Staples of a Homemaker's Library

It is nice for a homemaker to have several books on her shelf that she can grab to look up information or use to better her current skills. I have several standby's that I enjoy browsing through and often refer to for specific questions.

Cooking

Better Homes and Gardens Red Checkered Cookbook

This is an American classic. I often refer to it for a basic recipe like biscuits or  pie crust. It also has information for substituting ingredients and an equal weight and measurement chart in the back that is often helpful. The illustrations are easy to follow and a lot of the recipes have pictures--which is often important.

Good Houskeeping Illistrated Cookbook 

This book never fails. Every item I have made from it has never been a failure but in fact a great success in taste and appearance. It contains classic recipes like brownies and lasagna with good illustrations.

Food

Introductory Foods

I got this book for a meal management class in college and have referred to it often since then. It is like the encyclopedia of food. It describes the chemistry of foods, cuts of meat, nutrition of foods, as well as the seasons and uses of specific foods. It is one of my favorite books to keep in the kitchen.

Sewing

Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing

This book has been my right hand for any sewing question since college. It has not only fantastic instructions, but clear-step-by-step illustrations from everything like sewing on a button to purchasing the right fabric to make an outfit. It is great to keep on hand for the person who doesn't sew as much as an avid seamstress.

Hospitality/Etiquette

Emily Post's Complete Etiquette

Miss Manner's Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior

Both of these books are not only entertaining reading, but provide proper protocol for every imaginable situation. I often refer to them for writing formal letters or deciding what is appropriate to wear to various occasions.

Homemaking

Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson

Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent instructions for Homemaking by Miriam Lukken

Both of these books are wonderful aids in teaching how to make a house a home. They explain how to make a bed, how to remove different stains, what and how to clean, and the overall basics of  keeping order in the home.

Child Care/Education

Charlotte Mason's complete collection of child education books

These books were written and published by an educator in the early 1900's. Her thoughts and ideas have proveded advanced insight into the mind of children and how a mother can best build upon each circumstance to make life a learning adventure for her children.

Health and Nutrition

The Herb Book by Jennie Harding

I usually refer to a doctor or the internet for health concerns and questions because the information is updated and more accurate than a two year old book. However I do like studying the benefits of herbs in the diet and refer to this book on occasion.

Marriage

Help Meet by Debi Pearl

 
For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn

I have read numerous books on marriage and wifery, but I always boil the must read list down to these two books. They have been the most helpful and applicable in my life.