The Nitty Gritty Cookbook Series
I will sing the praises of the Nitty Gritty Productions series of books. I love them. Love them. I own several of them, as you can view in the link to my collection of cookbooks. No, the series of Nitty Gritty cookbooks aren’t pretty. You won’t want to show off these cookbooks on your coffee table although the more vintage titles offer nifty eye-catching covers. Scroll way down to the early years below to see what I mean.
These books don’t have images and aren’t glossy — or even of standard size. These paperback books are rectangular, typically 6 x 9 inches. But it doesn’t matter. Once you crack one open, you won’t even mind how it looks on your kitchen bookshelf.
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What Are Nitty Gritty Productions Cookbooks?
I wish I could find more information about Nitty Gritty Productions cookbooks. I can’t find anything anywhere which is unusual. The interior of my older books include this address: Bristol Publishing Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 1737, San Leandro CA 94577. I see no mention of this publishing company online.
There isn’t even a Nitty Gritty Cookbook website. At least, not at the time of this writing (fall 2024). This is a peek at the website back in 2011 (see image above).
But there are dozens of cookbooks published beginning in 1969 and ending in 2013, as you’ll discover below. These cookbooks cover a range of topics, everything from Edible Pockets for Every Meal to The Bread Machine Cookbook and The 9 x 13 Pan Cookbook.
I couldn’t believe how many titles this company produced. My simple idea to share all the cookbooks from Nitty Gritty Productions turned into a huge multi-week researching ordeal.
Who Wrote the Nitty Gritty Cookbook Series?
The list of authors and repeat cookbook authors with Nitty Gritty titles behind them is massive. I have included a short bit about these authors when I could find the info online or in the books I own (which wasn’t often).
Why? Well, the publishing date of some of these titles is so long ago, I can’t say for sure if any of these people are in the job positions listed below. But it’s at least interesting to see what they were doing at the time of their book’s publication.
Authors who wrote a Nitty Gritty cookbook include:
- Raquel B. Agranoff
- Maxine H. Atwater
- Penny Ballantyne
- Sharon Cadwallader
- Patricia Barrett-Dragan
- Mary Anne Bauer
- Julianne Belote
- Ina C. Boyd
- Mary Brett
- Ed Callahan
- Hester Callahan
- Ann Chandonnet: Writer of the column: Frontier Fare in Alaska magazine for a decade and food writer for The Anchorage Times (1982-1992). She retired and moved to Lake St. Louis, MO.
- David DiResta: Gourmet retailer and a retail consultant.
- Larry Doyle
- Maureen Egan
- Kristin Enkvetchakul
- Kathleen Epperson
- Jack Falvey
- Joanne Foran: Joanne is in the restaurant and catering business.
- Pauline Frankel
- Catherine Pagano Fulde
- Rose Grant
- Katherine Hayes Greenburg
- Polly Grimaldi
- Barbara Kanerva Kyte
- Barbara Karoff
- Barbara Lawrence
- Wanda Groceman
- Elaine Groen
- Daphne Metaxas Hartwig
- Malcolm R. Hébert
- Christie Katona: Ran a catering business and attended London’s Cordon Bleu School of Cooking.
- Thomas Katona: An engineer at Boeing.
- Barbara Kanerva Kyte
- Barbara Karoff
- Barbara Lawrence
- Gary Lee
- Julianne Lemon
- Joanne Waring Lindeman
- Paul Mayer
- Gary Lee
- Julianne Lemon
- Joanne Waring Lindeman
- Paul Mayer
- Cynthia MacGregor: Writer of over 50 books.
- Dona Z. Meilach
- Craig Michaels
- Fulton Miller
- Susan Mintz
- Felicia Mitchell: A 2020 retired, award-winning professor, Felicia has numerous works of poetry (also award-winning).
- Susan E. Mitchell
- Sally Murphy Morris
- Dorothy Murray
- Arlene Mueller
- Carol M. Newman
- John Nicolas
- Lou Seibert Pappas: Former Palo Alto Times Tribune food editor and a home economist with Sunset Magazine and author of over 50 cookbooks. She lives in Palo Alto, CA.
