Look, everyone has to start somewhere, so if you are a novice cook or baker don’t fret. All those seasoned cooks and bakers on Food TV Network might have you believe that it’s as easy as pie, but the truth is learning to cook and bake is work, just like learning that job you go to everyday.

Nothing really gets those creative culinary juices flowing like cooking everyday, day in and day out. As a baby-boomer I grew up learning to cook at my moms’ hip, reading cookbooks like they were novels and watching Julia, Yan, Jacque, the Galloping and Frugal Gourmet. This was before celebrity chefs and when food was pure and cooking was about celebrating what you ate, drank and had for dessert.

Do we even do dessert anymore?

Below are some time honored cookbooks that should be in the library of every novice cook. It matters not where you live, there are some techniques and recipes you must have under your belt. Every novice cook should know how to make a great pot roast, chicken and dumplings, baked salmon, and heavenly vegetarian lasagna. Every novice cook should know how to braise, steam, sauté, and broil. Lastly, every novice cook should learn to bake. Yes, bake. Bake something, a pie, cake, cookies, custard, brownies or bread.

It is not necessary that you have all of the books listed, but start with one, just one and work your way through it. There really is something to be said about cooking your way through a cookbook like Julie Powell.

Betty Crocker’s Picture Cookbook – This cookbook has timeless reliable recipes and should be in every culinary library

The Joy of Cooking – Another staple that needs to be on the book shelf since it provides wonderful detailed explanations about food and cooking

Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone – This cookbook offers creative ways to prepare vegetarian meals that are easy and delicious

The Cake Bible – This is perhaps one book that stays open in my kitchen, only because I love making simple little pound cakes…great company pleasers.

The Silver Spoon – If you are lucky enough to locate a copy of this cookbook, buy it immediately. Italian cooks recommend this book and the sauces…well, have mercy! Yes, it is expensive, but it is well worth it…and I have found great recipes in little mail order booklets for $5 and grand sophisticated cookbooks for $70.