If you are a professional chef whose soups have fallen into a creative selection rut for lack of time, then a soup cookbook directory resource could be invaluable. Specialty cookbooks allow you to experiment with different recipes, and sometimes add your own twist. The best cookbook includes detailed descriptions, enticing images, and informative references.

With so many resources available online and off, it's easy searching for a soup cookbook provider. However, finding the right cookbooks that meet your individual taste requires some research and often feedback from other professionals and even consumers. So don’t fall back on the old “faithfuls.” Branch out and try something new. Before searching for soup cookbook information and investing in a library of cookbooks, remember the following:

1. The cookbooks that you choose should reflect your skill level, your schedule, and the type of soup you are interested in.

2. You can find soup cookbook ideas from successful cooking shows, but don’t choose best-selling cookbooks simply because they are produced by celebrities or celebrity chefs. Try their TV show recipes first, and then decide whether you like their style and methods of cooking before investing in their cookbook.

3. See if you can get a little extra from your cookbook. Some offer accompanying recipe CDs for online convenience.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a online soup cookbook or other online resource that offers soup recipes

The best soup recipes and cookbook recommendations come from those passionate about the subject. There are people who thrive on finding creative ways to make soup, and are eager to share them online.

I recommend: Savory-Soup-Recipes.com offers a generous list of soup recipes, along with tips and an online store. Soup Hoopla provides soups tips, history and facts, along with its recipes indexes.

Continue to update and enhance your soup cookbook collection with a contemporary approach

You may assume you have a pretty substantial cookbook collection, but recipes are continuously enhanced and updated. Stay abreast of the newest creations on a regular basis, and don't be afraid to try something new.

I recommend: The New England Soup Factory Cookbook offers an eclectic mix of soup recipes along with stories and full-color photography. The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy is a delicious collection of regional favorites and family recipes; as well as a nice sprinkling of the contemporary into the mix.

Add a touch of the traditional by including old fashioned soup books

If you are looking to take your guests back in time and remind them of the good old days, you might consider picking old fashioned recipe cookbooks. Some classic cookbooks provide an interesting history behind the selected recipes. These cookbooks may be harder to find and more expensive, but usually worth it.

I recommend: The Big Book of Soups & Stews features traditional favorites, such as chicken noodle soup, and then adds a modern twist to flavors from around the world. The Ultimate Soup Bible begins with the basics, takes you through the classics, and adds a little of the contemporary.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You don't have to perform a complete overhaul of your menu unless it's absolutely necessary. Create a soup Cookbook list and pick a new recipe every week. Just one new recipe a week equals 52 new recipes a year in your arsenal.