With its encyclopedic coverage of every aspect of cookery, and tipping the scales at nearly 5 pounds, the 2019 edition of Joy of Cooking is indeed a weighty tome.
More than nine years in the works, Joy of Cooking: 2019 Edition has been fully revised and updated by the original "Mrs Joy's" great-grandson and his wife, John Becker and Megan Scott.
Its wider pages (by about an inch and a half) and sewn binding mean the book will lie flat, a useful improvement over previous editions. Next I noticed the improved index. Just one example:
The 1997 edition listed
Pâté à Choux, 919
Chicken Liver, 725
The 2019 edition has corrected that error and made separate listings for pâte à choux and the totally unrelated pâtés and terrines.
I was pleased to see that the latest Joy, with legacy material and classics side by side with modern recipes and techniques, has retained the personality and "feel" we love.
Of course, a volume of this scope has no room for photos, so I've included my own photos of the only recipe I've made so far, the Apple Dumplings, page 688, with the Cream Cheese Pastry Dough, page 665.
Coming November 12!
The pastry came together quickly in the food processor, but you can do it by hand as well. With no water added, it's impossible to overwork. I'll be using this lovely pastry for many things, sweet and savory.
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Photographed by me with permission of publisher
to show Joy's signature recipe formatting style
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I think Irma, the original Mrs Joy, and Marion, her daughter, would be well pleased indeed with this edition. But I fear John Becker and Megan Scott have done themselves out of a job; this edition will not become dated and in need of revision any time soon.
Whether you are an experienced home cook or a never-cooked-before novice, this comprehensive volume will be an education! Enter my giveaway below to possibly win a copy for yourself or for someone on your gift list.
Joy of Cooking: 2019 Edition Giveaway
Scribner will send winner a copy of Joy of Cooking: 2019 Edition.
This giveaway is open to US residents* (See next paragraph, international friends!) 18 years of age or older. Leave a comment below (one entry per person). Please include your email address in the body of your comment. Enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday October 23.
* If you are outside the US but would like to have this sent to someone in the US (you would have to send them a gift card separately on your own), go ahead and enter!
Winner will be chosen by random drawing and be announced here in the comments before noon Eastern time on Thursday October 24. If I don't hear back from the winner of the random drawing by noon Eastern time Saturday October 26, another drawing will be held and a new winner selected from the original entrants (those who commented before the giveaway deadline).
Disclosure: Scribner provided a book for review purposes and for the giveaway. The views expressed here are entirely my own. I always tell my readers what I really think!
Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon .com and affiliated sites. We are a ThermoWorks affiliate, earning a small commission at no cost to you on purchases made through our links. This helps cover some of the costs of running the blog. Thank you for your support.
Jean
This giveaway is open to US residents* (See next paragraph, international friends!) 18 years of age or older. Leave a comment below (one entry per person). Please include your email address in the body of your comment. Enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday October 23.
* If you are outside the US but would like to have this sent to someone in the US (you would have to send them a gift card separately on your own), go ahead and enter!
Winner will be chosen by random drawing and be announced here in the comments before noon Eastern time on Thursday October 24. If I don't hear back from the winner of the random drawing by noon Eastern time Saturday October 26, another drawing will be held and a new winner selected from the original entrants (those who commented before the giveaway deadline).
Disclosure: Scribner provided a book for review purposes and for the giveaway. The views expressed here are entirely my own. I always tell my readers what I really think!
Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon .com and affiliated sites. We are a ThermoWorks affiliate, earning a small commission at no cost to you on purchases made through our links. This helps cover some of the costs of running the blog. Thank you for your support.
Jean
88 comments:
What a treasure! Every food blogger should own a copy :-))
You have set a Table of Contents for this week’s “Delightful Repast,” and that’s a neat addition to the usual “digests.” Can’t think of a more meaningful or qualified review in this area than the one you give. Sounds like a great addition to any library!
Angie, I think every cook should have a copy as well.
Thank you, Sully! I think perhaps not everyone reviewing this book will notice the same things I did.
The Apple Dumplings look so good, I would love to win the JOY of Cooking cook book.
Thanks, tea lady. It is a delightful book!
Sounds like a nice giveaway!! Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 5. Shared.
Dee, thanks so much; social media shares are much appreciated!
I'm to be found at elktgm@gmail.com. I have an old, ragged copy of the original JOY. It's time for a replacement.
