When I was trying to determine which cookbook was my favorite - for our current summer reading challenge - The New Basics by Sheila Lukins & Julee Russo, came in at a close second. What I love about this cookbook is that it covers everything from appetizers and cocktails to sauces and desserts. This cookbook lives at my vacation house so I make dishes there while relaxing at the cabin - except for the few that I have memorized such as tasty chicken, bacon, and avocado sandwich or the classic mustard vinaigrette.
The New Basics is such a complete and reliable source for recipes that I never have to pack my cookbooks or recipe folders. In summer, I make the key lime pie and in winter I make the cheese and beer soup. Usually I prefer cookbooks with lots of colorful images, but the blank pages and black and white illustrations are oddly comforting. If you are looking for a cookbook that basically covers everything, I suggest checking this out!
That sandwich sounds great! I love avocadoes in sandwichs.