Kitchen

[depglass]

A few weeks ago there was a thread about recommending a cookbook for a brand new cook.  Some recommended Joy of Cooking, which I have never cared for because I always thought it was a bit difficult for my skill level at the time.  My thought was get them something simple with lots of photos.  Wandering through a thrift store book section, I found Betty Crocker Cooking Basics.  I've never heard of it, my Betty Crocker books are on other subjects.  Anyway, this book would be perfect for new cooks, it lays out common recipes with photos and simple directions.  If I had this book when I married way back in the 60's, many meals in my house could have been a lot better over the years. I still remember the Turkey Jerky from one Thanksgiving.

[SharkE]

King Arthur flour website is a good one for lots of different food, too.

I use their bread machine 'sandwich bread' recipe all the time

[Eileen in Virginia]

My Aunt gave me the Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book as a bridal shower gift. She said she always gave it to brides-to-be because it had clear step-by-step directions and good pictures. I still use it as one of my go-to references 44 years later. It's still in publication. 

[Rockycoast]

Way back in the early 80's I received the Good Housekeeping Illustrated cookbook, along with the Betty Crocker's Cookbook new and revised edition. Those 2 served me well. Easy to understand, not a lot of ingredients that are hard to find, etc. Perfect for the beginner cook/baker.  The spine is gone on my GH one. It is held together with tape. The 5 ring binder BC book is stained from use and pages are loose and I still use them today. A lot of basic recipes that I now can add to and make my own. Betty Crocker's  Sweet and Sour meatballs are a favorite I still make to this day they are so good. Haven't check out the new version of these cookbooks. Hopefully they haven't changed too much.

[Catstamper]

I have my mom’s Betty Crocker cookbook that she got as a wedding shower gift in 1957.  I use it for basics, for jumping off ideas, and for things I’ve forgotten. There are notes my mom scribbled in it, and since we lost her in 1992, I use it to feel her presence. Mom had ulcers, and there were six of us kids, so her cooking was pretty basic. But she would find new things and tell me that Betty and we were going to try something new. 

[Carmie]

In my family, every married couple gets a copy of the Farmer Cook Book. I got my copy in 1973.   I normally don't use a cook book but, I have referenced this book many times over the years.

It is basic and easy and explains pretty much how to make just about everything and has how to techniques...like how to carve and serve.

I have quite a collection of good cook books and many more just  for baking, bread, cookies and cakes.

If I had to recommend one, and just one, I would go with Fanny Farmer.