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Kitchen Confidence: Essential Recipes and Tips That Will Help You Cook Anything: A Cookbook
Host of Cooking Channel's Kelsey's Essentials and fan favorite on season four of The Next Food Network Star , Kelsey Nixon shares the essential recipes, techniques, and tools that new home cooks need in their back pocket.
A young food star and new mom, Kelsey is an invaluable friend in the kitchen to everyone settling into their first kitchen of their own. Her recipes, which are broken down into simple steps, teach readers how to cook, highlighting key tools and basic techniques everyone should know. And yet her flavors are anything but basic; Kelsey gives everyone the confidence to start with the 2.0 version of a recipe instead of the boring standards. For example, she makes her house pilaf with quinoa instead of rice, and her addictive fruit salad is a savory first course instead of a lackluster dessert.
With 100 recipes and 60 color photographs, Kitchen Confidence brings home all of the energy and spirit of the Cooking Channel show of the same name, making it an excellent handbook for newlyweds, recent college graduates, and those discovering their kitchens for the first time.
A young food star and new mom, Kelsey is an invaluable friend in the kitchen to everyone settling into their first kitchen of their own. Her recipes, which are broken down into simple steps, teach readers how to cook, highlighting key tools and basic techniques everyone should know. And yet her flavors are anything but basic; Kelsey gives everyone the confidence to start with the 2.0 version of a recipe instead of the boring standards. For example, she makes her house pilaf with quinoa instead of rice, and her addictive fruit salad is a savory first course instead of a lackluster dessert.
With 100 recipes and 60 color photographs, Kitchen Confidence brings home all of the energy and spirit of the Cooking Channel show of the same name, making it an excellent handbook for newlyweds, recent college graduates, and those discovering their kitchens for the first time.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
28 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 3, 2014
I am a big Kelsey Nixon fan, and her cookbook is every bit as cute as her show. Chock-full of recipes I want to try and all I've tried so far are well-written, well-organized and come with great tips and essential cooking techniques.
Tuna Noodle Casserole, A+
Banana Nut Sheet Cake, A+
Meatballs, A
Sweet Cornbread, A
Crab Cakes Croquettes, B+
Banana Bread, B (I like my banana bread with one fewer banana)
Chocolate Chip Cookies, C (nothing wrong with them, just cakier than I like)
I am going to try to make at least one recipes from each section. So far they have all been really well-organized and easy to follow.
Tuna Noodle Casserole, A+
Banana Nut Sheet Cake, A+
Meatballs, A
Sweet Cornbread, A
Crab Cakes Croquettes, B+
Banana Bread, B (I like my banana bread with one fewer banana)
Chocolate Chip Cookies, C (nothing wrong with them, just cakier than I like)
I am going to try to make at least one recipes from each section. So far they have all been really well-organized and easy to follow.
November 1, 2022
I browsed this book very quickly, but I didn't make any recipes from it. There were plenty that were interesting though. Nothing out of the ordinary, but I think the point of the book is that it's supposed to be ordinary, easy dinners/recipes for families. This book didn't have pictures for every recipe, and I think that's a detriment. Cookbooks really need to have pictures of each and every recipe, in my opinion.
February 28, 2019
Lots of great basic recipes with just enough interest or variations listed to interest more experienced cooks.
January 17, 2021
I loved Kelsey Nixon on tv & had high hopes for her cookbook, but was left lukewarm over all. Only a few of the recipes interested me enough to try them & the lack of photos is just disappointing!
June 5, 2023
I loved all of the recipes that are designed to teach you how to make simple, basic recipes that look and sound far more complicated than they are. I have at least 20 bookmarked to try.
May 21, 2014
I loved this cookbook. I would give it 5 Stars for the recipes as well as the pictures and hints it includes.
The recipes included in this book are both elegant enough for a party and yet easy enough that you can do them for just the family dinner. I am impressed with the variety of recipes that are included in this book. Kelsey takes you on a mouth watering ride through her different recipes with beautifully done pictures of the dishes. She has included helpful hints like pantry essentials and technique essentials that is very helpful to the seasoned cook as well as the beginner. Throughout the book is explains how to do different techniques in cooking such as stir fry and roasting that for those learning to cook will find really helpful. They are included by a recipe that is for using those techniques on a page by themselves so that if you know how to do these you can skip over that page and if you don't know how to say stir fry you have the instructions handy right with the recipe you might be wanting to try. This cookbook would be a great addition to any one's kitchen and cookbook collection but would be especially nice and helpful to the new cook or someone that is not as comfortable in a kitchen as others.
I have several recipes already picked out to try like her fried homemade pickles and charred corn salad. These both sound like a great addition to my memorial day picnic. The recipes range from breakfast to desserts and everything in between you might be wanting. If I could find anything that I would change it would be maybe add pictures of all the completed recipes but other than that I wouldn't change a thing. I have gotten so hungry just looking at the recipes and marking the ones I want to try, funny thing is I think I have marked almost everyone of her recipes.
