Child. Many consider this a must-have in your cabinet of cookbooks, but we consider it countertop worthy because of how fun the pop of color looks on a gray slab of marble! Delicious recipes, with detailed instructions all to better your knowledge and expertise when it comes to cooking just like the French. A timeless, and vintage cookbook to balance out your new modern kitchen.
If you enjoy making those warm and comforting dishes you grew up eating, but like to elevate them just a bit-this cookbook is exactly what we would recommend. You’ll recognize the names of ingredients, and learn new ways to upgrade recipes you may have made before. This a great one to leave out on the countertops for guests to flip through, as everyone usually finds a recipe they have heard of before, and may even ask to borrow the book, just make sure you get it back!
This popular Maine market has been in business for over 30 years and supplying us locals with some of the highest quality seafood out there. The family who runs Harbor Fish Market put together a beautiful book of delicious recipes starting with appetizers and ending with desserts (with some very notable soup recipes in between). This one is a must-have in our Maine kitchen, although no matter where you are, we think you’ll enjoy these wonderful seafood recipes.
Well known food blogger, Deb Perelmen who cooks out of her mini Manhattan kitchen is the author of another cookbook worthy of display. Just look at those tomatoes! We love recipes that make us hungry, and flipping through this one absolutely sparks our appetite. This book is filled with approachable recipes and gorgeous photographs that inspire us into trying as many of these recipes as possible.