Features
Paperback: 168 pages
Publisher: Silverback Books; 1st edition September 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1930603002
ISBN-13: 978-1930603004
Product Dimensions:
9.3 x 9 x 0.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
Product Review
Where can twentysomethings learn to cook? Basic Cooking, first published in Germany and now Americanized, is a good starting place. Relying on bold layouts to keep things visually spirited and a "hip" authorial voice that jollies readers along, the book imparts solid cooking information and core recipes in a direct, friendly way. "Think basic and have fun," the authors exhort; most readers, of whatever age, will. Assuming kitchen innocence but informed taste, the book offers its readers data on shopping and pantry setup (a sidebar usefully dissects refrigerator space), basic techniques (the labels "strong" and "gentle" cooking are its helpful way of dividing the wet-cooking methods), and over 150 attractive recipes. Recipe chapters begin with basic info--on rice types, for example--and then present photo-illustrated formulas for the likes of spaghetti with clams, caesar salad, baked salmon, and chocolate pudding. The recipes, which include extensive prep information, cover not only simple dishes, as above, but more sophisticated ones such as Whole Fish Baked in Salt, Provincial Vegetable Ragout, and Crème Caramel. With small tutorials such as "Five 5-Minute Savory Sauces" among its trove of show-and-tell material, the book should attract its intended audience and others as well. --Arthur Boehm
Book Description
Finally a cookbook especially designed to show young people how to prepare great meals rapidly, while having fun at the same time. Loaded with over 200 color photos, this is a basic, unpretentious cookbook, with the potential of becoming a favorite cookbook in modern kitchens. Previously available only in Germany where it sold more than 100,000 copies in 8 months, this American edition has been carefully edited by a Certified Culinary Professional.
The first section of Basic Cooking covers basic cooking know-how, offers advice on shopping, recommends essential kitchen equipment, and suggests fundamental staple requirements for the pantry. The second part of the book shows you how to put all this knowledge to use through over a hundred tempting recipes. From favorite Italian dishes to Mousse au Chocolat to simple fare, this book has all the key elements. You will find everything from delicious fried potato recipes, to spur-of-the-moment entrees, to basic accompaniments, such as homemade mayonnaise, to go with everything. Loaded with color photos, trendy design, and humorous text, this book transforms cooking from chore to recreation.
Reader Reviews
This book is much more than a bunch of recipes, it teaches process. I've recently found a passion for cooking. This book has been extremely helpful in allowing me to become a better cook. The other cookbooks I have didn't help nearly as much. I also like that it is large and lays flat without me having to put something on it. It means I can check the recipe without having to hold the book open at the same time. The vibrant pictures really inspire you to want to try out a recipe. I find that inspiration is often the hardest thing. In addition to all this, the recipes are great. I wasn't a huge fan of the pumpkin soup, but everything else has turned out wonderful. This is a must have for anybody who wants to start cooking good meals for themselves.
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