Buffalo Rising Online

I have a hard time controlling myself in bookstores. Having tucked my cash away in the glove compartment before even entering, I most often end up wandering through the aisles with my greedy hands shoved deep in my pockets. Of course the knowledge or story imparted by a tome is its primary purpose, but I am a sucker for a glossy cover, a rich folio of color photographs, the promise of a delightful adventure. This is especially true in the cookbook section.

I've admitted this to you before, and I came clean about the modest number of cookbooks that I actually use. Most of the pretty books that line my office shelf are cracked for perusal or reference, not actual cookery.

I use Talking Leaves for most of my book purchases. When a favorite author or chef announces an upcoming book, I anxiously await its publication. But honestly, that only happens half a dozen times a year. So what am I supposed to do on all of the …