Cooking A to Z: New and Revised Edition (Cole's Kitchen Arts Series) [Paperback]

Jane Horn (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cole's Kitchen Arts Series | Publication Date: April 1997

This revised edition has a new look and feel, new recipes, and new information on timely culinary topics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 656 pages
• Publisher: Cole Group; Revised edition (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564265773
• ISBN-13: 978-1564265777
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 9 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,108,844 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not To Be Missed:, September 25, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Cooking A to Z: New and Revised Edition (Cole's Kitchen Arts Series) (Paperback)

I didn't learn to cook as I was growing up. My mother would "teach" me things -- such as that the instructions on the backs of the boxes were all wrong. I'd follow her directions, instead, and then (surprise!) everything would turn out bizarrely ruined. At nineteen I couldn't do anything more complicated than dry toast, and had to teach myself to cook, starting from scratch. So to speak.

There are gajillions of recipe books, but they generally assume a you're working from a vast store of basic knowledge. One of the most useful purchases I've ever made in my life was a book called _Cooking A to Z_, edited by Jane Horn. It calls itself the complete culinary reference tool, and it's not kidding. Even if you had someone sane teaching you how to cook as a kid, you can still learn all kinds of things you never knew you needed to know. That eggs are easier to separate when cold, but you want to beat whites at room temperature. Which kinds of fish you =don't= want to buy when fresh. How to pick out the best cantaloupe. What went wrong with your fallen cake. How to choose the right wine and cheese combo. Oh, yes, and there are recipes, too. Lots of recipes, and color photos.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tantalizing pictures with deliciously entertaining text, April 3, 2000

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cooking A to Z: New and Revised Edition (Cole's Kitchen Arts Series) (Paperback)

If you are looking for a perfect cookbook for a cookbook collector, this is one they will value highly. Pictures burst from the page and are refreshingly surrounded with intersting tidbits and realistic recipes.

The layout is superb and each subject is nicely highlighted for easy location while you page through 629 pages of intoxicating inspiration. The cover is practical with a plastic sheath and the book will open and stay that way on your counter.

The type is easy to read with plenty of bold text for emphasis. I cannot give enough positive comments about this book. You will love it.

~The Rebecca Review

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Thorough and Enjoyable Reference, December 12, 2000

By 

Todd Hardman (Orem, UT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cooking A to Z: New and Revised Edition (Cole's Kitchen Arts Series) (Paperback)

I saw this cookbook at my mom's house and begged for it. We are both experienced cooks, but I still have found this book very useful. There is something for everyone, with clear and helpful information ranging from mundane to exotic. I like the tips and advice more than many of the recipes, but I think most would appeal to the majority of people (I'm finicky). This high quality book is large and lays open very nicely (but do yourself a favor and buy a plastic cookbook holder/shield), the pages are thick and glossy, and there are lots of gorgeous and tempting pictures. I turn to this very readable reference book frequently. I really use the sections on how to choose particular items, from sugar snap peas to kitchen gadgets. The step-by-step directions for omelettes piqued my husband's interest (he generally hates any kind of food work) and now he is a hit on weekends!