CookApp giveaway – CookShelf

CookshelfFor our latest cookbook giveaway, we’re not exactly offering a cookbook. Rather we’re offering 20 licenses for Susie Chang’s cookbook app, CookShelf (the title has now changed to Cookbook Finder). We’re sure you’re familiar with Susie as she writes a weekly blog for EYB, but you may not know her as a highly regarded cookbook reviewer for NPR, The Boston Globe, and other publications. In this month’s Me and My Cookbooks, she talks about how she became a cookbook reviewer – and what she does with all those cookbooks. Check it out

Susie describes her app this way: “Realizing just how hard it is to judge a cookbook, when you’re standing there in the store or online, away from your kitchen and pots and pans, is what made me decide last year to launch my cookbook-rating app, CookShelf (downloadable for iPhone/iPad and Android devices).  Every cookbook I think is really good goes into the app, and I also review the ones that are seriously hyped but not necessarily all that great.  People especially need help choosing cookbooks at this time of year, (1) because it’s the gift-giving season, and (2) because publishers release the most cookbooks in October and November.  So my hope is that CookShelf – like Eat Your Books – helps people make sense of the chaos, and love and use their cookbooks even more than they do already.” 

To win one of twenty licenses, just post a comment below answering the question:   

What is your favorite cookbook of 2013 – either one you have already bought or is on your wish-list?

Additional rules are:

  • Please make certain you have signed in to the EYB website (you don’t have to be a paid member). This ensures that we have your email address and can get in contact with you. 
  • The giveaway will expire in 4 weeks on December 19, 2013.

This contest is now closed.  The 20 lucky winners, selected by random number generator, are HelenB, Victoria_caba, Julia, mfriedrich, NSteinen, MHLandSDZ, chawkins, vinochic, trudys_person, BobbsV, wanda72, Smuz90, tcjanes, Wlow, boardingace, tagubajones, lizwinn, ellenklutz, jlg84, and infotrop

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73 Comments

  • gigihotchkiss  on  November 21, 2013

    My favorite cookbook of this year is Modern Art Desserts!

  • mamuller  on  November 21, 2013

    Roots by Dianne Morgan, a comprehensive guide with stunning photography!

  • DKennedy  on  November 21, 2013

    My favorite 2013 cookbook is or will be AOC. Sunday Suppers has long been one of my "go to" cookbooks, and I have been waiting for the day that I could get more of the same. My birthday is on the 27th and my kids will be giving me a copy of it then. I can't wait for my birthday to get here so I can get my hands on this book!!!!!

  • cathykeller  on  November 21, 2013

    My favorite cookbook right now is Jennifer Perillo's "Homemade With Love." The recipes and advice are excellent and the entire book is a "good read" as well!

  • maisie_grn  on  November 21, 2013

    Beekman Brother's Heirloom Dessert Cookbook!

  • sgump  on  November 21, 2013

    I'm happy to have a copy of (the US edition of) Nigel Slater's *Notes from the Larder,* which is one of those books you could just curl up in front of the fire (on a dreary day) and *read.*

  • jheinold  on  November 21, 2013

    Favorite cookbook is Jerusalem

  • TrishaCP  on  November 21, 2013

    Favorite book that I own published in 2013 is Pati's Mexican Table. Most cooked from book in 2013 to date is Jerusalem. 2013 books I haven't bought yet but really want? Balaboosta and AOC.

  • esjro  on  November 21, 2013

    Jerusalem. Though I haven't made anything from it yet, just like looking at it. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • readingtragic  on  November 21, 2013

    Jerusalem, of course – no competition!

