Rating: 
Summary: Terrific cookbook and not just for desperate cooks
Review: Because of this cookbook, I attempted my very first meatloaf. Previously, the reputation of my mother-in-law's meatloaf intimidated me. My husband loved the Desperation Dinner meatloaves and he couldn't believe that I did it in such a short time. The chicken caesar salad was so good that my husband had two servings - virtually a miracle for someone who disdains vegetables. My daughter enjoys helping me cook the real-life lasagna (which I call "crazy lasagna") - she breaks the noodles - and she doesn't mind eating it two days in a row, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I actually look forward to cooking, just to try out the new recipes from this book. The book is packed with hundreds of quick, easy, and nutritious meals, is well-organised, and gives so much information even for a non-beginner like me. There is a lot of variety; I appreciate the Asian-inspired dishes so much. I definitely recommend this book - in fact I've given one as a gift and will soon be giving another.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Just a Family Cook Book - Great for the Single Set Too!
Review: I agree with the other readers' sentiments in saying that this cookbook fast becomes an "old standby."Using readily available ingredients, these recepies take only 20 minutes. (If you're using a mandoline slicer or food processor, you can assemble many of the recipes in a mere 15.) While I do love to cook, I am often left with tons of leftovers, as I am a single twentysomething. The recipes in _Desperation Dinners_ are not only quick-cooking, but incredibly easy to scale. Therefore, I can enjoy good, fast home cooking without leaving tons of leftovers. Also, the side dishes make excellent one-person meals. Additionally, this cookbook is great to have handy if you (like me) frequently have friends and family stop by unexpectedly. I just grab my copy of _Desperation Dinners_, go to one of my Post-It-Note-marked pages, and make something great. Guests always comment on my Martha Stewart-like way of whipping up something delightful whenever they knock on the door. (Little do they know that _Desperation Dinners_ is my secret weapon.) Despite my words of praise, I have a few words of caution: 1.) Don't buy this book if you only like using fresh ingredients, as many of the recipies rely on bottled sauces and condiments. 2.) This is not the best cookbook choice if you're on a low-carb diet, as the meat and veggie-only options are minimal. Regardless, this is a great cookbook! I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Greatest cookbook ever
Review: This cookbook has changed my life! Instead of feeling desparate each night when wondering what to eat for dinner and settling for saltine crackers, I can plan easy and quick meals. These recipes keep the list of ingredients manageable and are designed for lots of freezer/pantry items that you can keep around to increase your flexibility. I have stopped going to the store every day and am eating better and cheaper than ever. My husband enjoys the variety and I am able to plan a week's worth of meals that are nutritious and delicious!
Rating:
Summary: Not Just a Family Cook Book - Great for the Single Set Too!
Review: I agree with the other readers' sentiments in saying that this cookbook fast becomes an "old standby." Using readily available ingredients, these recepies take only 20 minutes. (If you're using a mandoline slicer or food processor, you can assemble many of the recipes in a mere 15.) While I do love to cook, I am often left with tons of leftovers, as I am a single twentysomething. The recipes in _Desperation Dinners_ are not only quick-cooking, but incredibly easy to scale. Therefore, I can enjoy good, fast home cooking without leaving tons of leftovers. Also, the side dishes make excellent one-person meals. Additionally, this cookbook is great to have handy if you (like me) frequently have friends and family stop by unexpectedly. I just grab my copy of _Desperation Dinners_, go to one of my Post-It-Note-marked pages, and make something great. Guests always comment on my Martha Stewart-like way of whipping up something delightful whenever they knock on the door. (Little do they know that _Desperation Dinners_ is my secret weapon.) Despite my words of praise, I have a few words of caution: 1.) Don't buy this book if you only like using fresh ingredients, as many of the recipies rely on bottled sauces and condiments. 2.) This is not the best cookbook choice if you're on a low-carb diet, as the meat and veggie-only options are minimal. Regardless, this is a great cookbook! I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: A winner for busy people
Review: I'm late to this cookbook, as it's been out for some time. I think I was put off by the "Desperation" in the title--desperation and food together does not appeal. Title aside, this is a wonderful cookbook that IS quick. It's a security blanket for me--to have a cookbook with decent meals that I can prepare in 20 mins or so. I use fresh ginger, garlic, etc. instead of the bottled they suggest, but I think it's worth it in taste and it doesn't take much extra time for me. Recipes I have enjoyed include Jamaican macaroni, Deceptively simple fish, Real-life lasagna, pepperonata with sausage, BBQ shrimp on spicy rice, and the black bean soup. My life is not so rushed that I would ever resort to using canned chicken in a recipe (there aren't many of these, and you can always substitute). I'd also recommend going for low-salt varieties of canned tomatoes, for example, as a can of diced tomatoes and a can of chicken broth can really ratchet up the salt content of some of these recipes. Highly recommended for those who enjoy having a nice meal, but are short on time. I use this cookbook all the time, and I have a shelf full of cookbooks. It's a winner.