- Karen Pepkin
- Stacey Printz
- Donna Rathmell German:
- Alma Payne Ralston
- Maureen Reynolds
- Mara Reid Rodgers
- Jane Rubey
- Sandra Rudloff
- Russ Rudzinski
- Goldie Gendler Silverman: Goldie’s first published work was an advertising jingle in the Omaha Work Herald when she was in elementary school. She earned a dollar. Goldie lives in Lake Washington.
- Coleen and Bob Simmons
- Hannah Suhr
- Susan Vollmer
- George Wallace
- Penny Warner: Penny has written more than 80 books in different genres.
- Joanna White
- Janice Wicks
- Christie Williams
- Jacqueline B. Williams
- Stanley Wolf
- David Woods
- Aidan Wylde
Nitty Gritty Series of Cookbooks List
There are so many cookbooks from Nitty Gritty Publications. I had no idea. I originally thought I would include only revised versions, but with the sheer number of Nitty Gritty titles I couldn’t remember what I had seen. I decided to include whatever I found.
I have a couple titles in here from Bristol Publishing, so they may not have the rectangular shape you’re used to (the Cooking for Gold title is the only one I can think of off the top of my head).
Am I missing a title? Oops. Please let me know via email or using the comments below (please include the title and year).
Here is the Nitty Gritty series of cookbooks in order.
The Fondue Cookbook (1968) by Ed Callahan
Soul Food (1969) by Jim Harwood and Ed Callahan
Hippo Cook Book: Hippopotamus Hamburger Cookbook (1969) by Jack Falvey
Japanese Country Cookbook (1969)
by Russ Rudzinski (Ryoichi Kokku)
The Christmas Cook Book (1969) by Kathleen Epperson
Cast Iron Cook Book
(1969) by Hester Callahan
Charcoal Cookbook (1970) by Ed Callahan
The Wok: A Chinese Cook Book
(1970) by Gary Lee
Gourmet Blender Cookbook (1970) by Paul Mayer
Barbecue Book (1970) by Ed Callahan
The Mexican Cook Book (1971) by George Wallace
Working Couple’s Cookbook (1971)
Sunday Breakfast: A Cookbook for Men (1971) by Craig Michaels
The Jewish Cookbook (1971) by Pauline Frankel
Miller’s German Cookbook (1972)
by Fulton Miller
To My Daughter With Love (1972) by Wanda Groceman
Natural Foods Cookbook (1972)
by Maxine H. Atwater
Souffle and Quiche Cookbook (1972) by Paul Mayer
The Chinese Vegetarian Cook Book (1972)
by Gary Lee
The Cheese Guide and Cookbook (1973) by Ann Chandonnet
The World in One Meal: An International Menu Cookbook (1973) by Mary Brett
The First Brandy Cookbook (1973) by Malcolm R. Hébert
Classic Greek Cooking (1974) by Daphne Metaxas Hartwig
The Compleat American Housewife 1776 (1974) by Julianne Belote
Vegetable Cookbook (1975) by Paul Mayer
Bread Baking (1975) by Lou Seibert Pappas
The Crockery Pot Cookbook (1975) Lou Seibert Pappas
Make It Ahead French Cooking (1976) by Paul Mayer
Kid’s Cookbook (1976) by Patricia Barrett (Patricia Barrett Dragan)
Easy Microwave Cooking (1976) by Sally Murphy Morris
Food Processor Cookbook (1976) by Janis Wicks
Cookies (1976) by Lou Seibert Pappas
Omelets & Crepes (1976) by Bob Simmons
Pressure Cooking (1977) by Alma Payne Ralston
Food Processor Cookbook (1977) by Janis Wicks
Casseroles and Salads: A 2-in-1 Cookbook (1977) by Lou Seibert Pappas
Popcorn and Peanuts (1977) by Julianne Lemon
Cocktails and Hors d’Oeuvres (1978) Ina C. Boyd
The Ground Beef Cookbook (1978) by Joanne Waring Lindeman
Pies & Cakes / Cakes & Pies a 2 in 1 Cookbook (1978)
by Arlene Mueller
The Complete Yogurt Cookbook (1979) by Susan Mintz
Seafood (1979) by Sally Murphy Morris
Cooking for 1 or 2 (1980) by Katherine Kyle Greenburg
Cookies (1980) by Lou Seibert Pappas
