20 Recipes From Joy Of Cooking That Everyone Should Master
There's no time like the present to perfect these time-tested classics.
Joy of Cooking has gone down in history as one of the greatest cookbooks of all time. This complete guide to home cooking, self-published by Irma S. Rombauer in 1931, has endured as a tentpole of culinary education for generations. Almost 100 years after its publication, Joy of Cooking remains a steadfast source for many home cooks.
If you don't already have a copy of Joy of Cooking on your shelves, the most recent edition is available on Amazon. Once you've secured your copy, we have 10 Joy of Cooking classic recipes that every home cook should master.
An All-Time Classic
What's the secret to this cookbook's staying power?
"Since its debut in 1930, versions of this tome have earned a permanent spot in many kitchens," writes Sheri Castle, listing Joy of Cooking as one of Southern Living's 100 Best Cookbooks of All Time. "Despite its oddball recipe format, this book is an encyclopedic source for techniques, and U.S. culinary history if one has all of the versions."
Joy of Cooking has seen multiple revisions, with new generations of the family taking up the task to update and reinvent Rombauer's classic recipes. In 2019, Irma S. Rombauer's great-grandson, John Becker, and his wife, Megan Scott, published an edition of Joy of Cooking, adding over 600 new dishes alongside deep-rooted favorites.
Start with these classics.
Cobb Salad
"When you do not have this formula close at hand, remember: Egg, Avocado, Tomato, Chicken, green Onion, Bacon, and Blue cheese spells "eat Cobb,'" write John Becker and Megan Scott in the 2019 edition of Joy of Cooking. Try this spin, Cobb salad with shrimp.
Quick PB&J Thumbprints
While we can appreciate the wonder of a show-stopping layer cake, quick and easy desserts hold a special place in our Southern hearts. That's why we're so fond of these Quick PB&J Thumbprints, which pack all the nostalgia of our childhood lunchboxes into a slightly sweetened cookie. As an added bonus, the recipe only calls for 5 ingredients. For a similar, simple peanut butter cookie, try Southern Living's Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies too.
Cacio e Pepe
A slightly upgraded version of Joy of Cooking's classic Fettuccine with Butter and Cheese, this Cacio e Pepe is sure to become a family favorite. All it takes is a heavy dose of Romano cheese, a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper, and a half stick of butter. See our full recipe for Cacio e Pepe here.
BLT
The BLT was Joy of Cooking matriarch Irma S. Rombauer's favorite sandwich, so it's only right to include it among the essential Joy of Cooking recipes. Rombauer keeps it simple. We add a touch of garlic to our version.
Banana Bread
There are lots of banana bread recipes out there, but we'll be getting ours from an ever-reliable source: Joy of Cooking. Rombauer's version yields a tender loaf that will become your new go-to gift for new moms, neighbors, or just about anyone. Try our version here.
Basic Pancakes
Every home cook should have a basic pancake recipe memorized. The 1951 edition of Joy of Cooking recipe uses buttermilk to add an extra tang to the pancakes—soon enough, you'll be flipping these flapjacks every weekend. See how our version stacks up.
Country Captain Chicken
This fragrant curried chicken dish is a time-honored favorite amongst generations of Joy of Cooking fans. Check out our version of the classic recipe here.
New York Cheesecake
Rombauer's recipe for New York Cheesecake is much more than just a recipe: it's a guide offering tips and tricks to perfect a notoriously finicky dessert. You won't find this recipe online; you'll have to pick up a copy of the cookbook itself. Our No-Bake Cheesecake is another option if you're looking for a cheesecake you can enjoy without even turning on the oven.
Shakshouka
When developing the 2019 edition of Joy of Cooking, Becker and Scott sought to modernize the cookbook by adding internationally inspired recipes; shakshouka, a popular North African dish of poached eggs in tomato sauce, is a testament to these efforts. This one-skillet dish can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Southerners have been putting mayonnaise in our cakes for decades, and as it turns out, Irma S. Rombauer had the benefits of mayonnaise figured out, too. Rombauer's Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is perfectly suited for a special occasion; find Southern Living's take on the unconventional recipe here.
Biscuits
Biscuits are an absolute classic Southern breakfast food, and Joy of Cooking teaches you how to make a simple, basic biscuit that is full of that comforting flavor. Our version of this recipe can be found here.
Shepherd's Pie
There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty shepherd's pie on a cold night. This classic English meal has made its way west and onto Southern dinner tables all over the region. Joy of Cooking has the simple yet delicious recipe for this filling dinner, and you can check out Southern Living's version here.
Pasta Carbonara
This Italian dish is a favorite all over the world — pasta noodles are tossed in a creamy sauce made of egg, cheese, and garlic, topped with cooked pancetta and black pepper. Joy of Cooking explains the way to make a simple yet refined carbonara, and Southern Living has a carbonara recipe with a breakfast twist.
Split Pea Soup
This beautifully green soup is a hearty and protein-packed meal perfect for any season. Using peas, along with other vegetables like carrots and celery, Joy of Cooking features a recipe for split pea soup that is as flavorful as it is simple. Check out Southern Living's take on a split pea soup recipe with ham.
Gingerbread Cookies
This holiday favorite is something many people looking forward to once the weather gets chilly. Gingerbread cookies just scream Christmas time, and they're even more fun when made into gingerbread men to decorate with royal icing. Joy of Cooking has a basic but perfect recipe for making these spiced cookies, and Southern Living has a take on it here.
Lasagna
Chances are high that you've had a lasagna at least once in your life — the rich layers a pasta, beef, and cheese is a match made in heaven. Though you may have a go-to lasagna recipe already, the Joy of Cooking recipe that has been a staple in many households for decades. Check out Southern Living's version of lasagna here.
Gazpacho
If you're a soup lover but live in the South, gazpacho is the perfect compromise in the hot summers. Originating in Spain, this cold soup is a delicious blend of raw vegetables that is a refreshing dish for all to enjoy. The Joy of Cooking recipe is a fabulous and fresh take on this dish, and Southern Living's recipe adds a delicious Southern twist.
Butter Cookies
Some things are best when at their most basic — butter cookies being a wonderful example. These simple and sweet treats are melt-in-your-mouth perfect and something that absolutely anyone will enjoy. Joy of Cooking's recipe is an easy and delicious way to make this dessert, and you can check out Southern Living's version of this recipe here.
Basil Pesto
This classic Italian paste is loved by people all around the world. Made of olive oil, basil leaves, pine nuts, and cheese, basil pesto is a perfect ingredient for pasta, chicken, sandwiches, and plenty more. Joy of Cooking teaches you how to make a simple basil pesto, and you can find our version of the recipe here.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pies are a holiday dessert favorite, especially in the South. Whether you crush your pecans or leave them whole, this pie is a rich, sweet treat with a deep nutty flavor that is irresistible. Joy of Cooking has a simple recipe that will be a perfect addition to the winter dessert table, and Southern Living's version can be found here.
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Read the original article on Southern Living.
