Saving Dinner Basics

by Leanne Ely

A valuable resource for novice cooks provides a basic tutorial in a wide variety of cooking techniques, along with detailed lists for stocking the pantry and refrigerator, tips on essential cooking utensils and equipment, and simple recipes for soups, pas
Saving Dinner Basics
Ely, Leanne
Random House Inc
Publication 2006/08/22
Number of 173
Binding PAPERBACK
Library of

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food, Reference

Paperback

First published August 22, 2006

Reviews

[Marley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars seems harsh, but the description "it was ok" is far more fitting than the 3-star description of "liked it."

My quibble with the book is that it didn't live up (down?) to the title. For instance, the author gives a recipe for Hollandaise sauce without ever mentioning what I would want Hollandaise sauce for. Several of the other recipes exhausted me just reading them; I have no intention of tackling something so ambitious. The book is ostensibly aimed at cooking novices, but it seems to come across with the assumption that we all want to suddenly be gourmet chefs. In my experience, those of us with limited kitchen experience are that way because we don't want to spend hours in the kitchen or are intimidated by complicated recipes. We are looking for simple basics and tricks to make our time in the kitchen easier. Recipes for boiling chicken carcasses down into soup? Not something I'm going to be doing.

This might be a good book for youngsters just moving out on their own or someone who is now cooking for a large family.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good book for very beginning cooks. She gives a lot of basic instruction, and kitchen guidance. I thought she could have included more recipes and a little less general guidance, or tips within the recipes.

She does include nutritional information, which is great. And the desert section is particularly strong. But with no pictures, there are other books out there that cover the same territory better.

I think that her site would be worth checking out.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SOOOO practical for a kitchen dunce like me. I actually made a really tasty diner out of it last night too. My one complaint is that she tries overly hard to make every phrase as "pun"-ny as possible. Still didn't detract from the 5 stars for the usefulness and hope it provides in setting up regular family dinner time!

[Joy Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, easy to understand instructions. The recipes are amazing and healthy! This cookbook makes cooking seem like the easy task it really is. I never felt overwelmed or thought, "I can't cook that recipe." All the recipes have normal, easy to find ingredients. LOVED IT!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

my very own idiots guide to cooking. The recipes are easy and yummy.

[Cel]

It did not live up to my expectations.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great if you are just learning to cook, or brushing up on basics. I borrowed a copy from our local library but I'm still tempted to buy a copy.

[TheRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for people who don't know how to cook. I often give this as a bridal shower gift.