As wildfires swept through Los Angeles in January, residents faced a sobering question: What priceless items would they save in a catastrophic event?
This painful contemplation inspired a reflection on the emotional connections we have with our cookbooks — the cherished tomes that hold not only recipes but memories, connections, and culinary milestones.
In response, the Food writers at the L.A. Times, alongside local chefs and culinary personalities, compiled a list of 62 cookbooks that have made significant impacts on their cooking journeys.
For many, these books are irreplaceable treasures. Readers were invited to share their most beloved cookbooks, including memorable recipes that have become staples in their kitchens.
Amy Lebenzon, who tragically lost her cookbook collection in the Palisades fire, expressed her gratitude for the culinary community when her daughters shared a picture of her cookbooks on Instagram, prompting cookbooks to arrive from across the nation.
Two of her favorites include Yotam Ottolenghi’s “Plenty” and “Plenty More,” featuring standout recipes like Chickpea and Tomato Bread Soup, Barley and Pomegranate salad, and Cabbage and Kohlrabi Salad.
Barbara Thompson revealed her top five cookbooks, which include Kate Lebo’s “Pie School,” where she adores the Blueberry Lemon Verbena Galette, and Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa,” showcasing her love for Croissant Bread Pudding.
Thompson also appreciates the clear instructions found in Mark Bittman’s “How to Cook Everything,” as well as Creamed Corn and Magic Carrots from “The Los Angeles Times California Cookbook.”
Janet Davis echoed sentiments of loss after her entire collection burned in the Palisades fire.
She highlighted her efforts in replacing two pivotal editions of “Joy of Cooking,” along with copies of Sunset magazine cookbooks and “The Vegetarian Epicure Book 2” by Anna Thomas.
Davis noted that her 1998 edition of “Joy of Cooking” contains critical recipes for her Thanksgiving dinner, such as Cranberry Sauce and Spinach Salad, while her 1976 edition boasts the best split pea soup recipe, eagerly awaited by her family.
Kim Janssen, The Times’ senior director of content strategy, shared a heartwarming story of a cookbook her mother handmade for her. This personal possession became her most valued item after she fled her burning house with only an overnight bag.
Janssen continues to cook from this treasured book, which includes a handwritten index and oven temperature notes, bridging her to her late mother.
Amateur baker Jim Potter’s reflections on his five essential bread books reveal his dedication to the craft.
He holds Maurizio Leo’s “The Perfect Loaf: The Craft and Science of Sourdough Breads, Sweets, and More” in high regard for its informative photographs and scientific insight.
In addition, he admires Melissa Weller’s “A Good Bake,” which showcases her baking precision derived from a chemical engineering background and experience at Per Se.
Despite its challenging recipes, he credits Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” with teaching countless bakers, including himself, the art of beautiful bread-making.
Jeffrey Hamelman’s “Bread” is Potter’s go-to resource for specific recipes, showcasing a reverence for the baking craft.
Potter cherishes Apollonia Poilâne’s “Poilâne: The Secrets of the World-Famous Bread Bakery” for its delicious rye and currant bread recipe, which he lovingly shapes into rolls.
For him, making these rolls symbolizes resilience after losing his home.
Katie Lipsitt’s must-have cookbooks reflect a blend of various cuisines and personal preferences.
She swears by Marcella Hazan’s “Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking” for her Minestrone Soup and Yotam Ottolenghi’s “Jerusalem” for Turkey Zucchini Meatballs with Yogurt.
Lipsitt appreciates Alison Roman’s “Nothing Fancy” for its vegetable and salad dishes and Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers’ “The River Cafe Cookbook” for its pizza recipes.
Margot Tobias treasures her family’s cookbook legacy, including her grandmother’s copy of “The Settlement Cook Book” and her mother’s “Joy of Cooking,” featuring heartfelt notes.
She also fondly recalls her childhood learning experience using a vintage “Betty Crocker Cookbook for Boys and Girls.”
Heidi Haaland turned to cookbooks that she considers mandatory rereading during stressful times, naming several nostalgic titles like “Christmas Memories Cookbook” and “The Country Kitchen Cook Book.”
Charles Thompson’s love for cooking began while he worked as an au pair in Alsace, where he learned from Carol, an American mother with a copy of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”
He continues to rely on this book as his cooking bible, along with “Petit Recueil de la Gastronomie Alsacienne” for Alsatian recipes and “Laurel’s Kitchen” for vegetarian cooking.
DeeAnn Wong frequently turns to Naomi Duguid’s “Burma” for recipes like Japanese Pickled Cucumbers and Egg Curry and relies on Yotam Ottolenghi’s “Jerusalem” for Roasted Chicken with Ouzo and Clementines.
Beth Glazener appreciates a myriad of recipes from various magazines and cookbooks but specifically loves “Baking Illustrated” for its slides into American baking with recipes like Banana Bread and Thick and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies.
Barbara Felsinger cites “The Moosewood Cookbook” by Mollie Katzen as her go-to, especially for recipes like Pea Soup and Gazpacho.
Anne Whitacre fondly reminisces about culinary discoveries from the 1973 edition of “The Seasonal Kitchen: A Return to Fresh Foods” by Perla Meyers, still referring to it for its simple yet flavorful dishes.
Lastly, Donna Barstow recalls a cherished version of “Joy of Cooking” handed down from her grandmother and “The Cake Bible” by Rose Levy Beranbaum, which combines her love for culinary science with storytelling.
These stories of resilience and emotional connections to cookbooks highlight the essence of culinary traditions.
As fires have reshaped lives in Los Angeles, these cookbooks offer not only recipes but also a sense of identity, connection, and the healing power of food.
Through shared stories, cherished recipes, and the act of cooking, communities can foster resilience and rebuild their lives, no matter the challenges they face.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2025-04-24/times-readers-share-favorite-cookbooks-recipes-destroyed-los-angeles-fires
