Food & Cooking The Seven Classic Cookbooks Martha Uses All the Time By Victoria Spencer Victoria Spencer Victoria Spencer is an experienced food editor, writer, and recipe developer. She manages the Martha Stewart recipe archive and is always curious about new ingredients and the best techniques. She has been working in food media for over 20 years. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 1, 2020 09:40AM EDT Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. "The Joy of Cooking" This cookbook is one of the best-sellers of all time for good reason. It's been a staple in American kitchens since the 1930s and is a fundamental resource for any American cook. Why Martha Likes It: The 1964 edition of this cookbook is Martha's favorite because it still has canning, preserving, and pickling sections. Shop Now: The Joy of Cooking, from $9, amazon.com. 01 of 06 "Baking with Julia" In this comprehensive volume Julia Child consults with experts for techniques and recipes for breads, morning pastries, cakes, cookies, pies and savory pastries. (When it comes to wedding cakes, the expert she calls on is Martha.) Why Martha Likes It: "It's a classic from the best." Shop Now: Baking with Julia, $45, barnesandnoble.com. 02 of 06 "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" For over 50 years this has been the book to learn about French cooking from. The recipes are authentic and can be daunting (though not for Martha!). For all of us it's a magnificent work of reference. Why Martha Likes It: She respects the work of her friend Julia. Shop Now: Mastering the Art of French Cooking, $27, amazon.com. 03 of 06 "Home Cooking with Jean-Georges" This cookbook from renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten contains casual recipes. Why Martha Likes It: "Simple dishes, little to clean up." Shop Now: Home Cooking with Jean-Georges, $40, barnesandnoble.com. 04 of 06 "The Maccioni Family Cookbook" The family behind New York's famed Le Cirque restaurant shares Tuscan recipes passed down from generation to generation—as collected and told by matriarch Egi Maccioni. Why Martha Likes It: "Ricotta cake, homemade pasta, and other classic recipes." Shop Now: The Maccioni Family Cookbook, $30, amazon.com. 05 of 06 "Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco" Paula Wolfert introduced Americans to one of the world's great cuisines with this book. Why Martha Likes It: She "appreciates the rich flavors and bold textures of Moroccan food." Shop Now: Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco, $20, barnesandnoble.com. 06 of 06 "The Stockpot and Steamer Cookbook" Less well-known than Martha's other favorites, this book has excellent stock and stew recipes, plus dessert and salad recipes. And the tips on how to save food, fuel, and effort are classic. Why Martha Likes It: This cookbook was the inspiration for Martha's "One Pot" cookbook. Shop Now: The Stockpot and Steamer Cookbook, used from $15, amazon.com. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit