lizf's Full Review: Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book
Growing up my mom had this cook book in her kitchen and she gave me a copy as a wedding shower gift. Over the years, my mom has had several editions of the book. I think I'm on my second or third edition as well. This is your basic mom-type-cooking cook book. It's full of basic American-style home-cooking.
When I say American-style -- that doesn't mean you won't find any international recipes. The book has some Mexican dishes, some Chinese dishes, and even a few Thai foods. But all the recipes are Americanized. You don't have to buy hard-to-find products. Most American kitchens will have the necessary ingredients already in the pantry.
The international recipes are a relatively recent addition to the book. With each new addition, the editors try to stay in-step with American tastes. As the national pallet has developed a taste for international cooking -- more of those recipes have been added to the book.
The editors have made other changes to go along with the changes in modern life-styles. The book places a greater emphasis on quick and easy recipes. I remember the version my mom had when I was a child. There were a few "in-hurry" recipes -- but not many. Now as many as half the recipes are marked as "quick and easy".
The recipes have also been modified to lower the fat and sodium content. There is a greater emphasis on healthy eating. Don't get me wrong -- this book has always been edited by home-economics teacher-types. But when I was child there was more information about setting a good table, how to arrange a dinner party, and how to make things pretty. Now there is less information about how to be a good wife and hostess and more information about health, nutrition, and eating right.
The part of the book I currently use most often is the meat reference section. The book contains a lot of basic information about meats, cuts of meat, and there is a really great reference chart telling you how long to roast, grill, or broil various meats. I can never remember how long to roast a leg of lamb, so I'm always looking that up in the table.
While the Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book has some international recipes, there is nothing in this book that is too adventurous. This can be both a plus and a minus. But, I just take the book at face value. If you need a basic white sauce, peanut butter cookies, or a pot roast -- this cook book is the one to check out. If you're look for Braised Sea Scallops in Pureed Artichoke Hearts -- then you've got the wrong book.
I see the Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book as a staple. It's the kind of book every kitchen should have as a foundation. Then you can add the fancy and adventurous cook books as you go along.
New for the '90s, America's #1 cookbook returns in a totally new and revised 10th edition. Bantam's bestselling backlist cookbook has more recipes, mo...More at Barnes & Noble.com
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