This was my first cookbook growing up.  I have such fond memories of taking charge in the kitchen and whipping up the most delicious, simple, yet impressive (for a kid) recipes.  I give this book to any budding young cook.  Ironically, many years after I first started cooking from Fanny at Chez Panisse, I moved across the country and ended up working at Cafe Fanny.

While The Gourmet Cookbook may not live up to it's cover promise of having "every recipe you'll ever need" it is a terrific addition to any cookbook collection.  The recipes are many and they are tried, true, and tested.  Similar to the Joy of Cooking it covers many basics, but unlike The Joy, most of the recipes have a fresh, modern twist that inspire me weather I'm planning dinner for one or a party for many.