Customer Reviews

Saving Dinner Basics: How to Cook Even If You Don't Know How

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a self-confessed foodie who loves to be in my kitchen, and a fan of Leanne's books and Menu Mailers, I actually bought this book for my oldest daughter who has just flown the nest. I had given her some of Leanne's other books when she first left as she was familiar with many of the recipes from me using them in our home, but even though she has spent time cooking with me, I thought it might be nice for to have a "how to" book to go along with her collection.

Can you just imagine my surprise that I have to order another one to give her now? Because I want to keep this one for myself!

I think it is a fabulous read, and full of some very nice information... and the recipes for using the new knowledge are great too. Granted I did know many of the things that Leanne goes over in the book because of my own experience on my own and with Leanne, it was really nice to know that I was doing most things "right", and how I could improve on those things that I was just sort of "winging"... if that makes sense. Basically, you really can teach an old dog new tricks when you make it easy and fun to learn!

The information for those who are just starting their cooking experience (and a delightful one it can be too when you have the right tools and info!) is very easy to understand, in Leanne's familiar no nonsense manner. It is obvious that it is written by someone who really does cook for a family in their own home kitchen. I really liked that Leanne gives honest opinions on what you really do need to know, without filling up the book with lots of stuff that only confuses even further. It's nice to know the cooking terms and what they mean, but even nicer to know which ones you may never use.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is new to cooking for sure, and would even say that it is a nice reference book for those who do already know their way around a kitchen too. I really enjoyed it, and am glad to have it in my collection.

I consider myself to be mildly cooking impaired, but have been a long time subscriber to Leanne's various menu mailers and I have both her books "Saving Dinner" as well as "Saving Dinner the Low Carb Way". The grocery list/daily menu format of Leanne's other works have been a lifesaver to me. The format of Saving Dinner Basics is also excellent, easy to read and nicely organized.

I wish this book had been out there a few years back, it would have been immensely helpful to me as I started to try and learn about cooking and building my kitchen workspace.

Excellent suggestions about setting up your cooking space, what supplies you need and what's a waste, and a wide variety of topics covered such as food selection and preservation/storage.

Overall, I would highly recommend for the beginner as well as the domestically challenged. I found Leanne's ideas in this book to be very helpful.

This is a great basic starting place for those who don't know how to cook. It is also quite useful for those of us who know how to cook but may not have learned all the basics of preparing a meal. I love to cook and I am pretty good at creating my own meals out of ingredients I have on hand but there were many things I never learned how to do correctly. This book helped me to fill in the gaps that were missing from my cooking repertoire.

This book is great for those of us who are growing up in families that don't have time to teach us the basics of cooking. In today's convenience-driven society many lessons that were taught as a natural part of living have been forgotten. This is a great gift for someone just starting out on their own.

If you cook like Martha Stewart then this isn't the book for you. If you could use some lessons in learning how to set up a kitchen efficiently and learn how to chop food quickly then this is a great resource for your kitchen!

Even if you (like me) know how to cook this is still a great book to have. Leanne gives some helpful tips about setting up your kitchen, prep, work, and entertaining. There are some splendid simple recipes that alone make this book a worthwhile purchase. The chicken quesodillas as well as the basic soup are 2 of my favorites. This would make a great wedding gift or would be perfect for someone just moving out on their own.

I am actually a better informed cook than I thought. This book has shown me that. I love Leanne and the Flylady. They have really helped me get past the funk I found myself in after having children and all the extra time consuming things that come with them. Clutter and daily dinner cooking (my dh used to do the cooking before kids) really took a tole on me cause I was not trained as a kid to be a "housewife." Thank goodness! However, I am now in a self training program with these ladies and even the most basic book, such as this one, is helping me figure things out. I'm glad I own it and don't have to borrow from the library as it will be much easier to reference.

Enter the kitchen again with courage and confidence, turn ho-hum dishes into tasty, colorful, healthful meals. Be excited about supper once more! I found all this in the book, "Saving Dinner Basics: How to Cook", by Leanne Ely. I first heard of Leanne Ely from the book "Sink Reflections" by Martha Cilley, the FlyLady. I am so glad I did. Shopping is easier (everything in the cart goes to a delicious new meal), my preparation area is ready (meal prep is smoother with forethought), and clean up flows along with a sink full of soapy water for washing in between. It is learning a new routine for success and I am enjoying this success.

Great as a reference book - love the recipes I've tried. I bought this book as a 'first cook book' for my son and find I need to order another copy for me :)

This book is the greatest for those of us who grew up without being taught how to cook or to plan meals. Leanne shows you how to save money and time.

Leanne tells you step by step how to take a whole chicken from that first meal, to using the leftovers for a second meal, to using the carcass to make broth and use that broth for soups and other recipies. The book paid for itself within a couple of days.

The recipies are delicious, family is finally happy...and I don't have to spend nearly as much time in the kitchen wandering around with a blank look on my face. Actually, I don't have to spend as much time in the kitchen as I feared. Meals can be made within the time it would take to go out. Freezer meal planning is also included for those days that are especially hectic.

All recipies follow US Dept. of Agriculture food pyramid guidlines for lower fat, more whole grains and fruits and vege's, etc.

Finally, I can plan meals for the week, shop only once and have healthy meals for my family every day that they will actually enjoy.

I love, love, love this book. The first one got so much food in it that the dog literally ate the center of the book and I had to get a 2nd one. I may not follow it to a T, but I do use it a lot. It's especially helpful that she goes by season so I'm buying whichever fruits and veggies are cheaper at the time.

This is a fun, entertaining, and informative book. Ms. Ely gives all the basics about how to stock and organize your kitchen -- pots, pans, dishes, food. She also includes lots of simple, tasty, quick and delicious recipes. Highly recommended.