Buying cookbooks is not something I do on a regular basis because I can’t stand it when I spend good money on one only to find out that I am not too fond of most of the recipes in the book. I would much rather check cookbooks out of the library or gather true and tried recipes from friends and family.
However, “The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook” is definitely a cookbook I can’t live without. I have made quite a few of the recipes from this amazing compilation and nearly everything I have tried has been scrumptious. Crepes, pasta salad, baked macaroni and cheese, tortilla casserole and beef and broccoli stir-fry have quickly become family favorites.
Another feature I like about this cookbook is it contains a plethora of cooking tips. For example, it tells you which brand name products its’ cooks prefer, it tells you why you do things so you don’t leave out an important step when you think you are creating a brilliant shortcut and of course it tells you which recipes are fast and easy. The recipes are also very detailed which makes it extremely helpful when you are cooking a new dish you have never tried before.
My only complaint about the book is I don’t like the D-shaped binder rings America’s Test Kitchen used. It makes turning pages rather difficult.
I know several other people who have also purchased this cookbook and every single one of them raves about it. It works for me, will it work for you?
For more Works-For-Me-Wednesday ideas, please visit Shannon of Rocks In My Dryer.
My list of books to buy is rapidly increasing as I read your book reviews. You’re really persuasive, you know that?
I love the Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry recipe. I really think I may have to go out and buy this book!
Sounds good, I’m always looking for new cookbooks–I hope it has lots of pictures, I’ve got to see what I’m going to fix. You know, a target to shoot for.
This looks like a good cookbook. Don’t they do a show also. I think my father would like this too.
Thanks.
I have this cook book and LOVE it. Their hummus recipe is the best! It is so well organized and educational. I also subscribe to their magazine Cook’s Country and LOVE it too.
I know what you mean about buying a cookbook only to find out that not many of the recipes are keepers. Pictures can be deceiving. I will definitely be checking this one out.
Thanks for checking out my menu this week!
Lisa
Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll be checking it out. Have a great day!
Thanks I’ll have to check it out. I’m in deperate need of some new recipes.
You should check out “How to Cook Everything” it is my favorite cook book. There are recipes in it, but mostly it tells you how to handle basice ingredients to create your own recipes. I love it and use is constantly.
I will have to check this one out as well. I often use thier website.
I just checked this book out from the library! I have loved it! Your complait about the binder is so true! The one from the library has expanded a little making turning the pages even hard, but yes great recipes!
There is a show on public TV called “America’s Test Kitchen.” Have you ever seen it? It’s a lot of fun in the way they break things down to explain why things work and why they don’t work in both recipes and equipment. What I like is that their picks for ‘best’ often include things in the lower price range!
This cook book sounds great! I’ll have to look into it!
I borrowed it from the library after reading another one of your blogs about it. I LOVE it! It’s on my birthday list now!
Love the show on PBS, will have to try the cookbook! Thanks
I had never heard of them until recently. My mum has been watching the show and has subscribed to their magazine. It’s very cool to get the explanation of the why’s and how’s.
I’ll have to check in to this one!
My favorite is Cook’s Illustrated. It’s amazing. Every single recipe is always a guarantee.
Check out my Ice-Cream Trough on my blog!
Sandy
For Reluctant Entertainers
Did you know that Office max. Office Depot and Kinkos can Re- bind books? They can use spiral rings!
That’s good to know. I hate getting cookbooks that end up having recipes that I KNOW I’ll never make. Either because they’re too hard, or I don’t even know what half the ingredients are. Haha…
I love this CB, too!! I agree on the rings – our favorite recipes (giant chocolate chip cookies, pancakes) have ripped out from too many turns of the page. However, it’s the only recipe I’d say is a “must.”