Ask HN: Where did you learn modular electronics?
In practice, you'll find that the "discrete components" (official term for the miscellaneous things that aren't ICs) are also making up modules - that is, they're used as parts of standard recognisable sub-systems to perform a particular function. Such as "decoupling capacitor", "termination resistor", "common emitter amplifier", "pi filter" and so on.I don't think you can really "cookbook" without knowing any theory, but the amount of theory you need is fairly small and you don't necessarily need all the maths."The Art Of Electronics" is the standard book to refer people to.