  • xntrek  on  November 21, 2013

    It's always a difficult task to decide which cookbook should be vaulted above the others, and simply narrowing the range to a particular year seems like it will make the task simpler – but alas that is not true. For which title should be given the top position? The comfort home kitchen feel captured in "Japanese Soul Cooking"? The collected experiences and seasonal recipes of Rodney Dunn's Tasmanian "Agrarian Kitchen"? Perhaps the Microbial arts opened by "Mastering Fermentation" or a time travelling adventure through "A History of Food in 100 Recipes" or modern gastronomic adventures within "Comfort Me with Offal"? Perhaps the repackaged the works of Thomas Keller in the "Bouchon Collection"? In the end, I chose "René Redzepi: A Work in Progress" for a mix of packaging, images, recipes and overall creative "rawness" that the three in one (journal, recipe book and flick book) set expresses.

  • boardingace  on  November 22, 2013

    Wow, this is a tough one! If I had to choose one, it would be the Cook's Country magazine series….I have six issues, and I have really enjoyed the recipes that I've cooked from them this year. They have nearly all been big hits, which I know is partially coincidental, since much of taste is so personal, but I love them. I also like the bright photographs and the parts of the magazine that teach me more about cooking in general. I love all of my cookbooks, but for 2013, this is my favorite ๐Ÿ™‚

  • vinochic  on  November 22, 2013

    Jerusalem. but, I just got Heart of the Plate and I think that will be up there…

  • SLane  on  November 22, 2013

    Ottolenghi: The Cookbook – beautiful food to enjoy !

  • jlg84  on  November 22, 2013

    The book that I have been enjoying the most is Nigel Slater's Notes from the Larder, which has some great and creative recipes that turn out really well.

  • wkmc57  on  November 22, 2013

    America's Test Kitchen's Pressure Cooker Perfection and Slow Cooker Revolution Volume 2 – great foolproof recipes for everyday meals.

  • nununo  on  November 22, 2013

    Jerusalem! Its recipes are complex yet simple to achieve, realistic but impressive, surprising ingredients, wonderful to look at and always delicious.

  • tiffoff  on  November 22, 2013

    A Suitcase and A Spatula. I got it for my birthday from a friend this year and I love it.

  • Ordinaryblogger  on  November 22, 2013

    Current favorite is Jerusalem.

  • cambridgecook  on  November 22, 2013

    Jerusalem. I keep going to this one again and again.

  • bendelker  on  November 22, 2013

    My favorite cookbook that I bought this year has been "Mexican Everyday." It's by no means a new cookbook, but it's the one I've been using the most since my obsession with Jerusalem has calmed down. Also, I found an obscure book titled "Savouring The East: Feasts and Stories from Istanbul to Bali" by David Burton that has been a great read.

  • tagubajones  on  November 22, 2013

    My favorite cookbook of 2013?

    The Complete Indian Regional Cookbook: 300 classic recipes from the great regions of India by Mridula Baljekar

  • chawkins  on  November 22, 2013

    I'm hoping to get Goin's AOC.

  • meggan  on  November 22, 2013

    Pok pok. I adore the restaurant but live nowhere near it so I have to resort to the book. I hope to get seriously involved with it this winter.

  • AndreaMeyer  on  November 23, 2013

    Flour, Too. I love Joanne Chang! Her recipes from Flour have been my new standards. Bouchon Bakery is also stunning. But some suggestions posted sound really great – lots to check out! Why can't my list of books to buy get any shorter? Anyone else have that problem?

  • Sally  on  November 23, 2013

    Favorite book that I've cooked from is Jerusalem. I especially love the falafel recipe. AOC looks very promising, but I haven't had an opportunity to cook from it yet.

  • pgarcia  on  November 23, 2013

    Indian Cooking Unfolded by Raghavan Iyer. I have been to a class with him featuring this book and had him sign it!

  • anniette  on  November 23, 2013

    I am most looking forward to Cowgirl Creamery Cooks, because it fulfills my personal guidelines for buying a good cookbook, sight unseen. 1) The first cookbook reason: First time cookbooks are likely to be very good because I imagine that the cook/writers put everything they've got into them. 2) The expertise reason: Cookbooks by providers/producers of artisanal foods are likely to include much inside experience and knowledge, as well as the top suggestions garnered from their customers over the years. 3) The favorite foods reason: How could a cookbook in which every recipe includes scrumptious, top-quality cheese be anything but wonderful?