Rating:
Summary: MUST HAVE
Review: I got this for Christmas a few years ago and have used it so much I will have to replace it soon. Everything in it can be made in 20 minutes flat - starting from frozen! While every recipe is not my taste, I have many favorites that I use again and again. Many "quick" cookbooks have recipes that taste like they came from a can - not this one. The recipes taste great. This cookbook is an absolute must have for everyone but especially busy families!
Rating:
Summary: A "Must Have" cookbook for busy parents!
Review: I received this book as a gift from my husband (my request) two years ago and since then have made dozens of the recipes from it. It is one of the best presents I've received! This has become the cookbook I reach for almost every night when I think "What am I going to make for dinner?" Most of the recipes are very tasty and all are fast. Some of the recipes are a bit dull but I have never used any cookbook as much as I use this one because so many of the recipes are great! I love being able to cook interesting meals for my family quickly. There are many kid-friendly meals, but also a lot of fancier, "adult tastes" dishes as well. One of the best features of this book is the section that discusses how to set up your pantry and freezer so that you always have the ingredients on hand to make dinner. One of the biggest problems for me has been not having the ingredients around to make dinner with, fast or otherwise. Since using this book, I always have the makings of a good meal handy. I have recommended this book to many friends and have shared many of its recipes. Downside: Maybe I'm just a klutz, but for the most part I can't make these recipes in 20 minutes. Usually it takes me more like 30-45 (max) minutes. I think in order to finish the recipes in 20 minutes you much have all the ingredients within very easy (fast) reach and you have to follow the directions EXACTLY. But still, the recipes, even very intricate ones, are much faster than you would expect. Another drawback is that some of the recipes (but only some) definitely suffer in the flavor department from a lack of longer cooking. Overall, this book and way of cooking has dramatically improved my ability to get a good dinner on the table every night. Now I don't panic when I think of making dinner. I just figure out what I really want to eat! I highly recommend this cookbook for anyone who likes interesting meals and doesn't have a lot of time to shop and cook.
Rating:
Summary: best practical cookbook for quick meals
Review: My mother gave me this cookbook for Christmas a couple years ago and I've been using it nonstop ever since. The authors have done a great job of creating great tasting, healthy recipes that go together fast. The cold soup recipes are awesome for hot summer days...never thought of making vichysoisse from canned potatoes. Some of my other favorites: moussaka in minutes, sloppy janes, spaghetti with clams, mindless mu shu, hollandaise sauce, garlicky green beans, perfect baked asparagus, and tuna and fusili alfresco. Other reviews have mentioned recipes they didnt like, but I've loved every one I've tried and am looking forward to trying new ones. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Superb Cookbook
Review: This is a great cookbook. It is well worth the money. The book is full of tips and hints and advice about how to speed up the cooking process. And not once is quality, good taste, or ease given up. The ingredients are common, easy to find, typically on your shelves ingredients. Every recipe I have tried out of this cookbook has turned out wonderful. It is an enjoyable read as well.
Rating:
Summary: Very Pleased and Full!
Review: I wasn't sure about this book at first, because I didn't really think that what the authors claimed could be true. But, I am happy to say, that for the most part their claim of 20 minutes a recipe is true. Now, you have to really MOVE that entire 20 minutes. As the mother of an 8 month old, that sometimes means that 20 minutes takes 30 because I have to stop and pay attention to my daughter. Overall, though, the recipes taste great, are easy, usually provide leftovers and don't take a gourmet stocked pantry to make. Well worth the money.
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