Just for grins, I decided to list some books that have really helped me in my own food writing. I've left out most of my cookbooks on purpose because I think those choices are so personal. I'd love to see what reference books other people use here!
The Recipe Writer's Handbook by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann (a comprehensive guide to the craft of recipe writing)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0471405450/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
Recipes Into Type by Joan Whitman (another great guide on the craft of recipe writing. I prefer the Ostmann book, though)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062700340/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
Will Write For Food by Diane Jacob (great information on breaking into the food writing market)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1569243778/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
Food Lover's Companion by Sharon Tyler Herbst (a great little food-centric dictionary)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764112589/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
On Food and Cooking by Harold McGee (one of Alton Brown's reference books -- it's food science made simple(r))
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0684800012/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
Best Food Writing (an annual compilation of the year's best food essays and articles. Yup, food pr0n. It's great inspiration for me. )
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1600940390/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
Vegetables from Amaranth to Zucchini: The Essential Reference by Elizabeth Schneider (I admit it. I'm a vegetable idiot, which is why I love this door-stopper of a book.):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0688152600/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
The Recipe Writer's Handbook by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann (a comprehensive guide to the craft of recipe writing)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0471405450/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
Recipes Into Type by Joan Whitman (another great guide on the craft of recipe writing. I prefer the Ostmann book, though)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062700340/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
Will Write For Food by Diane Jacob (great information on breaking into the food writing market)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1569243778/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
Food Lover's Companion by Sharon Tyler Herbst (a great little food-centric dictionary)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764112589/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
On Food and Cooking by Harold McGee (one of Alton Brown's reference books -- it's food science made simple(r))
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0684800012/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
Best Food Writing (an annual compilation of the year's best food essays and articles. Yup, food pr0n. It's great inspiration for me. )
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1600940390/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
Vegetables from Amaranth to Zucchini: The Essential Reference by Elizabeth Schneider (I admit it. I'm a vegetable idiot, which is why I love this door-stopper of a book.):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0688152600/?tag=absolutewritedm-20
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