  • SashaJackson  on  November 23, 2013

    Tom Kerridge"s Proper Pub Food – real, unponcy, delicious British cooking…

  • eljay65  on  November 23, 2013

    Balaboosta is on my wishlist now!

  • patsylu  on  November 23, 2013

    I'm really looking forward to Japanese Soul Cooking.

  • stockholm28  on  November 24, 2013

    I've had Ottolenghi for four years (bought it in London), but since it was just finally released in the U.S. this year, I'd say that is my favorite of 2013.

  • lizwinn  on  November 24, 2013

    Another Jerusalem lover!

  • matthewjamesduffy  on  November 24, 2013

    Favourite book of 2013 is Michael Whites Classico E Moderno… brilliant book separating classic and modern recipes.
    Michelin quality food easy to follow recipes.

    Runner up is Gramercy Tavern… excellent book from an amazing NYC restaurant!

  • lsgourmet  on  November 24, 2013

    My favorite this year is one I picked up in the UK while on holiday. Rick Stein's India is just a bit different take on Indian food. He does the usual and then goes further by including dishes like Chicken Vindail a classic left over from the French colonization of the country. A winner dish and a winner cookbook. Truth is I love them all with the exception of Tyler Florence's Fresh – that was a waste of money.

  • jenniesb  on  November 25, 2013

    Vegetable Literacy, by Deborah Madison!

  • Diabolical_DrZ  on  November 25, 2013

    One thing I love about cookbooks is you don't really need the latest one to enjoy it. I buy 20 or more at our local library sale for the price of 1 avg priced new one and get a great deal of enjoyment. This year I like Patricia Wells Bistro Cooking published 1989 as one of my top cookbook buys of the year.

  • jane nmi  on  November 26, 2013

    The Artisan Jewish Deli at Home, by Nick Zukin and Michael C. Zusman

  • SilverSage  on  November 26, 2013

    Modernist Cuisine at Home is at the very top of my Christmas list.

  • Dcotter  on  November 26, 2013

    Moosewood Restaurant Favorites.

  • ellenklutz  on  November 26, 2013

    I don't have it yet, but Jerusalem looks right up my alley.

  • chowfamily  on  November 26, 2013

    Jerusalem for me as well.

  • HelenB  on  November 26, 2013

    I'm choosing Smitten Kitchen because I live Deb and the book is very approachable. I'm looking most forward to Tartine 03.

  • imaluckyducky  on  November 26, 2013

    The New Persian Kitchen by Louisa Shafia! Everything I've made so far has been stellar (I've made over a dozen of the 75 recipes.).

  • BobbsV  on  November 27, 2013

    I'm torn between my new Jamie Oliver "Save with Jamie" and my Cook's Illustrated subscription. I learn SO much from Cook's Illustrated but often find that I can't source particular items since I live overseas. Compounding this issue that here in Australia our seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere – so the seasonal aspects are out of whack. Nonetheless for brain stretching and learning it has to be Cook's Illustrated. For motivating me to cook smart nutritionally and fiscally I'd have to choose Jamie . . . ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Julia  on  November 27, 2013

    Jerusalem and Canal House Cooks Everyday. Very different from each other but both have wonderful recipes that are easily executed and turn out well.

  • hwbookworm  on  November 27, 2013

    Save with Jamie.

  • Smuz90  on  November 27, 2013

    My 2013 fav is The Great Vegan Bean Book. Terrific cookbook!

  • victoria_caba  on  November 27, 2013

    My favorite cookbook this year is "The Kitchen Diaries" by Nigel Slater.

  • RobinCR  on  November 27, 2013

    William Sonoma's ______ of the day, 365 Recipes for Every Day of the Year. I have all 5 – Soup, Salad, Vegetable, One-Pot & Dessert.

  • ttalone  on  November 27, 2013

    I have fallen in love with the Smitten Kitchen Cookbook – everything has been delicious – from tarts to desserts to appetizers! Love it.