EL, as much as I'd like to have a copy of the original Joy, I must say you are in for a treat with this latest edition!
How fun! Well I have passed this recipe book by for years because it is so comprehensive and has no pictures. Pictures are the first requirement of a cookbook for me. Maybe the great-grandson and his wife could work on splitting the book into smaller chunks and add photos. That would sell me! Sacrilege I know. Thanks for the photo and the recipe for cream cheese pastry. Interesting that, without water, it can not be overworked.
Thanks for offering the giveaway, Jean, and for the opportunity to win. I'm glad they let you share the recipe, too!
Have checked this out of the library but would love a copy of my own. vmcml1@hotmail.com
Vee, thank you. I usually want photographs in a cookbook as well, which is why I worked so hard at learning how to photograph my recipes for the blog! But I look at this as a reference work more than as a cookbook, so it makes sense to me to have no photos. But I know what you mean.
Thanks, Jeanie. I love giving away things that I really like myself.
Yes, GrammaGrits, you need your own copy. This is not a quick read!
I have an older copy I've used for many years. This newer one would make an outstanding Christmas gift to my daughter or my son!
You can reach me at rusthawk at gmail dot com.
I received a copy of the Joy of Cooking when I graduated from college! I would love to own this updated version!
Rusthawk, it would definitely make a great gift!
Nancy, I think it's the best ever, though admittedly I haven't taken a thorough look at every edition.
Hi, Jean. Greetings from the Oregon Coast where it has been stormy with high winds and surf today -- very romantic and exciting as long as one is inside and toasty warm. I think the news of the updated cookbook is equally exciting, especially at this nesting time of year. I always read my cookbooks so no photos is not a problem for me. Besides, I have a vivid imagination. I would LOVE to have this updated 2019 version of The Joy of Cooking to share with my young adult nieces who are starting their own homes and families. Long live The JOY! Spread The JOY!
Thank you. 💙
Charulie@msn.com
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My copy is about 15 years old and it's great overall but I think they went a bit overboard on trying to cut back on fat at the time. Hopefully the new edition focuses more on just using real whole foods. But any edition really has so much good stuff!
I would love to have the newest edition.
Charulie, you sound like my mother and me, we always said we read cookbooks like novels. Autumn is my favorite, and I like the way you called it "this nesting time of year."
Richard, that must be either the 2006 or the 1997. Good, but this one is better!
Anonymous I hope you'll come back and leave me your email address.
Leslie:
Thank you so much for doing this giveaway. Ever since I was a young bride, I have wanted this cookbook. Winning would be a dream.
leslieannstevenson@yahoo.com
It seemed to me that they only recently published the 75th Anniversary Edition, but I see that it was already 13 years ago! I bought one of those when I got newly inspired by researching JOY for my blog a few years ago. This one sounds worth the effort they spent on it. Thank you for the heads-up!
gretchenjoanna@gmail.com
Seems like I might have already told this story, but maybe not here but in another food blog.
I got divorced and let my ex have most anything she wanted...she got the Kirby and I got the cats, though, not a good swap. Later, when I got another vacuum, I emptied the bag and if I'd had the bones and guts, I could have knitted me a few more cats. Anyway...
I really was distressed that she took our copy of Joy of Cooking and I mentioned that to an online British friend once and she sent me a copy she had found on sale, probably spending several times in postage what the big, heavy book cost. The only trouble with it is it's in metric...but at least my calculator has a volume and weight converter!
Leslie, I know you would really like it!
Gretchen, funny how that is--it's no joke, time really DOES fly!
Mike, no, you didn't tell that story here! (Great to hear from you, BTW.) You've come to the right place if you need to do conversions, just see my Brit Conversions page. Love your story (knitting cats!).
What a delight it would be to sit down with a cup of tea and perhaps one of those apple dumplings, and peruse this latest edition of The Joy of Cooking. Thank you for the opportunity.
hrmcla@aol.com
My mother gave me a copy of this book many years ago. Unfortunately, I no longer have it and have been sad about it. I'd love another copy.
waytoomanycats (at) gmail (dot) com
I would love to have a copy of this cookbook! You can reach me at sbroughton61@yahoo.com
Connie, that's just what I did when they came out of the oven!
Annette, that would be great. (I love your email--obviously, I love cats!)
