Recipes Every Man Should Know (Stuff You Should Know) Hardcover – November 1, 2010

I ordered two of these books for my college age sons, who are starting to do some cooking and will soon be out on their own. The recipes in this book are absolutely the kinds of things my guys like to eat (including their dad). Here is a sample of some of the goodies inside this book: Breakfast Hash (a must for guys), Meaty Macaroni, Beef Stew, Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf and Beef and Beer Chili. But lest you think that all the food in the book is meat heavy, the authors have included Fish Tacos, Garlicky Spinach and Roasted Asparagus. All the recipes are simple and straightforward and not intimidating at all. There is even a little section devoted to Camping Grub and how to cook in a foil packet. I liked the section explaining how to cook a great steak, a temperature chart for doneness and the different cuts of meat. I loved their selection for "Eight Essential Sandwiches". They even explain how to make milkshakes and cocktails. They have also included helpful sections on kitchen tools, cooking terms, and have metric conversions. All in all, this little book is just chocked full of great information and delicious recipes. If you've got men in your life, this will make a great Christmas gift this year (or stocking stuffer - the book is only about 4" x 6." ) Maybe I'll have to order some for my nephews.

I just received my book the other day and was so excited to see how perfect it was for my husband. He recently showed a hint of interest in the kitchen and I was not about to let the opportunity slide. This book is exactly what he needed - it is pocket sized, black, and not frilly at all. The recipes are not intimidating and are all the kinds of things that my husband loves to eat. He actually made us the pan-fried steak and bacon mashed potatoes from it last night (even doing his own grocery shopping for it) and was so proud of himself (and it was really good)!! Love it! And what guy could resist bacon with brownies... or beer in chili? Oh, and make sure not to miss the Introduction page...hysterical.

I am often guilty of believing the guys with whom I interact are handy...around the house and with the grill. Cooking? I waver a bit. Now, thanks to this new little handbook, there is no excuse for a guy not to swoon me with his newly found culinary prowess. Whether a man thinks a kitchen is a (a) place to heat up take out, drink OJ from the carton with the refrigerator door open, and store milk for their breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner cereal, (b) a room the architect found it necessary to include in the plans because it is expected, or (c) a place he wants to utilize but doesn't know where to begin, Recipes Every Man Should Know is the touchdown, no, the Superbowl of cookbooks for the man-cook novice. Not convinced yet? How about Susan and Brett's words of wisdom in the introduction? "Woman who think men who cook are sexy, and it involves fire, sharp instruments and meat."

Recipes Every Man Should Know includes recipes that are straightforward, achievable, and flavorful enough to make wonderful impressions that lead to memorable moments. The book begins with the basics, a list of Kitchen Tools, broken down categorically by order of preparation, including corresponding sketch-like pictures, and a list of cooking terms. The list of cooking terms is not intimidating, as it only includes 17 basics that, once mastered, will take any man-cook far in his endeavors.

Chapter 1 starts off with a jolt, as before delving into the hearty breakfast offerings, it grabs one's attention by offering three steps to making a good cup of coffee. While running out in the wee hours and grabbing a cup for your lady may be okay once in a while, filling the home with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, followed by hand delivery, offers a much more in-depth reason for a lady to swoon. Then, as the initial chapter continues, there are ample opportunities to add delicious nom noms to accompany the coffee. Java not what the doctor ordered? There is even a hangover cure recipe for a post-evening of alcoholic indulgence recovery. I don't know about you, but this is the first I have seen in an actual hangover recipe printed...in cookbook.

Reading through the pages that turn into practical chapters, the pocket-sized book may be tiny, but does a great job incorporating morsels of useful information throughout its recipes. To the seasoned cook, the tidbits may seem unnecessary, but for the man-cook, the additions are priceless - cooking temps, marinades and rubs, topping ideas (for items like baked potatoes, pizza and/or proteins), and even sketched of how to properly bread/dredge chicken nuggets. Lastly, there is a pièce de résistance of unspoken importance of every man's need to maintain some semblance of a man-cave. Susan and Brett incorporate several opportunities to include...beer. And, in case there is a girl like me who prefers a cold margarita over a beer, compromise is a wonderful relationship builder. Why not begin that building with the Beer Margarita?

But, don't take my word for it. Take a moment, flip through the pages, and try it out on your man-cook apprentice. For under $10, the return will be invaluable.

For those of us who own a library of cookbooks, this little black beauty deserves top shelf placement but don't let it stay there. Use it, use it, use it!

If your taste buds have been quieted by mundane recipes, your mouth a little disinterested from so-so meals, try any one of these recipes and your palate will be brought back to mouthwatering life.

Need a metric conversion, a tip or two about choosing the proper utensils for your kitchen, or how about the pin-point temperature for that perfect medium rare steak -- yep, it's all inclusive.

The guides, the recipes, and charm of this little black book is worthy of adding to your collection with a five star plus rating and for all the men who will buy or receive this book as a present, there will be so much to savor and for the rest of us -- expand that library. Terry

I ordered three of these - one each for two of my brothers and one for my husband. These are really fun cookbooks! I only gave 4 stars because, in this case, size matters. While this is a GREAT compact book, it is a little small, even for me (and I don't mind small print). If you have a recipient who needs larger print, this is not the book for them. However, small size aside, this cookbook is full of wonderful recipes that are right up a man's alley. There are even a few recipes I am interested in trying myself! This is not for brand new cooks, but it's not filled with recipes that are too difficult for the occassional cook. I would highly recommend getting this for the man in your life! It's a quirky, fun book filled with great recipes that are sure to please.

This is a great "little black book". Not only does it have recipes that the average guy will enjoy cooking and eating, but it also has descriptions on such things as how to cut a turkey the new way! It is small enough for a mans breast pocket, but full of Large ideas! A winner in my book.