By Hannah Herrlich, Emerging Technologies Librarian

As Thanksgiving approaches, the excitement of gathering around the table with friends and family stirs up questions of what to cook and how to prepare it. Though this time of year can be warm and cozy, it also can be incredibly stressful. Here at Fordham University Libraries, we may not be able to help you in dealing with your kooky aunts and outspoken uncles, but what we can do is offer you an extensive collection of cookbooks. That’s right! Did you know we have cookbooks in our collection? Venture up to the TX section of the stacks or browse our online catalog and you will find a range of cookbooks, and perhaps, some inspiring recipes for your next culinary adventure. With options that cover everything from classic Thanksgiving fare to innovative and international dishes, our cookbooks are a fantastic resource to help you prepare for the holiday season.

Cookbooks are more than just recipe collections; they provide insights into culinary history, culture, and techniques. Many of the cookbooks in our collection highlight the artistry of cooking and present unique ways of celebrating food and tradition. This is especially relevant for Thanksgiving, where the focus is not just on food, but on the experience of coming together to enjoy it. Our collection encompasses a range of cuisines and dietary preferences, allowing for flexibility whether you’re looking to stick with traditional Thanksgiving dishes or create new ones that reflect modern tastes.

Exploring Fordham’s Collection for Thanksgiving

Let’s take a closer look at what our cookbook collection has to offer. You’ll find ideas that cater to every level of expertise in the kitchen; whether you’re preparing a full Thanksgiving dinner or simply adding a new side dish to your menu, consider using one of these books as a guide to preparing your next meal.

Classic American Favorites

Thanksgiving calls to mind a specific lineup of dishes for many Americans: roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. For those who want to prepare these traditional recipes, Fordham’s collection includes timeless resources that provide detailed instructions on essential dishes. These classics walk you through the steps to prepare American staples, offering tips and techniques for novices and seasoned cooks alike.

• Joy of Cooking by Irma von Starkloff Rombauer
• My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi
• Arthur Schwartz’s New York City Food: An Opinionated History and More than 100 Legendary Recipes by Arthur Schwartz
• The Hudson River Valley Cookbook: A Leading American Chef Savors the Region’s Bounty by Waldy Malouf

International Flavors

Interested in adding a global twist to your Thanksgiving meal? Our collection includes cookbooks that explore flavors from around the world. Try incorporating Moroccan-inspired spices into your vegetable sides, or a Mexican mole sauce as an alternative to traditional gravy. Cookbooks that focus on Italian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines provide inspiration for adding a multicultural spin to the holiday table, making Thanksgiving a celebration of diverse culinary traditions.

• Cooking with Chef Silvio: Stories and Authentic Recipes from Campania by Silvio Suppa
• A Foodie’s Guide to Chinese Cuisine by Qinqin Sun
• The New Southern-Latino Table Recipes that Bring Together the Bold and Beloved Flavors of Latin America & the American South by Sandra A. Gutierrez
• A Book of Middle Eastern Food by Claudia Roden

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

As more families seek to accommodate different dietary preferences, vegetarian and vegan options have become essential. Our collection includes cookbooks dedicated to plant-based eating, with an array of recipes that put vegetables, grains, and legumes at the center of the plate. Think roasted squash, lentil-based stuffing, or a vegan mushroom gravy that offers all the depth of flavor without any animal products. With these resources, you can create a Thanksgiving meal that everyone at the table can enjoy.

• The Bold Vegetarian Chef by Ken Charney
• Recipes from and for the Garden: How to Use and Enjoy Your Bountiful Harvest by Judy Barrett
• Vegetarian Cooking Around the World: Revised and Expanded to Include New Low-Fat Recipes by Alison Behnke
• Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health by Gene Stone

Baking and Desserts

Thanksgiving is synonymous with desserts, especially pies.

Fordham’s cookbooks include extensive options for the home baker, from traditional pies like pumpkin and pecan to inventive takes on classic flavors. Whether you’re experimenting with a new pie crust or trying a non-traditional dessert like a cranberry cheesecake, these cookbooks offer guidance for creating sweet treats that will round out the Thanksgiving meal.

• The Baker’s Manual: 150 Master Formulas for Baking by Joseph Amendola
• The Great Holiday Baking Book by Beatrice Ojakangas
• The Best of Gaston Lenôtre’s Desserts: Glorious Desserts from France’s Finest Pastry Maker by Gaston Lenôtre
• Advanced Bread and Pastry: A Professional Approach by Michel Suas

Historical and Specialty Recipes

For those who appreciate a historical touch, our collection includes cookbooks featuring early American recipes that bring out flavors enjoyed by previous generations. These recipes provide an opportunity to experience Thanksgiving as it might have been celebrated in Colonial America or during the early 20th century. Incorporating historical dishes can add a sense of nostalgia and connection to the roots of the holiday.

• A Selection of Modernized Recipes from Food in the Civil War Era: The North by Helen Zoe Veit
• The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events From the Past by Karen D’Amico
• Cooking in America, 1840-1945 by Alice McLean
• Old Farm Country Cookbook Recipes, Menus, and Memories by Jerold W. Apps

Cooking Up New Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to embrace traditions while also experimenting with new ideas and flavors. By exploring the Fordham University Libraries’ cookbook collection, you may find a new family favorite or uncover a unique approach to a classic dish. Our resources are here to help you navigate your Thanksgiving cooking journey, from appetizers to desserts.

We invite you to explore our cookbook collection this holiday season. With a wealth of culinary inspiration at your fingertips, you can make this Thanksgiving truly memorable—filled with flavors, creativity, and, most importantly, the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.