You will enjoy it, Susan!
Jean, this book sounds amazing . . . much more than a collection of recipes! Of course I would love to be entered in this generous giveaway!
Good grief. Remembered as I clicked that I was supposed to include my email address. (I guess I got too excited about the giveaway! 😊)
thinkingabouthome@gmail.com
I wonder how many people learned to cook with this classic.
Your apple dumpling looks delicious! I made them only once and although they turned out nicely, they weren't as pretty as yours. The pastry sounds wonderful. Every cook should own a copy of this book! It would make a fabulous gift for someone I know or moi. Pity, I cannot enter! Have a wonderful weekend, Jean.
That is a big book! Sewn binding must be very helpful when you want the page open while cooking. Your apple dumplings look very yummy :-)
Cheryl, exactly, "much more than a collection of recipes." You'll really like it!
Too many to count, I'm sure, lunalyon!
Thanks so much, Sandi. I think they look even better when I have small apples to use whole instead of having to cut large apples in two. Sorry my favorite PEI'r can't enter! :-(
Thanks, Tamago. Yes, that sewn binding is so important in a cookbook, and yet so rarely seen.
I was given the joy of cooking as a wedding present and the cover is falling off and lots of stains on the pages. I would love a new one
Cathy
Myacornhollow@yahoo.com
Cathy, I hate it when that happens! If the sentimental attachment was strong, I'd probably get the cover properly mended even if I was never going to use it again.
I have to say that The Joy of Cooking is Mark‘s favorite cookbook in the world! He is the consummate “food nerd” when it comes to needing to know every detail about every process and every recipe. I am pretty much the exact opposite… He would be tickled pink if I won this for him. Your cream cheese pastry dough looks wonderful. My recipe is slightly different - and so easy when you are in a rush! cocoaandlavender@gmail.com
That is a weighty tome, and I can imagine hours of reading the delicious recipes it contains.
imsovintagelw@yahoo.com
xo Laura
David, it's so interesting to see different cook's approaches to cooking. Sounds like this book would be perfect for Mark!
Laura, it has so much info besides recipes that you would enjoy so much!
Hi Jean, don’t enter me please, since I was lucky enough to win last time. I always thought my 1981 Joy Of Cooking had an error, I wonder if it has ever changed. The Spritz cookie recipe says to refrigerate dough. I have ruined so many cookie shooters and cursed my vintage cookie press. One day watching Martha, she said never refrigerate the dough. Well I tried it and now I have perfect spritz pressed cookies! Ha!
Frances, thank you for sharing that experience. I couldn't stand it, I just HAD to get up and look it up in the new edition! :D It said: Chill the dough for 1 hour. It's been ages since I've made spritz cookies, but I seem to recall that the dough just needed to be chilled for a few minutes, maybe 5, between batches if the kitchen was really warm and the dough was getting too soft to hold the design.
Oh my goodness sakes I could certainly use this wonderful cookbook..My name is mjs and my e-mail address is mrs.sampson1@outlook.com!!!!! I love your blog and always learn to make something yummy just for my hubs and I plus I so appreciate you giving the recipes an easy feel to them not to mention the picture of the recipe..Happy Halloween, Happy thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah and merriest of Christmases to you and yours~!!!!
Thank you, mjs! It's a very comprehensive book, covers many types of cuisines. Should keep you busy for a while!
Great giveaway and beautiful picture(as ever) in your post,Jean!Congrats and hugs!
Thank you, Maristella. Hugs!
Wow!
I almost can't wait to page through it.
cookerofjoy@yahoo.com
I have not heard of this before, Jean. I found this review.
"The Joy of Cooking has always been a very important book. When it was first published, it made a great impression on American cooking. It is, and should continue to be a staple in any good culinary collection because Irma's voice is there with you in the kitchen giving guidance and encouragement and friendly tips and reminders. The why's and how's are carefully explained, and that's what makes Joy a fundamental resource for any American cook!" -- Julia Child, June 2004
I take it it was first published in the 1930s?
Julia Child's review makes it sound like a Delia Smith recipe book that we have here. Delia taught Britain how to cook,starting with the basics such as how to boil an egg. She began with the premise that her readers knew nothing. Over the years she lead them to cook well and understand the ingredients.
Am I on the right sort of track with JOY OF COOKING ? All the best, Tony
Thanks, Ed.
