Every kitchen needs a big fat cookbook, to quote Peg Bracken. It's where you look when you want to know how long to roast that turkey, how to steam green beans, and to find the recipe for a basic cooked frosting. These are my choices for dependable books with the most reliable, consistent information.

1. Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook

This general cookbook is the best out there, in my opinion. I use my copy from 1953, as well as the newer one from 1984. All the recipes are perfect, none will ever fail you, and the cooking information is tops. The recipe for Lasagna is one of the best I have ever made. And the infamous Toffee I struggled with when I was 13 is in this book too!Buy from Amazon »

2. Good Housekeeping Cookbook

I have been collecting Good Housekeeping magazines since the 1980s. I love their food section, with the inventive recipes, beautiful photography, and great advice and tips. The Hot Water Pastry recipe I rely on is from this book. The tables and charts, menu planning advice, and general knowledge is just superb.Buy from Amazon »

3. Cookwise

Have you ever wanted to know why popovers rise, yet the similar batter used in crepes is so flat? Shirley Corriher's book explains all the food science behind every recipe in your collection, and will give you tips to improve your technique every time you step into the kitchen.More »

4. Joy of Cooking

This classic cookbook has all the information you'll ever need in the kitchen. When I was in college I read through this book from cover to cover, and really wanted to make the Stuffed Boned Turkey. Unfortunately, neither my budget nor my kitchen at the time could support it. I have yet to make that recipe, but I will, using the excellent instructions in "Joy".Buy from Amazon »

5. Fannie Farmer Cookbook

Marion Cunningham, who is one of my heros, wrote this fabulous general cookbook. The recipes are clear and easy to follow, and her instructions in cooking basics just can't be beat.More »

6. Pillsbury Complete Cookbook

Of course I had to include a Pillsbury cookbook! This is another fabulous general all-purpose book with recipes, cooking lessons, tips and hints, charts, tables and lots of advice.More »

7. Betty Crocker Cookbook

The subtitle of this book is "Everything You Need To Know To Cook Today". The rigorously tested recipes, cooking lessons, cook's advice and tips will answer just about every kitchen question you have.More »

8. How To Cook Everything

Mark Bittman has written an excellent cookbook explaining the science behind cooking. You'll learn basic baking and cooking recipes, with variations.Buy from Amazon »

9. Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook

This is different from the first GH cookbook listed above. This one has wonderful step by step illustrations and pictures that help you with every cooking and baking step in the recipes. I was lucky enough to find my copy at a garage sale, and highly recommend it.Buy from Amazon »

10. King Arthur Flour Baking Book

This book, from the wonderful King Arthur Flour company, covers every possible baking topic in the world. From the perfect cookies to how to make bread, you'll find information about every baking recipe in the world in this book.More »