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Summary: I love this cookbook
Review: Even the sight of that red and white cover makes me almost weepily nostalgic. I grew up on the 19__(mumble mumble) edition which is still sitting out on my counter, stuffed with yellowing newspaper recipe clippings for Christmas cookies and little cards with Aunt Gerda's goulash or Lorelei's spinach dip. That's the sort of cookbook this is. It's an heirloom; it can be the anchor of a collection, the place you go back to over and over again because the simple, direct recipes and information contained in it are so very useful, concise and direct.This isn't just about specific recipes, it's about being a good cook, about learning the basics and applying them to increasingly complicated recipes. It's about menu planning, nutrition and everything you need to be the kind of cook you know you want to be. And it's about holding on to something essential, something permanent that will be with you long after you get tired of trying to cook Sechuan meals, roll your own sushi or make your own mozzarella. Who knows? Twenty years from now it might find its way into the boxes destined for your son's or daughter's new kitchen.
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Summary: A classic
Review: I can see why this cookbook has sold millions of copies. There are 1000s of recipes with lots of colorful photographs. Nutrition information is also provided. My favorite recipes are those for the chili rellenos casserole and pepper-lime chicken. This book makes a marvelous gift for beginners and experts.
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Summary: The best basic cookbook
Review: Okay, there are those who will go with Fanny Farmer and those who will say Joy of Cooking, but for me the best explanation of basic cooking techniques is Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. It has great pictures, simple instructions and covers a range of basics that fancier cookbooks assume you already know. Like how long to boil an egg if you want a soft boiled egg or a hard boiled egg. Or how to tell if an artichoke is done. Or picture explanations of cuts of meat. I recommend this for any novice in the kitchen as a good starter cookbook. I buy it for friends whose mothers never had much time for the kitchen and so passed on little or no general knowledge. I myself refer to it at least once every time I am preparing a big meal. Every cook should have this on hand.
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Summary: Beginner finds joy in cooking
Review: Before this book, my cooking experience was small. However, this book's recipes are so simple and the meals so satisfying that I can't wait for the next oppurtunity to cook something out of this book. It actually encourages me to cook!
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Summary: Recipes for almost everything!
Review: If there is some staple of American cooking, chances are, there's a recipe for a version of it included in this cookbook. I have been refering back to this valuable resource for years to choose better vegetables, to find recipes for bread, and to figure out what I'm going to do with that chicken! It has taught me to cook and bake so many delicious meals! In fact, I have used it so much, the binder fell apart last year. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or know your way around fairly well, this will be a great guide, as long as you are careful and don't wear it out!
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Summary: A must have in your kitchen library!
Review: I recieved this book when I got married and was clueless about how to cook. This book taught me most of what I needed to know. It is easy to follow, includes most basic recipes (and a few more fancy ones!), and instructions on how to do basic things I had no idea how to do (like how to cook an omlet without it falling apart!). My only gripe with the book is that the binder has completely fallen apart and is kept together with tape and rubber bands. But then again, maybe I just use it too much!
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Summary: Great Kitchen Staple
Review: i like that there are tons of recipes that are low fat (or can easily be converted to low fat). there's a nice array of different styles so that i can expand my abilities. the recipes are written in an easy to understand way, and are not overly ornate with directions or ingredients. the only thing i, personally, didn't like is the quite high proportion of sweet cooking. i'm not one for candy making, desserts, pies, and the like. i'm more interested in getting supper on the table.
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Summary: If you only have one cookbook--This is the one!
Review: If you are only going to have one cookbook, this is the one to have. It has tons of great pictures. The layout is nice and easy to follow. There are conversion tables, information about how to cook things--even basics. It has full description with pictures of all the meats you can buy. It has series of pictures to tell you how to do things like make pie crusts. A chart on what spices to use if you run out of a certain spice like pumpkin spice etc. I can't say enough--this is a great bridal shower gift or for someone going off to college. This cookbook can make someone who doesn't know how to cook look good!
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Summary: One of the Best, a Definite Must Have!
Review: I own almost a hundred cookbooks, many of which get little, if any, use. On the other hand, this is one of the two cookbooks (the other being the original "Joy of Cooking") that is always being pulled out for its great recipes and as a reference. If you are new to cooking, this is a wonderful resource with many excellent recipes and (often mouthwatering) photos. It is clearly written and gets right to the heart of the recipes. If you are an experienced cook, you can always find new ideas for recipes or ways to improve on old ones. In short, if you must only own one cookbook, this would be an excellent choice (but get the "Joy of Cooking" too!).
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Summary: Keeps getting better and better!
Review: This new edition shows that a good thing can get better, and that things do improve with age. The new format is easy to understand and the layout is great. I enjoy this new book tremendously. It is my favorite book to keep in the kitchen at all times!
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