Rating: 
Summary: Disorganized, badly edited
Review: This book should have been organized such that a beginner can read through the book in linear chapter order. The beginner should be taught techniques and lessons that can be built upon in later chapters. The text is written like it was teaching someone how to cook, but it is organized by food type!One chapter lists all the tools, pots, and pans a well stocked kitchen should have -- it even lists tools that appear to not be used in any recipes given. However, a few pages later, a recipe is presented that uses tools not mentioned previously. It presents recipes using techniques not explained until many chapters later -- the forward references (if any) refer only to the chapter thus forcing the reader to peruse that whole future chapter to find the technique referenced. Simpler, one-pot-meals appear later in the book and simultaneous recipe preparation meals appear earlier. C'mon. The title of the book has the word "Dummies" in it. It is not friendly to someone who actually wants to learn how to cook. The writing, even though it was badly organized, was good. The problem was the book's editor. If you are a "dummy" in the kitchen, look elsewhere for instruction.
Rating: 
Summary: Take Baby Steps
Review: This book was given to my wife as a wedding gift from a friend of ours. She asked for it so she could better prepare herself for married life even though I prepare all the family meals. She studied the book for two weeks in preperation for my birthday dinner and I must say - everything she cooked came out perfect. The kitchen may have been a bit messier than normal but by following simple recipes my wife was able to prepare one of teh best meals I've ever eaten. From the salad to the dessert each item was beautifully presented and lovingly prepared. My only problem with this book was in regards to the equipment needed. As Catering Director at Shepherd College I don't even use many of these items on a full time basis. My recommendation is to read this chapter after you've skimmed the rest of the book and take to heart that the items listed are not nessesarily needed in every kitchen. Over all a good book with some great recipes. Pick one up and enjoy the new found freedom in the kitchen!
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