I generally use recipes as suggestions rather than as a road map to a finished dish. Therefore, my most oft-used cookbook is one that has something far more valuable. Culinary Artistry has, in addition to wonderful recipes, superbly useful LISTS of things that go with a named ingredient. The ingredients -- spices, fruits, vegetables, etc. -- are listed alphabetically and each has a list of all of the varying things that are used together with that ingredient. I like that it gives the classic combinations in, as I recall, boldface type, yet still lists some of the more unusual pairings as well. The lists are also great when I'm looking to pair things I already have in the house, rather than go out in search of a missing ingredient from a recipe. I have gotten more inspiration from this book than I have from any of my nearly (more than? I'm still cataloging.) 1000 cookbooks. This book is a treasure! ( )

An amazingly well-thoughtout book that I find I use more than any other reference in my culinary library -- and have for years. A true spring board rather than a road map. Open it and let your imagination loose! ( )

A book which asks 'why' rather than tells you 'how.' A rarity in today's world. ( )