For some people, cooking a meal is as easy and effortless as a walk in the park. But for others, even frying an egg may seem like a hike up Mount Everest. Designed for everyone who feels clueless in the kitchen, Your Time to Cook is a true first cookbook, packed with important kitchen essentials and cooking fundamentals--as well as a collection of basic, easy-to-prepare recipes. Kicking off the book is an introduction to kitchen gadgets and gizmos, essential guidelines for stocking the pantry, and a review of common cooking terms and food-preparation techniques. Hundreds of magnificent full-color photos help make the information clear and accessible--whether it is a description of a how to chop an onion, scramble an egg, cook the perfect steak, or brew the best cup of coffee. Over 250 foolproof recipes include everything from breakfast favorites and party appetizers to hearty soups, salads, veggie side dishes, pastas, and seafood, as well as chicken, beef, pork, and lamb dishes. There is also a dessert chapter that is packed with your favorite sweet treats. To further ensure successful results, photos accompany each recipe with step-by-step directions, while practical tips and tricks make sure that each meal is not only picture perfect, but also perfectly delicious. Whether you are a newlywed struggling in your first kitchen, a single out on your own, or just someone who'd like to gain more confidence in the kitchen, Your Time to Cook is your key to cooking success.
Robert L. Blakeslee (born in 1959) started cooking at the age of 7. His first cooking gig was for his father who paid him 10 cents a meal to make him breakfast, and he started creating his first recipes at the age of 14. His first book "Your Time to Cook" won the prestigious Benjamin Franklin National Award for "Cookbook of the Year" presented in New York at the International Book Expo, from the IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association).
On top of being a gourmet chef, Blakeslee pursued a career in the arts - working as a graphic designer and art director for Fortune 500 corporations, and international advertising agencies. There he developed his abilities in food photography, illustration, and copywriting. It was with this combination of skills he was able to create his two cookbooks, each of which contain over 1800 photographs and illustrations. These books leave nothing to the imagination and are designed for anyone who wants to see how to cook rather than try to read complicated instructions. The cookbooks contain some of the most popular dishes from around the world and they are sold in 4 continents and 16 countries.
An interesting fact about Mr. Blakeslee's family. Robert's Great Grandfather G.S. Blakeslee invented the first dishwasher, and the company manufactured large commercial (restaurant) dishwashers and kitchen equipment for 100 years, until the company was sold in the 1970's.
Blakeslee has created a website: www.YourTimeToCook.com which has recipe videos, book descriptions, television appearances and more!