My Cookbook: A Collection of Favorite Recipes (1981)
Brunch (1981) by Christie Williams
Holiday Cookbook (1981) by Maureen Reynolds
Fast and Delicious Cookbook (1981) by Rose Grant
Fisherman’s Wharf Cookbook (1982) by Barbara Lawrence
Quiche and Souffle Cookbook (1982) by Paul Mayer
The Wok: A Complete and Easy Guide to Preparing a Wide Variety of Authentic Chinese Favorites (1982)
by Gary Lee
Creative Soups and Salads (1983) by Lou Seibert Pappas
Favorite Seafood Recipes (1983) by Sally Murphy Morris
The Best of Nitty Gritty (1987) by Nitty Gritty Cookbooks
Barbecue Cookbook (1987) by Ed Callahan
Low Salt, Low Sugar, Low-Fat Desserts (1988) by Penny Ballantyne
New Ways to Enjoy Chicken: A Special Collection of Quick and Easy Everyday Recipes (1989) by Stanley Wolf
What’s for Breakfast (1988) by Mary Anne Bauer
Fabulous Fiber Cookery (1988) by Elaine Groen and Jane Rubey
Meals in Minutes (1990) by Rose Grant
Time-Saving Gourmet Cookbook (1990) by Janis Wicks
Chocolate Cherry Tortes and Other Low-Fat Delights (1990) by Maureen Egan and Penny Ballantyne
The Best 50 Sushi Rolls (1990)
The New International Fondue Cookbook (1990) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
Low-Fat American Favorites Cookbook (1990) by Goldie Silverman
Turkey the Magic Ingredient (1990) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
The Kid’s Microwave Cookbook (1991) by Sally Murphy Morris and Kathleen Patterson-Estes
The 9 X 13 Pan Cookbook (1991) by Barbara Karoff
15-Minute Meals for 1 or 2 (1991) by Lou Seibert Pappas
The Bread Machine Cookbook (1991) by Donna Rathmell German
The Bread Machine Cookbook II (1991) by Donna Rathmell German
Quick and Easy Pasta (1992) by Bob Simmons and Coleen Simmons
The Coffee Book: Featuring a Section on Teas (1992) by Christie Katona and Thomas Katona
The Bread Machine Cookbook IV: Whole Grains & Natural Sugars (1992) by Donna Rathmell German
The Juicer Book (1992) by Joanna White
The Juicer Book II (1992)
by Joanna White
The Bread Machine Cookbook III (1992) by Donna Rathmell German
The Versatile Rice Cooker (1992) by Bob Simmons
The Sandwich Maker Cookbook (1992) by Donna Rathmell German
Recipes for Yogurt Cheese (1992) by Joanna White
Waffles (1992) by Donna Rathmell German
Healthy Cooking On The Run (1993) by Elaine Groen and Irene Rapp
Cooking for 1 or 2 (1993) by Katherine Hayes Greenburg and Barbara Kyte
Now That’s Italian (1993) by Susan Vollmer and Laura Wilson
Easy Microwave Cooking: Quick and Healthy Meals for Busy People (1993) by Sally Murphy Morris
Fisherman’s Wharf: Famous Recipes from San Francisco Cookbook (1993)
by Barbara Lawrence
The New Blender Book (1993) by Barbara Karoff
No Salt, No Sugar, No Fat Cookbook (1993) by Jacqueline Williams
The Steamer Cookbook (1993) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
The Bread Machine Cookbook V: Favorite Recipes from 100 Kitchens (1994) by Donna Rathmell German
Indoor Grilling for Stovetop and Tabletop (1994) by Bob Simmons and Coleen Simmons
The Garlic Cookbook (1994) by David DiResta
Worldwide Sourdoughs from Your Bread Machine (1994) by Donna Rathmell German
Flatbreads from Around the World: With Toppings, Fillings and Spreads (1994) by Donna Rathmell German
Favorite Cookie Recipes (1994) by Lou Seibert Pappas
Cooking With Parchment Paper (1994) by David DiResta
From Your Ice Cream Maker (1994) by Bob Simmons and Coleen Simmons
Cooking in Porcelain (1995) by Raquel Agranoff
The Best 50 Biscotti Recipes (1995) by Barbara Karoff
