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One of my favorites, that I've had for decades is the Wooden Spoon Dessert Book. It's on 29 bookshelves. It harks back to the days when I didn't have an electric mixer. It has many old recipes of historic interest (from WWII era I think) such as cakes made with vinegar. Not that I've tried the rationing friendly recipes...

I am a fan of Camilla Saulsbury's cookbooks -- the most popular one is only on 31 members' bookshelves. I first started buying her books after trying some really great recipes from her blog. Not every recipe I have made has become a new favorite, but there have been more than enough gems to make up for it. Her muffin book is a particular favorite -- and one I almost didn't even buy because I thought I already had enough muffin recipes! So glad to have that one in my collection.

I think when you have the cookbook page numbers of all your favorite recipes memorized from using them so many times through the years that counts as a favorite cookbook.  For me that cookbook would be Savannah Seasons by Elizabeth Terry. I have loved this cookbook ever since I bought it at her restaurant and she signed it for me.  Unfortunately it is not indexed but it is on 66 bookshelves.  This would be the cookbook I would index first of all my unindexed books. The fish recipes, salads, desserts and side dishes are real treasures.

EYB UPdate: This book is now indexed (by an EYB member)

When I travel through Asia, every airport has a series of cheap paperbacks published by Periplus Mini Cookbooks. They cost about US$5 each. 

The recipes are foolproof and delicious and include meals you would have to scour the internet for.

A few are a bit naf, but 90% of them cover somewhat obscure regional cuisines throughout Asia. Titles include Nonya Favourites, Spicy Padang cooking, Spicy Sichuan, Herbal Chinese cooking for health and Thai soups and salads.

I think I own the entire set now, but always scour the bottom shelves of airport bookshops looking for any I may have missed.

Heartily endorse the Periplus Minis - The Taiwanese and Filipino editions are easy to follow and flavorful versions of typical food found on those islands.

Also, check out these obscure books:
The Picayune's Creole Cook Book https://smile.amazon.com...tion-ebook/dp/B00BSHNZUQ

La Nueva Cucina Mexicana by Olvera  https://smile.amazon.com...=3H3CE7PL31EVL&psc=0

Simply Delicious the Classic Collection https://smile.amazon.com...=3H3CE7PL31EVL&psc=0

Scook  https://smile.amazon.com...=3H3CE7PL31EVL&psc=0

Black Sea https://smile.amazon.com...=3H3CE7PL31EVL&psc=0

jeffcole, thanks for your suggestions. I wanted to point out that several of your recommendations are already indexed on EYB; click on the title link to go to the Recipe index:

• The Picayune's Creole Cook (indexed by an EYB member)


• Black Sea (also an EYB Preview book, so you can see a sample of the book's format and recipes)


• Simply Delicious: The Classic Collection

Not a cookbook, strictly speaking, but The Kitchen Companion, by Polly Clingerman, is packed with invaluable cooking advice along with some simple recipes. I don't know how it went out of print, but since it is o.p. it qualifies as underrated. It's the kind of book I'd like to rescue from a fire. I'm going to HAVE to request it as a Kindle book.

From the Farmer’s Market by Richard Sax is a favorite. It’s a great collection of farmers’ and chef recipes along with some from Richard Sax. Favorite recipe: stuffed red peppers with ricotta and spinach. Many other good ones.

i just bought this book as used one.  I remember Richard Sax from his days at Food and Wine.  I did not know he passed on so young.  He was a very good writer.

Thank you Kjohns101.  I will post notes after making the recipes.  

I love From the Farmer's Market by Richard Sax and Sandra Gluck.  These pre 1990 books, many without photos are treasure trove of fabulous recipes unlike many current flashy books without much substance.  The peppers you mentioned are in the oven as I type.  There are at least 10 recipes from this book I want to make.  Thank you Kjohns101.  

The Pink Adobe Cookbook, by Roselea Murphy, has long been a favorite.  Best BBQ sauce you will ever have-my children used to get up in the middle of the night and eat the left overs with bread.  Potato salad with feta and green chiles is also a winner.  This is a book I have replaced when the old one fell apart.

Wings of Life by Julie Jordan   Julie had a vegetarian restaurant in Ithaca NY and one of the main menu items was a soup/salad/bread combo.  You chose from the soups and breads of the day.  I bought Wings of LIfe so I could duplicate her black bean soup.  Every recipe I have tried is a keeper. Another one I would replace if I lost.

Lastly, Soups for All Seasons by Brad McCrorie  If you like to make soup, track this down.  You will likely pass up some recipes (I myself will never get around to pheasant and chanterelle soup), but many more are very very good.  Cream of zucchini and eggplant, check, Caribbean pepper pot, oh yes!

I don't think any of these are in print, which is a shame.

Zephy

Thank you Zephy.  I was able to purchase the first two books but the last one is more than $50 as a used book.  I will keep that one in mind.  When did Julie Jordan have her restaurant in Ithaca and what was it called?  I have spent some time in ithaca area too.  I am indexing the Richard Sax's book now.  With lots of interesting recipes, only right.

Cabbagetown Cafe was up and running when I was in Ithaca in the early 80s.  It was in Collegetown, so much easier for a carless student to get to than Moosewood.

I think I may need to scan my copy of Soups for All Seasons!  It's pretty beat up as it is, and I don't think I could afford to replace it.

Zephy

Zephyrness I had a couple of my favourite well used and well worn books rebound (as opposed to scanning 400+ pages).. now they're both almost  as good as new, hopefully for another 40 years. Maybe there's a college library near you that would offer such a service?  Or you can purchase an "as new" copy from ebay!

Interesting.  I checked today and now can find books less than $20.  Are these the same book?

This is the Eat Your Books link. https://www.eatyourbooks...99/soups-for-all-seasons