Frugal Gourmet

Rating:
Summary: Try the Cannelloni!
Review: As a budding child chef, this was the first book I purchased, in paperback form. I have long since purchased the hardback version, since it's one of my favorite books. I tried the cannelloni, but the idea of making paper-thin crepes frightened me, so I tried using lasagna noodles and stuffing them with Frugie's cheese filling. Delicious!

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding reading
Review: I started watching Jeff Smith when I was home with my first borne. That was over 15 years ago. I loved the show's and received several of his books as gifts over the years. His are the only cook books that I read like a novel. Not only does Jeff give you receipes but also food origin and history. He presents it in such an intertaining way you almost forget they are cookbooks. I strongly reccomend this book for beginner cooks and know I will be send my children off with a copy when they leave for college.

Rating:
Summary: It's okay. About an average cookbook
Review: The most valuable information is not necessarily the recipes, but the reference material at the beginning. He does a lot of Middle Eastern cooking, which reflects his heritage.

Rating:
Summary: It's OK, but his "American" cookbook is better
Review: Though I love his show, this book does not seem to have the outstanding qualities I expect from Jeff Smith. You would be better advised to purchase his "Frugal Gourmet Cooks American". THAT one is a treasure.

Rating:
Summary: Cornucopia of Recipes
Review: With recipes prepared on the popular public TV (PBS) program, The Frugal Gourmet, this cookbook covers a wide variety of styles, tastes, and meals. I started watching the show when I was still in high school, and began trying out these recipes by the time I was in college. I have had great success with every recipe I've tried from this book (such a small book, yet filled with information that would require more than 10 books combined to compile the gems in this one).

The recipes have a little history or story with each one, and are well-laid out. They are easy to follow, and I would assume, look and taste as good as one would expect Jeff's own results would. You can't go wrong with any of these.

Rosemary chicken, Mexican-style pork, Northern Chinese pork, are but a few main dishes that I've done with ease in my own kitchen.

This is not only a great cookbook, but also a wonderful reference for anyone who has a desire to start cooking or learn more about cooking to complement their skills in the kitchen. It is a shame that the TV program no longer airs (but all good things must come to an end).

Enjoy the recipes, and enjoy elevating your skills to gourmet standards!

Peace out.