Chicken Breast Recipes (1995) by Joanna White
The Best 50 Dips (1995) by Joanna White
The Best 50 Salsas (1995) by Christie Katona and Thomas Katona
The Best 50 Smoothies (1995) by Joanna White
Creative Mexican Cooking (1995) by Susan E. Mitchell
Shrimp and Prawn Recipes (1995) by Christie Katona
Extra-Special Crockery Pot Recipes (1995) by Lou Seibert Pappas
The Best Bagels are Made at Home (1995) by Dona Z. Meilach
Skewer Cooking on the Grill (1995) by Bob Simmons and Coleen Simmons
The Best Buttermilk Recipes (1995) by Christie Katona and Thomas Katona
The Bread Machine Cookbook VI: Hand-Shaped Breads from the Dough Cycle (1995) by Donna Rathmell German
Cooking in Clay (1996) by Joanna White
Muffins, Nut Breads and More (1996) by Barbara Kanerva Kyte and Katherine Greenberg
The Well Dressed Potato (1999) by Christie Katona and Thomas Katona
Appetizers (1996) by Joanna White
Sautés (1996) by David DiResta and Joanne Foran
The Osterizer Blender Cookbook (1996) by Barbara Karoff
Favorite Pastas and Sauces (1996) by Bob Simmons
Risottos, Paellas, and Other Rice Specialties (1997) by Raquel B. Agranoff
Unbeatable Chicken Recipes (1997) by Lou Seibert Pappas
Gourmet Gifts (1997) by Dona Z. Meilach
Oven and Rotisserie Roasting (1997) by David DiResta and Joanne Foran
Favorite Soup Recipes (1997) by Lou Seibert Pappas
The Best 50 Berries Recipes (1997) by Joanna White
The Best 50 Bundt Cakes (1997) by Felicia Mitchell
Recipes for the Pressure Cooker (1998) by Joanna White
The Dehydrator Cookbook (1998) by Joanna White
Cooking With Fresh Herbs (1998) by Lou Seibert Pappas
Fresh Vegetables (1998) by Rose Grant
The Best 50 Salad Dressings (1998) by Stacey Printz
Party Fare: Irresistible Nibbles for Every Occasion (1998) by Joanna White
Cooking With Grains (1999) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
Marinades: Make Ordinary Foods Extraordinary (1999) by Dona Z. Meilach
Easy Vegetarian Cooking (1999) by Sharon Cadwallader
Deep Fried Indulgences (1999) by Christie Katona and Thomas Katona
The Best 50 Bruschetta Recipes (1999) by Dona Z. Meilach
The Best 50 Brown Bag Lunches (1999) by Beth Renaud and Rick Renaud
The Best 50 Sushi Rolls (1999) by Carol M. Newman
The Best 50 Brownies & Blondies (2000) by Mara Reid Rodgers
Pinch Of Time: Meals in Less than 30 Minutes (2000) by Sandra Rudloff
The Best 50 Flavored Oils & Vinegars (2001) by Joanne Foran
Cooking With Chile Peppers (2001) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
The Vegetarian Slow Cooker: For Crock Pot, Slow Cooker, Oven and Multi-Cooker (2001) by Joanna White
Favorite Salad Recipes (2001) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
Cooking With Your Kids (2001) by Sandra Rudloff
Beer and Good Food (2001) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
Convection Oven Cookery (2001) by Christie Katona and Thomas Katona
100 Dynamite Desserts (2001) by Christie Katona and Thomas Katona
Fondue And Hot Dips (2001) by Joanna White
The Best Pizza is Made at Home (2001) by Donna Rathmell German
From Freezer, ‘Fridge and Pantry (2001) by Eugene Hobday
The New Book of Waffles & Pizzelles (2002) by Donna Rathmell German
Slow Cooking: In Crockpot, Slow Cooker, Oven and Multi-Cooker (2001) by Joanna White
The Sensational Skillet: Sautés & Stir-Fries (2001) by David DiResta and Joanne Foran
The Cook-Ahead Cookbook (2001) by Cynthia MacGregor
The Barbecue Cookbook (2001) by Joanna White
Rotisserie Oven Cooking (2001) by Sandra Rudloff
Quick And Easy Pasta Recipes (2002) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
