Books for Cooks

“Things Cooks Love”

By Marie Simmons

(Andrews McMeel,

352 pages, $35)

I’ll admit it. I had a bit of fun at the expense of Marie Simmons’ new cookbook when it first landed on the stack. That’s just because my random flipping settled on the page of recipes for a whisk. Suddenly, the book, the first in a series for the culinary giant Sur La Table, felt like marketing run amok. But as I settled in with the beautiful book, I found it to be a much deeper and more useful kitchen guide than I first expected. It covers more than 100 pieces of cookware and kitchen gear. All of those enticing gadgets that foodies covet, but end up in storage, are brought back to life by Simmons. She covers the basics, too, with tips for everything from buying cookware to seasoning a cast-iron skillet. “Things Cooks Love” will inspire you to dust off your mandoline, tagine, cataplana, pasta machine, and yes, even your whisk.

Look inside today’s Food section for a recipe from the book for Sautéed Fish Fillets with Herb Butter Sauce and Mango.