Because I think I might be moving away from this place, I bought the Times-Picayune's Cooking up a Storm - a collection of recipes the local paper put together from requests for lost recipies after Hurricane Katrina. Each recipe has a bit of history about it, and in true New Orleans fashion, has good drink recipies, fish & game, and desserts.

For basic reference I have my Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book a notebook type binder that looks like it's covered with a red check table cloth.

I have to admit, I have a weakness for cookbooks, and have a bookcase full of them. Don't ask me to cull the stacks. Can't do it, just can't.