New 'Joy of Cooking' is a masterwork that will erase any reservations about past editions

If you grew up consulting the "Joy of Cooking," revisions over the past many years may have left you with mixed feelings. But the newest edition, due Nov. 12 from Scribner, will delight you. And if you're not familiar with the "Joy of Cooking," the new edition will become your go-to resource.

First, it's a whopper of a book, with more than a thousand pages. It features more than 600 new recipes, as well as more than 4,000 favorites that have been revised and updated. At $40, it may be an investment - but it's one I think you'll be willing to make. I know I will.

Second, the newest edition accurately reflects the way we eat today. While Irma Rombauer's original book featured mostly American favorites, the new edition includes a wealth of international recipes - reflecting our more culturally influenced palates.

In this way, I