Originally Posted by
CrazyOne
We have a few. I just wanted to chime in and say I'm not sure Joy of Cooking really cuts it for much anymore. Maybe once in a great while for a basic something or other. But I have turned to the edition I got several years ago a couple of times and found it lacking.
Many people found this edition lacking; I haven't seen the latest update but understand that it's closer to the original. I have the same edition you have and find it useful sometimes. But I really enjoy the 1974 edition that came my way--dated, but entertaining and a much more thorough reference. Never tried the recipe for squirrel, though :-)
My collection is limited by shelf space; currently I have about 50 volumes out. A number of ethnic and local spiral-bound cookbooks Julia Child, the new(ish) Gourmet and both Joy of Cooking editions get used. I frequently turn to Deborah Madison's Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone and Nancy Silverton's Desserts. My current favorite is Peter Greweling's Chocolates and Confections, gorgeous but not for the faint of heart (I make chocolates every December). Browsing Howard McGee's On Food and Cooking provides many insights that improve my cooking technique.
But more and more I get recipes from the internet, especially food blogs and eGullet.