Going Solo in the Kitchen

Rating:
Summary: New and experienced solo cooks rejoice!
Review: Even without a single recipe--and there are more than 350 of them if you didn't notice--this book is a wonderfully enjoyable tutorial for solo shopping in family-sized stores, managing food until it's prepared and served, varying the ingredients to match your tastes (or pantry) and finally, suggestions for leftovers right there at the end of the recipe, where they belong--sort of a thesaurus cooking concept. I love that.

Jane is nutritionally aware and savvy, with a good background in both gardening and using the stuff that comes out of one and into the kitchen to taste advantage.

But wait! There's another important dimension to this book: Jane Doerfer was not *always* a solo cook, nor was she wearing the latest in apron and kitchen gadget-fashions when she typed the manuscript (shameless plug for Le Crueuset, aside). Instead, I suspect she found herself "suddenly solo" and needing to make the best of it--which she clearly does.

This book is a good mix of earthy "touchable" and "do-able" meals and ingredients and what I might call evening bistro fare. I also found it uplifting, inspiring, and an excellent reminder of the many silver linings to be found beneath the cloud of finding yourself unexpectedly dining alone--a cloud which drives so many souls to accepting food passed through a rolled-down car-window even though they may know better.

The recipes and ideas are great and they work. The book was so well focused to my interest that I read the entire thing in a couple of sittings, taking pantry-stock notes, and folding page corners as I went along.

The hardcover is already out-of-print I see. If you are a solo cook, buy this book now, while it's still available, in stock, and in print and you will join me in thanking Jane for troubling herself to write these things down.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource for single cooks!
Review: How refreshing to enjoy a realistic approach to cooking for one! Ingredients used throughout the cookbook are those that the average person has on hand, unlike most cookbooks on the market. In the rare event that a special ingredient is called for, an explanation is provided on how to shop for the ingredient and how to store it for maximum shelf life. Realistic freezer space is also considered, which gives this book an edge over others.

I greatly appreciate the modifications at the end of many recipes indicating what other ingredients may be substituted effectively (eg: to use chicken instead of shrimp, do this...). To me, learning a cooking technique has become more valuable after reading this book than simply memorizing a recipe. Offered suggestions for modifications illustrates the intention of each recipe (the specific process used, if you will). People say that cooking is not a mystery; it is simply a skill acquired through learning a few cooking methods and adjusting them creatively. This book helped me learn the basics so I can Finally begin to do my own exploring.

I have searched for years for a practical cookbook such as this. Since I began experimenting with recipes found in this text, my friends absolutely rave about my cooking! And for me, I have found myself declining invitations for fast food or pizza in favor of trying a new recipe in my own kitchen using a few leftovers from the previous day. I'm eating healthier, losing weight, and saving money. What could be better? Thank you for this book! Bravo!

Rating:
Summary: bravesara
Review: In contrast to the nice artwork on the cover, there are no pictures in the book. I hope I pick a winner when flipping through the pages!

Rating:
Summary: good basic info, some good recipes
Review: lots of great basic advice - kitchen utensils, food storage, shopping tips. one of the best things about this book is that following nearly every recipe is a section on possible variations, and then suggestions for leftovers. perfect for someone like me who likes to plan out meals in advance. plus that sort of thing keeps me creative in the kitchen. the recipes are very user friendly, and her tone is conversationally fun. the actual recipe's themselves are good but not outstanding. I haven't disliked anything I've made from this book. I think the recipes are better in Toni Lydecker's SERVE'S ONE, but this book is definately a solid buy, especially if you are semi - new to cooking for just yourself. (another plus is that most of the recipes I've tried up-size easily if need be)

Rating:
Summary: good basic info, some good recipes
Review: lots of great basic advice - kitchen utensils, food storage, shopping tips. one of the best things about this book is that following nearly every recipe is a section on possible variations, and then suggestions for leftovers. perfect for someone like me who likes to plan out meals in advance. plus that sort of thing keeps me creative in the kitchen. the recipes are very user friendly, and her tone is conversationally fun. the actual recipe's themselves are good but not outstanding. I haven't disliked anything I've made from this book. I think the recipes are better in Toni Lydecker's SERVE'S ONE, but this book is definately a solid buy, especially if you are semi - new to cooking for just yourself. (another plus is that most of the recipes I've tried up-size easily if need be)

Rating:
Summary: A solid book for going solo in the kitchen
Review: This book is a basic guide for making semi-gourmet
meals as a single person. Although it's a great book
for the experienced cook, I only found about two recipes that sounded
tasty and affordable as a single guy.

I was expecting more traditional recipes
that were easy to make and affordable.
Meals that didn't require many items. This book is geared more towards a female
audience with plenty of ingredients at home. Halibut
and mussels for dinner is probably not the most affordable meal out there to prepare.

Rating:
Summary: A solid book for going solo in the kitchen
Review: This book is a basic guide for making semi-gourmet
meals as a single person. Although it's a great book
for the experienced cook, I only found about two recipes that sounded
tasty and affordable as a single guy.

I was expecting more traditional recipes
that were easy to make and affordable.
Meals that didn't require many items. This book is geared more towards a female
audience with plenty of ingredients at home. Halibut
and mussels for dinner is probably not the most affordable meal out there to prepare.

Rating:
Summary: Good book but...
Review: While I like that she uses alot of fresh ingredients, I would have greatly appreciated it if the receipes included the dried/canned equivalent. I don't necessarily have the time to go out and buy fresh sage.
I also would've liked pictures to go with the receipes, so I had more of an idea of what I was getting into.
Still, it's nice to have a cook book that gives such a variety of receipes for the single cook.