What is it about the humble cookbook? A beautiful thing to hold in our hands or put on our coffee table. Today’s cookbooks are works of art, giving us insights into other worlds. But just as often they bear the hallmarks of sauce, butter, elbow grease. They might be followed to the letter, or simply serve as a jumping off point. But regardless, they transport and inspire. They tell stories and help us create our own. They’re a reminder of when things went well and sometimes, when they didn’t. They’re an homage to the food we love to share with others. And if they make us better home cooks in the process, that’s just gravy.