Cookbooks - The Frugal Gourmet Cooks with Wine

This cookbook is an oldie-but-goodie, but it's nonetheless a great book of basic techniques along with some challenging recipes.

The late Jeff Smith, the "Frugal Gourmet"  had an interesting career, filled with both success and scandal.  This was his second or third book, and was published at a time when he was at the top of his game on his public-television show. 

I was initially drawn to this book because of the title.  New Orleans cooking is about sauces, and many sauces include wine.  Using wine in cooking is a great way to reduce the amount of oil and salt in various dishes.  Smith explains various techniques and presents a wide range of recipes, including a New Orleans chapter.