Alton Brown's guide to knives, pots and pans, appliances, and everything else needed for a well stocked kitchen. Truly a must read.

AB's baking book, like his cook book, devides the recipes by type rather ingrediant. This time it's mixing method (muffine method, biscut method). Interesting look at how various baked goods relate to each other

Much like with wine, a knowledge of bartending is a good skill to couple with cooking. Mr. Boston, to me, is the equivalent to The Joy of Cooking.

Study Guide for the CIA's Professional Chef

Study Guide to the CIA's Garde Manger

Study Guide to CIA's Baking and Pastry

I know very little about this book, but it seems to be what I'm looking for. A general guide to flavor and flavor combination.

Part of a series of books, that have caught my eye recently. I know little about the books, but they seem interesting and are relatively cheap.

(Same series as next two above)

(Same series as four above)

Both an extention of the Butler's Guide above, and a general guide to entertaining (something the experianced home chef with do from time to time). I'm tempted to also put Emily Post's Etiquette on this list but that may be to much of an over kill.