Customer Reviews

The I Don't Know How to Cook Book: 300 Great Recipes You Can't Mess Up

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book at a public book show put on by Scholastic outside a cafe where I sometimes eat lunch. I'm not unfamiliar with the kitchen and cooking, although I'm by no means a gourmet. But I've long been embarrassed by the fact that I just plain didn't know how to make a lot of "basic" items that a lot of cooks learn from experience. There were also a lot of gaps in my knowledge: for example, I knew what separated eggs were but I didn't know how to do it without making a gawdawful mess and imperfectly separated parts.

Enter this book. It's got a lot of good basic stuff, the kind that doesn't require expensive ingredients or unusual cooking implements. It's more than enough for good meal planning and many of the recipes are useful for the fairly competent cook who just wants something quick and cheap, but still tasty. The format of the recipes is also very easy to follow: ingredients are listed in the order of appearance and there are notes that explain timing issues ("while you are waiting for this to happen, do that.") There are also useful sidebars about various cooking-related issues; including, to continue my example above, one about methods for separating eggs.

Those looking for more adventure in the kitchen are probably going to be sorely let down, and mentions of microwaves are few and far between. But for someone looking for the basics in order to facilitate good meals and meal planning with good time management, this is an excellent choice...even if the title is a little bit embarrassing.

For a person who normally burns food and can't get things right, this is definitely the book for you. I've had great success with all the recipes I've done so far and couldn't say more about it. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who is new to cooking and doesn't want to deal with any elaborate, complicated ingredients. I recommend the book so much I think I may end up buying my brother a copy so that he can use in college :)

Buy this one if you need to learn to cook. This cook book is for young women who want to learn to cook. It has all the basics and is worth every penny to buy.

My Wife and were stuck cooking the same things over and over again until we got this cook book. Reciepes are easy to follow and they wonderful.

Really great book for my daughter who is a college student and does not know how to cook at all. It was a xmas gift for her and she has already made two dishes out of it and is very proud of herself.

This cookbook is excellent! Inexpensive meals that are perfect for my two sons that are away at college. Easy and clear instructions help them to fix meals that only take a few minutes to prepare. Makes a perfect gift!

I hate to cook, love to eat. Follow the directions, yummy stuff. Has enough to chose from for any taste bud.

This book is laid out well, with a straightforward approach to directions for each recipe that will appeal to the tentative beginner. The recipes are geared for the beginner's palate, with no exotic ingredients or trendy food combinations. The recipes' ingredients are readily available and recipes each call for just a few ingredients. (Even advanced cooks can be overwhelmed by recipes with dozens of ingredients.) There is also some handy information at the back of the book, including a glossary of cooking terms.
This book will appeal to young adults who have recently gone out on their own, but have evolved to a level where top ramen is not purchased by the case. And, along with a care package of recipe ingredients or kitchen utensils, it would make an excellent gift for your 20-something relative or friend. 50 Ways to Leave Your Mother

I am a complete amateur in the kitchen and recently decided to try out 2 recipes for a party i was hosting. Not only were the recipes extremely easy to follow, I got great compliments on the dish (which rarely ever happens).

I'm looking forward to trying new recipes from here.

I have lived on my own for a long time and I envy people who know how to cook. I never had anyone teach me and this book was the best. I have made a few recipes. They are simple and inexpensive but they taste amazing!! This has really opened the door to the cooking world. I love this book!