Cookin' with fire

I'm PROUD to say that I've dusted off my cookbooks and have seriously become a cooking fool (including calzones with crust made from SCRATCH, and homemade maple syrup!)! My goal is to one day be that house that all my kids friends flock to because there are always good things coming from the kitchen. I have no background in cooking (ie no home ec classes, or cooking classes period). I'm on a BIG learning curve but I am enjoying everything I've been learning/ we've been eating so far. With that being said, I'm looking for everyone's favorite cookbook, website, or blog. I've had some great suggestions so far including our very own Julie Dellasega's blog http://familymatters-boyzmom.blogspot.com/.

So far my go to cookbooks are few, but very helpful. These are my top 3 right now but I'm looking to add more to the library! Ones that are filled with recipes with items one would normally have on hand..not those random spices that you use once in a lifetime!! =) I can't wait to hear what everyone uses.