  • wanda72  on  November 27, 2013

    I'm enjoying Peanut Butter Comfort. Yes, really.

  • JenPDX  on  November 27, 2013

    Jerusalem! Loved eating in his restaurants this summer!

  • infotrop  on  November 27, 2013

    On the helpful wish list I just sent my husband: Pressure Cooker Perfection. I've fallen in love with my pressure cooker.

  • dririvera  on  November 27, 2013

    Ottolenghi: The Cookbook – wish list!!!

  • MonicaD  on  November 27, 2013

    My favorite is Mad Hungry Cravings right now. I also got Martha Stewart Cakes, and the pictures are stunning.

  • Wlow  on  November 27, 2013

    Wishing for: Vegetable Literacy by Deborah Madison and The Heart of the Plate by Mollie Katzen. Two of my favorite cookbook authors, almost like old friends.

  • Helenascheffer  on  November 29, 2013

    Indian Cooking Unfolded. It is like having the author in the kitchen with me. so conversational and informative!

  • pokarekare  on  December 1, 2013

    Stephanie Alexander's "Cooking and Travelling in South-West France" – it arrived in my mailbox on Friday and is bringing back heavenly memories of my own recent travels in France, plus giving me ideas for the next trip.

  • MHLandSDZ  on  December 1, 2013

    My brother lives in Itaca, N.Y. so I always eat at Moosewood when I visit. I love my Moosewood Cookbooks. I'd love to add their latest to my collection:

    Moosewood Restaurant Favorites: The 250 Most-Requested, Naturally Delicious Recipes from One of America's Best-Loved Restaurants

  • trudys_person  on  December 2, 2013

    I can't wait to get my hands on the Mast Brothers chocolate cookbook … I suspect I might find it under the Christmas tree …

  • tcjanes  on  December 3, 2013

    Duck, Duck, Goose by Hank Shaw. Great book!

  • BarbaraM48  on  December 4, 2013

    I have so many cookbooks and still I cook from the same favorites-New Basics,Square One,Alfred Portale's Simple Pleasures. I buy new ones but old favorites seem best.

  • AMbaby56  on  December 9, 2013

    I really would like the Bouchon Bakery or Millete Cookbooks !! ๐Ÿ™‚ They have been on my wishlist for a couple of years!

  • Lmeyers520  on  December 9, 2013

    The most recent book I received was the Pioneer Woman A Year of Holidays. It's vibrant and the photos are beautiful. I love that her recipes are accessible. Sometimes cook books are caught up with the trend of ingredients and are difficult to attain them. This book is cleaned line simple family cooking.

  • smccandless  on  December 13, 2013

    Jerusalem, though I still reach for the Zuni Cafe whenever I want to cook something special and need inspiration. This year I read a 2012 book, Everlasting Meal, Cooking with Economy and Grace, which I found to be a nice way to push the "reset button" with my cooking and in my kitchen…simplify, appreciate, enjoy!

  • mfriedrich  on  December 14, 2013

    Without a doubt it is Pok Pok. Not only are the recipes fantastic – the stories tie the whole thing together.

  • Aggreenhouse  on  December 18, 2013

    For this year – Jerusalem for me as well!

  • prpost  on  December 19, 2013

    Ruhlman's Twenty was by far the most used book in my kitchen this year

  • JamieK  on  December 19, 2013

    Jeruselum

  • Nsteinen  on  December 19, 2013

    My favorite is Jerusalem.

  • Clove  on  December 19, 2013

    I am loving Maggie Beer's Christmas right now.

  • Jane  on  December 23, 2013

    This contest is now closed. The 20 lucky winners, selected by random number generator are HelenB, Victoria_caba, Julia, mfriedrich, NSteinen, MHLandSDZ, chawkins, vinochic, trudys_person, BobbsV, wanda72, Smuz90, tcjanes, Wlow, boardingace, tagubajones, lizwinn, ellenklutz, jlg84, and infotrop

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