Anyone have any good cookbook suggestions?

So I'm kind of an amateur cook. Yeah, I find recipes on the internet and watch my mom cook, but that's about it. When I went into Barnes and Noble to get myself a cookbook, I found out that there were tons. All of which also cost tons.

I'm also very interested in cookbooks that will teach me the basic tips of cooking as well.

So, do any of you have any suggestions for cookbooks? Any in particular that you use often?

Student's Vegetarian Cookbook (Carole Raymond): This one gives details about different foods and cooking methods, and all the recipes are relatively easy, using easy-to-find (and cheap!) ingredients.

The Clueless Vegetarian (Evelyn Raab)

These are my go-to cookbooks! I'd recommend them even if you aren't a vegetarian. My boyfriend isn't, but he still loves everything I've made. You can still get hearty, delicious, healthy meals (like soups, curries, or stuffed peppers), just without meat. Lots of the recipes still use milk/cheese/eggs. Also, if you are a beginner chef, you don't have to worry about fussing with meat -- I can't speak from experience but it seems to be more difficult in terms of having to choose, thaw, prepare, and make sure its at the right temperature, etc.

I love my five roses cookbook.  I've used it for about thirty years now.

My favourite cookbook though is a community cookbook.  It has recipes that were sent in from all over Canada and has absolutely everything in it. 
Check around your area for an independent bookstore that may carry them.

Original Post by elizaveta_joy:

Student's Vegetarian Cookbook (Carole Raymond): This one gives details about different foods and cooking methods, and all the recipes are relatively easy, using easy-to-find (and cheap!) ingredients.

The Clueless Vegetarian (Evelyn Raab)

These are my go-to cookbooks! I'd recommend them even if you aren't a vegetarian. My boyfriend isn't, but he still loves everything I've made. You can still get hearty, delicious, healthy meals (like soups, curries, or stuffed peppers), just without meat. Lots of the recipes still use milk/cheese/eggs. Also, if you are a beginner chef, you don't have to worry about fussing with meat -- I can't speak from experience but it seems to be more difficult in terms of having to choose, thaw, prepare, and make sure its at the right temperature, etc.

 Oh yeah meat does. I've been sticking to pastas and baked goods so far >< No meat yet for me! Thank you!

spoiled_roses Do you happen to know the name of the community cookbook?

Mine is called the Saint Rose 1992 Homecoming Cookbook and unfortunately it was a limited edition print, because I have friends that try to steal my copy.  Yes, I hide my cookbooks when I am not using them.

Go to Goodwill or other thrift store.  I wouldn't spend the money at B & K only to find out that you don't like it or use it.   I used to have a small collection of 30 or so, but when it came right down to it, I always turned to Betty Crocker.  I'm not into the foo-foo cooking. 

Original Post by spoiled_candy:

I love my five roses cookbook.  I've used it for about thirty years now.

My favourite cookbook though is a community cookbook.  It has recipes that were sent in from all over Canada and has absolutely everything in it. 
Check around your area for an independent bookstore that may carry them.

You started cooking when you were two or three then?

Mommakitty, bless you heart;-)  I would love to only be 33 again.

I'd suggest you go to your local library and try some books out before you spend any money.  I prefer my Betty Crocker for easy, simple recipes - it is a good beginner book.

See if your library has Mark Bittman's "How To Cook Everything" and "How To Cook Everything Vegetarian."  Both are excellent, covering the basics and giving ideas for variations and extensions.

I'm really surprised no one has suggested The Joy of Cooking yet!! It is an all-inclusive cookbook that has all the traditional things you want to learn how to make with tips and suggestions that range from how to select vegetables to how to set a formal table.  I am sure your local library has it for you to borrow - it is a stand-by cookbook that you would definitely not be wasting your money on if you decided to purchase it. 

You can also check out their webpage here

edited typo

Thanks everyone! :D I'll be sure to check all those out