Everyone’s Favorite Classic Cookbook Is About to Release a New Edition

With over 18 million copies sold, Joy of Cooking is often considered the most popular cookbook in America. (It’s the book that Julia Child credits with her start in the kitchen!) When Irma S. Rombauer published the book in 1931, she had no idea it would skyrocket to fame and stay in print until, well, forever. It’s a common title to see nestled among the latest cookbooks, even in modern kitchens.

Joy of Cooking is filled with homemade, family dinners, desserts and other dishes that stays current through semi-regular updates. Since 1931, there have been eight editions—and lucky for us, a new one will be unveiled on November 12.

What will this new Joy of Cooking be like?

This ninth edition marks the first update in 13 years! Since 2006, Rombauer’s descendants have added over 600 new dishes to try, with a focus on international, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free recipes. There will be hot-smoked salmon, Thai-style wings, kimchi mac and cheese, miso ramen and lamb shawarma.

It might seem ultra-modern, but it’s part of Joy of Cooking’s tradition to keep its cookbooks current. There’s also an emphasis on American classics, like buckeyes, gooey butter cake and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

Too excited to wait for the book? See our favorite classic American recipes here.

What makes it better than other cookbooks?

Generations of readers have loved Joy of Cooking for its clear recipes and directions, making it an approachable text for even an amateur cook. The 2019 edition expands on this by including information about food history and science. This new book won’t just be a collection of recipes—it also makes for fascinating reading.

We asked our readers what they liked most about Joy of Cooking. For some, it was the helpful explanation of basic techniques. For others, the tips on selecting the best ingredients. But most liked the way it taught them how to make a staple recipe, like curry or cheesecake.

Where can I find the new Joy of Cooking?

You can pre-order the latest Joy of Cooking edition on Amazon. It should also be available as an e-book, which means every recipe will soon be only a swipe away.

Look for more recipes that have been handed down for generations

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Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

The recipe for these four-ingredient biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina

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Bavarian Pot Roast

Since all of my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio

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Oma's Apfelkuchen (Grandma's Apple Cake)

My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen,, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio

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Jim's Secret Family Recipe Ribs

For more than 30 years, my brother-in-law Jim kept his famous ribs recipe a secret, much to the chagrin of my husband, Dennis. When he finally came around to sharing it, we loved it so much we just had to pass it along. This one's for you, Jim! —Vicki Young, Brighton, Colorado

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Green Tomato Pie

When frost nips our garden, I quickly gather all the green tomatoes still on the vine and make this old family favorite. It's been handed down from my grandmother, and now my granddaughters are asking for the recipe.—Violet Thompson, Port Ludlow, Washington

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Grandma Pietz's Cranberry Cake Pudding

For generations, our family has handed down this cake recipe starring cranberries. Simple and unusual, it remains a treasured family heirloom. —Lisa Potter, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin

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Butternut Goulash

We make this treasured family goulash recipe using squash from our own backyard. The chili powder and cayenne really warm you up! —Allison Wilmarth, Forest City, Pennsylvania

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Triple Ginger Cookies

My dad loved ginger cookies. I've tinkered with the recipe my grandma handed down by using fresh, ground and crystallized ginger for more pizzazz. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Lemony Cream Cheese Bars

Anytime I can take a recipe that has been handed down two generations and lighten it up while keeping the delicious flavor memories intact, I’m a happy girl. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida

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Wine-Braised Chicken with Pearl Onions

This is a family favorite handed down from my grandmother in London. She made it for every family gathering. It was always the first food to go on the table and the first one to disappear. —Wayne Barnes, Montgomery, Alabama

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Baked Elephant Ears

My mother-in-law handed down this recipe from her mother. They’re a special treat—even better, I think, than those at a carnival or festival. And (shh!) they're baked, not fried. —Delores Baeten, Downers Grove, Illinois

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Sloppy Ottos

My version of sloppy joes comes from an old family recipe. Make these sandwiches even more German by stacking everything on a pretzel bun. —Jason Koren, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Turkey Sausage Cabbage Rolls

I practically grew up in my Polish grandmother's kitchen, watching Babci cook and listening to her stories. I made her cabbage roll recipe healthier with whole grains and turkey, but kept the same rich flavors I remember. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

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Amaretto Ricotta Cheesecake

There's a good reason why this cherished recipe was handed down to me by a relative. It's a keeper! The amaretto and ricotta make for a truly unique dessert. —Isabel Neuman, Surprise, Arizona

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Turkey Sausage Bean Soup

This recipe is from my great-grandmother, though I've added a few ingredients to make it my own. Serve it with a side salad and some artisan bread for a wonderful, hearty family dinner. —Terrel Porter-Smith, Los Osos, California

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Triple Berry Shortcake

My great-great grandmother handed down her shortcake recipe. I’m sharing it because it’s way too fabulous to keep it a secret! —Sara Kingsmore, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota

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Best-Ever Sweet Potato Pie

My grandmother handed down this recipe and it’s amazing! The flavor, with a hint of maple and great spices, totally lives up to its name. —Erin Gibbons, Downingtown, Pennsylvania

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Cranberry Ketchup

This recipe was handed down to me from my mother. It may sound like a strange combination of flavors, but once you try it, you won’t want to go back to regular ketchup. —Jerome Wiese, Bemidji, Minnesota

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Grandma's Polish Cookies

This traditional khruchiki recipe has been handed down through my mother's side from my great-grandmother. As a child, it was my job to loop the end of each cookie through its hole. —Sherine Elise Gilmour, Brooklyn, New York

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Grilled Three-Potato Salad

Everyone in our extended family loves to cook, so I put together all of our favorite recipes in a cookbook to be handed down from generation to generation. This recipe comes from that cookbook. It's a delicious twist on traditional potato salad. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California

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Lebkuchen

It's tradition for my family to make these German treats together. The recipe came from my great-grandmother's cookbook, and judging from the amount of requests I get, it has certainly stood the test of time.—Esther Kempker, Jefferson City, Missouri

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Maple Carrot Cupcakes

I come from a line of family cooks and have liked to cook and bake since I was young. Mother and Grandmom were always in the kitchen cooking up something delicious. These carrot cupcakes were Grandmom's specialty, and we always have them at family gatherings. —Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio, Vineland, New Jersey

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Zucchini Hamburger Pie

This is a family favorite handed down from my dear aunt. It is such a hearty pie that it satisfies the appetite well. And my family has always enjoyed the idea of having pie for supper! —Eloise Swisher, Roseville, Illinois

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Frosted Spice Cookies

This recipe has been handed down through many generations of my husband's family. The cookies were always in his grandmother's cookie jar when he'd visit. Today, he enjoys them more than ever—and so I do. —Debbie Hurlbert, Howard, Ohio

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Layered Orange Sponge Cake

This recipe's been handed down in my family for 40 years, from a relative who was a French baker. It's light, delicate and delicious, just like a great cake should be. —Joyce Speerbrecher, Grafton, Wisconsin

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Pumpkin Walnut Squares

My mother-in-law handed this pumpkin bar recipe down as a surefire way to keep my husband happy during the holidays. It's his favorite childhood dessert. —Melissa Conchieri, Northport, New York

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The post Everyone’s Favorite Classic Cookbook Is About to Release a New Edition appeared first on Taste of Home.

Emma B. Kumer