The Best 50 Marinades (2002) by Dona Z. Meilach
Mom’s Kitchen: Record Your Family’s Cooking Memories (2002) by David DiResta
Edible Pockets for Every Meal (2002) by Donna Rathmell German
New Delicacies from Your Deep Fryer (2002) by Christie Katona and Thomas Katona
The Best 50 Margaritas (2002) by Dona Z. Meilach
Soups & Stews: For Slow Cooker, Stovetop, Oven and Pressure Cooker (2002) by Sandra Rudloff
Tapas Fantasticas: Appetizers with a Spanish Flair (2003) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
The Best 50 Dessert Tarts (2003) by Sandra Rudloff
The Big Book of Snacks and Appetizers (2003) by Donna Rathmell German and Joanna White
New Recipes From Your Sandwich Maker (2003) by Donna Rathmell German
The Best 50 Omelets (2003) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
Cooking for Gold: Recipes from the Culinary Olympics
(2003) by Bristol Publishing
The Best 50 Teas and Chais (2003) by Dorothy Murray
From Your Ice Cream Maker (2003) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
Party Foods: Snacks & Appetizers for Easy Entertaining (2004)
by Joanna White
New Recipes From Your Rice Cooker (2004) by Coleen Simmons and Bob Simmons
The Best 50 Shortbreads (2004) by Barbara Karoff
The Best 50 Bar Shots (2004) by Hannah Suhr
The Best 50 Holiday Party Drinks (2004) by Hannah Suhr
Quick and Easy Italian Cooking (2004) by Catherine Pagano Fulde
The Coffee And Tea Cookbook (2004) by Christie Katona and Thomas Katona
The Best 50 Quiche Recipes (2004)
The Simple Substitutions Cookbook: Adapting Recipes to Your Taste (2004)
by Sandra Rudloff
Quick and Easy Soy and Tofu Recipes (2004) by Polly Grimaldi
The Best 50 Chowders (2004) by Dorothy Murray
The Best 50 Bargain Wines (2005) by Aidan Wylde
Incredible Edible Gifts Cookbook (2004) by Dona Z. Meilach
The Bread Machine Cookbook I (2005) by Donna Rathmell German
Puddings, Souffles and Kugels (2005) by Dona Z. Meilach
Getting the Most From Your Aroma Rice Cooker (2005) by Coleen Simmons
Cooking In Clay (2005) by Joanna White
The Pasta Machine Cookbook (2005) by Donna Rathmell German
No Salt, No Sugar, No Fat (2005) by Goldie Silverman
The Wedding Catering Cookbook (2005) by Christie Katona
The Best 50 Wok Recipes (2005) by Gary Lee
The Best 50 Chocolate Recipes (2005) by Thomas Katona
The Best 50 Banana Recipes (2005) by David Woods
Dessert Fondues (2006) by Sandra Rudloff
Recipes for the Loaf Pan (2006) by Rose Grant
The Toaster Oven Cookbook (2006) by David DiResta and Joanne Foran
Irish Pub Cooking (2006) by Larry Doyle
Introduction to Asian Cooking (2006) by Kristin Enkvetchakul
The Very Best Salmon Cookbook (2006) by John Nicolas
The Best 50 Muffin Recipes (2006) by Karen Pepkin
The Best 50 Energy Bar Cookies (2006) by David Woods
The Best 50 Baked Potatoes (2007) by Christie Katona
The Best 50 Strawberry Recipes (2007)
The Best 50 Summer Soups (2007) by Hannah Suhr
The Best 50 Power Shakes (2007) by Joanna White
The Best 50 Cookies (2007)
Healthy Snacks for Kids (2007) by Penny Warner
The Best 50 Scones (2007) by Karen Pepkin
The Best 50 Pancake Recipes (2007)
The Best 50 Soups and Stews (2009) by Sandra Rudloff
The Toaster Oven Cookbook (2013) by David DiResta and Joanne Foran
Fondue & Hot Dips (2013) by Joanna White
Cappuccino & Espresso (2013) by Christi and Thomas Katona
Slow Cooking (2013) by Joanna White
Wraps & Roll-Ups (2013) by Dona Z. Meilach
Blender Cookbook (2013) by Paul Mayer
More Bread and Bread Machine Cookbooks & Recipes
