Cookbook Shelf and Kitchen Detective for Hire

August 8, 2020 by
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Today, I came across an article in the NY Times, “The Celebrity Bookshelf Detective is Back.” While I am a voracious reader, I am not interested in what celebrities, or even what my friends are reading. I can make up my own mind in that regard. But what I enjoy figuring out are what cookbooks are in the kitchens of movie sets and television shows.

We can make out a few but the angle, Ina!

I’ve been know to pause the television screen and take a photo so I can begin my sleuthing efforts.

Nigella just doesn’t play fair!
Diana Henry

My obsession doesn’t stop at cookbooks. I’ve driven myself mad trying to figure out what piece of cookware or kitchen item has been captured on a show or by a photograph in a cookbook, magazine, or blog. The photo below is part of a collection that I tracked down myself after seeing a food photo in a cookbook. I wrote to the cookbook photographer for guidance. She tried to help me but I ended up searching Etsy for a time that I am too embarrassed to divulge to find the pans.

I blame this collection on this cookbook!

How many of you have search real estate listings to look into the kitchen of some stranger? I do. I love watching the remodeling shows on HGTV to see what they will do with the kitchen area. I’ve been known to scream the following sentiments at the defenseless television screen: “Why do they need that big kitchen? They said they don’t cook!”

If you are looking for an item, email me. Jenny Hartin, Kitchen Detective at your service.

Be warned, don’t go down the rabbit hole of googling kitchens. The following list is just a tip in the iceberg of my obsession:

Category: Antipasto

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9 Comments

  • JMelnick  on  August 8, 2020

    And will you admit to zooming in on photos to read the titles of the books? I will.

  • eliza  on  August 8, 2020

    My favourite on screen kitchen ever was the one in Ingrid Bergman’s flat in the movie Indiscreet. The whole apartment was a dream, but the kitchen and breakfast nook are perfection. (There are clips on YouTube for those who haven’t seen it)

  • MarciK  on  August 8, 2020

    I did this to try to see what cookbooks were in Monica’s kitchen on Friends.

  • lgroom  on  August 8, 2020

    So guilty!!

  • Lem9579  on  August 8, 2020

    Oh yes! Expanded pictures till I can see. And as a result, some unplanned purchases have resulted. I am so weak!!!!

  • PegMallon  on  August 8, 2020

    I’m still trying to determine the cookbooks that can be seen behind Gordon Ramsey on YT and Jacques Pepin on FB.

  • JenjiRM  on  August 9, 2020

    Guilty – cookbooks, cookware, gadgets… all of it. And yes, I zoom in too!

  • Mtetpon  on  August 10, 2020

    I am still trying to figure out the pot you posted in the picture above.

  • whitewoods  on  August 15, 2020

    I don’t know how I missed this post when I usually check the site every day. But you made me laugh out loud when you said you scream “Why do they need that big kitchen? They said they don’t cook!” at the “defenseless television screen”.

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