Tony, I wouldn't have thought of Delia and Joy in a similar way because Delia is one person with multiple books since the 1970s, television shows, etc. She would be more comparable to Julia Child. Joy of Cooking is one volume, updated from time to time to keep pace with new techniques and technology (this volume includes sous vide, for example) and with the way people are eating; and includes lots of reference material as well as recipes. It's more like the Oxford English Dictionary of American cookery!
Tony, I should add that I mean the OED in a single volume!
Jean, everyone really should have a copy of this! I have an older edition somewhere but I don’t consult it very often these days! Perhaps if I had the newest revised version I would use it more (wink, wink)! Great review. Your apple dumplings look delicious! And good luck to all who enter your fun giveaway! Thanks for linking up with me this week.
Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Oh my word, I left my comment and shared on social media and forgot to add my email to the comment! Oops. Hope this is sufficient in a second comment!
Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Shelbee, quite all right. Thanks so much. Social media shares are much appreciated!
What a great giveaway, Jean!! I have an older copy of Joy that I bought at Half Price Books. Your Apple dumpling looks wonderful! I’ll have to try the pastry recipe. Someone will be a very lucky winner of the revised cookbook.
Thanks, Kitty! I think you'd have a lot of fun with it--the new book AND that pastry!
Lovely looking apple dessert for the autumn. I was aware of the Joy of Cooking but only because American friends I've known over the years have had a copy. I don't think we have an equivalent to this book in the UK, despite having many fine, "definitive" cookbooks. Oddly, I suppose many people would still say that the definitive British cookbook was written by Mrs Beeton, the well-known plagiarist.
Thanks, Phil. Of course, I just had to read "the well-known plagiarist's" book when I was quite young. I enjoyed it very much, even though it's not a good cookery book. Elizabeth David, Jane Grigson and Delia Smith all have much better (and non-plagiarized!) books.
Love all these comments about Joy of Cooking versions. I have a copy of what I think is a 1964 version that my sister bought for me. It's very interesting. I'd love to see how they updated it.
Thanks for the chance.
Catherine, yes, it is fun to compare versions. They really are a reflection of their time.
My pleasure, teafunny!
I did not realise that The Joy of Cooking had been so thoroughly updated! And with recipes that look as lovely as your Apple Dumplings, I may need to check it out! Thank you so much for sharing with the Hearth and Soul Link Party, Jean! Sharing the Giveaway on Twitter.
Thank you, April. I read cookbooks like novels, so I enjoy all the reference material. Thank you for sharing the giveaway on Twitter. Much appreciated!
I came over here from the Richly Rooted blog. Thank you for the chance to win this cookbook.
Oops...meant to add my email address to that. Bar2969@gmail.com
You're so welcome, Belinda!
Such an iconic cookbook! Everyone should have a copy. I actually have two, the 1997, and an earlier version (from the 70s or 80s -- forget which. I actually prefer the earlier version -- later versions dropped some classic recipes in favor of more current, modern recipes, But ANY version of _Joy_ is wonderful!
Thanks, John. You'll be glad to know they've brought back a lot of classic recipes that had been dropped. As well as adding a lot of new stuff like sous vide and fermented foods.
I have my grandmas old blue one from the 60s I think
Stephanie, what a treasure! It's wonderful to have your grandma's!
*Giveaway Winner Announced* - The winner of the Joy of Cooking giveaway, by random drawing, is Belinda. Belinda, as soon as you send me, delightfulrepast at aol dot com, your name and shipping information, the publisher can ship the package. Congratulations!
If I don't hear from the winner of the random drawing by noon Eastern time Saturday October 26, another drawing will be held and new winner selected from among the original entrants (those who commented before the giveaway deadline).
This was fun! Watch for more giveaways here at Delightful Repast! In the meantime, follow me on Google (but not Google+), Pinterest (@delightfulrepas) and Twitter (@delightfulrepas). You can even use the Follow Me By Email button in the right column of the blog.
Thank you so much, Jean. I'm so excited and look forward to receiving a copy of the cookbook. I sent you an email with my shipping information on there. Thank you so much again.
Thanks for sharing at the Fabulous Friday Linky Party! We hope to see you again this week >> https://abiggreenhouse.com/the-super-fabulous-friday-linky-party-5/
Erin- Big Green House
Thank you, Erin!
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