Kitchen

[dimple]

Can anyone suggest a cook book with easy recipes for someone who is just starting to cook. Thanks.

[sfnative]

On 12/31/2013 Sooner said:

You can't go wrong with Betty Crocker or Better Homes, but Martha Stewart's Cooking School is excellent as well. And Williams-sonoma has a basic book that is great too. Can't remember the name.

I agree with Betty Crocker and Better Homes, as these two books have easy recipes without lots of techniques, which you might find frustrating at first. I was given the Betty Crocker as a 10 year old and cooked up a storm, though my results may have been far from perfect, I loved and still use this book for certain recipes.

The Williams-Sonoma and Stewart books will contain recipes and techniques that require more time and attention to detail and kitchen equipment. With these, you will need to step into them at an advance beginner level (at least).

Good luck!

[glmama]

Although I don't have this one, I've read many good reviews of Jessica Seinfeld's newest, The Can't Cook Book.

[depglass]

After 45-50 years of cooking, I still rely on the Better Homes and Gardens Red Plaid cookbook more than any of the hundreds I own. It is simply the best for basic recipes.

[jaburg]

My first cookbook that I bought when I got married in 1975 was Betty Crocker. I have newer ones but I don't think they are quite as good as my old one which is falling apart.

[tkins]

If you can find a copy of The Kitchen Companion by Polly Clingerman I highly recommend it. Not only does it have great basic recipes you can build on and make your own, but it is filled with questions and answers, charts on everything from how many cups to a pan size, alternate sizes you can use if you don't have the right size, all about herbs & spices and I could go on, but I will say, even with the internet, I still use it all the time and I have been cooking for a long time.

Also, the First and Second Bisquick Cookbooks and the Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies Cookbook. The recipes are pretty much fool proof and therefore confidence building, which helps.

Don't be afraid to try, some of the best things I have made didn't turn out the way they were supposed to and besides you will learn from your failures too. Good Luck.

[Sabatini2]

Hi dimple! Can I add this to the already suggested list? I think this might be nice, particularly if the person it's intended for is youngish. It might not seem as intimidating as some. It also has great reviews.

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