17 Life-Changing Cookbooks Every Beginner Chef Should Own

With a title like that, who wouldn't buy this know-all book?! This book contains 2,000 recipes in all varieties. You won't only learn how to cook one type of food, your cooking palette will expand by many shapes and sizes. Who doesn't need simple, yummy recipes to make?!

This cookbook has changed the way many people went about cooking. It emphasizes freshness, convenience and simple recipes. The updated version even contains a section on 30-minute meals. 

"Keys to the Kitchen" is a cookbook that includes it all. From detailed recipes, to technique primers, to tips on sourcing ingredients and everything in between, this cookbook is a must-have. It also includes ingredient substitutions for many of the recipes. 

This cookbook provides more than 700 unique favorites. It also comes with an instructional DVD as well, so you can easily follow along with each recipe. How easy is that?!

Real Italian cuisine is at your finger tips with this cookbook. This Italian cookbook explains the important Italian ingredients and offers a variety of authentic Italian dishes. 

This book is laid out by culinary technique, giving you the perfect dishes for your abilities. You'll learn many tips and tricks in the kitchen while creating some delicious recipes with this book. 

You'll be sure to ditch the daily takeout with this cookbook. It provides you with many recipes for fresh meals that are easy to make and don't take a lot of time to prepare.

Your kitchen will smell and taste just like the city of Paris with this French cuisine cookbook. It includes a variety of classic French dishes and instructions on how to buy and prepare raw ingredients. 

This cookbook not only gives you excellent recipes, but it also offers the reasons behind the steps you are taking. It contains over 300 recipes and 1,000 photos. It's a great way to learn the science behind what you're cooking.

Whether you're a veteran vegetarian or new to the lifestyle, this cookbook has a lot to offer. This cookbook is considered one of the most comprehensive cookbooks on the subject.

Ditch the unwanted dining hall food and opt for the dishes in this cookbook. There's plenty of healthy recipes to help avoid the freshman 15. Plus, the recipes don't require a lot of tools. 

This cookbook gives you over 120 recipes that only require one pot to make. For those busy nights when you don't want a big mess, try these delicious, mess-free recipes. 

This meatless meals cookbook not only provides you with delicious recipes, but tips along the way. From ingredient substitutions to experimentations, everything is broken down to give you the guidance you need. 

This cook book encompasses the best of the New York Times cooking section over a 150 year span. It also has historical backgrounds on the recipes and readers' letters. 

Slow Cookers are excellent for make-ahead meals. This cookbook includes 200 recipes that use your slow cooker for easy, family friendly meals. 

This baking cookbook includes just about every sweet you could ever think of. Not only does it include the classics, but it also gives a wide variety of unexpected treats. Plus, Dorie Greenspan writes in such a fun and conversational way, it's easy and a joy to read. 

"Barefoot Contessa" is a popular cooking show on The Food Network. This cookbook gives you easy, yet sophisticated, recipes to bring into your own home.