I liked this cookbook. Like almost all of the Taste of Home publications it is useful for real people who shop at regular grocery stores. I also liked some of the tips included such as how to cut up a whole chicken for use. Great book.
First of all, I must say, that based on the title I expected to see some sort of cost-analysis of the meals and why they were considered "budget-friendly". No such information was found and either I have a really skewed sense of "budget" or a lot of these are rather pricey.
The book had a lot of nice, color photos (not of every recipe). The instructions were clear and easy to follow. Most of the recipes use a lot of canned/processed foods, however, and while some substitutions could be made, others just won't work. Of the 403 recipes, I found 8 I'd like to try. It was worth checking out from the library, but not owning.
I have a ton of TOH recipes from magazines and their books over the years, but did not find these at all interesting or ones I would want to make. Way too much out of a can or box and so much casserole type foods! I found one pie that I would make in the mix and that’s it.
I love the Taste Of Home Cookbooks. They have very economical, and easy to make delish foods. I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, where it charts shelf life of foods for your pantry and freezer and has a lot of tips and hints for saving time and money. Many many recipes I will be making from this cookbook.
I love, love, love this book. I use it all the time. Most of the meals cost me less the 12$ and I feed a family of 5 three boys under 11. All most everything is kid friendly. I've bought three more and have Had a subscription for years!!!
There are so many delicious recipes in this book. You mouth waters just reading and looking at the pictures. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to cook.