This is a great cookbook and I loved reading in the beginning about Kelsey Nixon's passion for sharing her love of cooking to others. She is on a mission to help us all feel more comfortable in the kitchen through her cookbook and I think she has hit the mark with this one. I think I could pick anyone of the recipes, try it and be successful following her directions and guidance with little or no stress. I highly recommend you get a copy of Kitchen Confidence by Kelsey Nixon and start enjoying some good recipes.
If you want more information about Kelsey Nixon and her cookbook you should check out these:
More Info
Author Bio
"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."
The recipes included in this book are both elegant enough for a party and yet easy enough that you can do them for just the family dinner. I am impressed with the variety of recipes that are included in this book. Kelsey takes you on a mouth watering ride through her different recipes with beautifully done pictures of the dishes. She has included helpful hints like pantry essentials and technique essentials that is very helpful to the seasoned cook as well as the beginner. Throughout the book is explains how to do different techniques in cooking such as stir fry and roasting that for those learning to cook will find really helpful. They are included by a recipe that is for using those techniques on a page by themselves so that if you know how to do these you can skip over that page and if you don't know how to say stir fry you have the instructions handy right with the recipe you might be wanting to try. This cookbook would be a great addition to any one's kitchen and cookbook collection but would be especially nice and helpful to the new cook or someone that is not as comfortable in a kitchen as others.
I have several recipes already picked out to try like her fried homemade pickles and charred corn salad. These both sound like a great addition to my memorial day picnic. The recipes range from breakfast to desserts and everything in between you might be wanting. If I could find anything that I would change it would be maybe add pictures of all the completed recipes but other than that I wouldn't change a thing. I have gotten so hungry just looking at the recipes and marking the ones I want to try, funny thing is I think I have marked almost everyone of her recipes.
This is a great cookbook and I loved reading in the beginning about Kelsey Nixon's passion for sharing her love of cooking to others. She is on a mission to help us all feel more comfortable in the kitchen through her cookbook and I think she has hit the mark with this one. I think I could pick anyone of the recipes, try it and be successful following her directions and guidance with little or no stress. I highly recommend you get a copy of Kitchen Confidence by Kelsey Nixon and start enjoying some good recipes.
If you want more information about Kelsey Nixon and her cookbook you should check out these:
More Info
Author Bio
"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."
July 22, 2014
We really like the cookbook. This is a really good cookbook for if you are new to cooking, or are just getting married and starting your own kitchen/pantry. It has a lot of cooking basics, and tips as well as some creative recipes for the more adventurous palette.
Some of our favorite features of this cookbook were the bits of stories about the recipe and what it means to her. It really made the cookbook seem more personal, like you're talking to your friend about a recipe rather than going by a cookbook, which makes it a really enjoyable to read. A lot of the recipes are highly adaptable, in several of her recipes she lists a vegetarian substitute, or a way to spice up the dish by adding an ingredient. We felt it really helped to emphasize her focus on becoming comfortable in the kitchen and learning how different flavors all work together.
The layout was really nice and easy to navigate, and we really enjoyed how she mixed in some basic cooking principles in the recipes she was talking about; for example, she has a section on the importance and uses of a cast iron skillet paired with her recipe for pan seared steak. There are a lot of these little informational bits mixed in the book which makes it a great read for people who are less comfortable with the kitchen and kitchen equipment. The section on pantry essentials was especially helpful because she really pushes the idea of stocking up on kitchen essentials, and saving money on your food items.
In a Nutshell:
This a really good cookbook if you are interested in learning more about cooking, and techniques, so that you can build up your confidence in the kitchen. We recommend this for people who are new to cooking and the kitchen, but we think that old pros like ourselves will enjoy it as well. This would be a great gift for a married couple, or a young person (even those men) who are starting out on their own. It would be an absolutely awesome housewarming gift!
Check out our review post on the blog!
http://theperfectstormbffs.blogspot.c...
Some of our favorite features of this cookbook were the bits of stories about the recipe and what it means to her. It really made the cookbook seem more personal, like you're talking to your friend about a recipe rather than going by a cookbook, which makes it a really enjoyable to read. A lot of the recipes are highly adaptable, in several of her recipes she lists a vegetarian substitute, or a way to spice up the dish by adding an ingredient. We felt it really helped to emphasize her focus on becoming comfortable in the kitchen and learning how different flavors all work together.
The layout was really nice and easy to navigate, and we really enjoyed how she mixed in some basic cooking principles in the recipes she was talking about; for example, she has a section on the importance and uses of a cast iron skillet paired with her recipe for pan seared steak. There are a lot of these little informational bits mixed in the book which makes it a great read for people who are less comfortable with the kitchen and kitchen equipment. The section on pantry essentials was especially helpful because she really pushes the idea of stocking up on kitchen essentials, and saving money on your food items.
In a Nutshell:
This a really good cookbook if you are interested in learning more about cooking, and techniques, so that you can build up your confidence in the kitchen. We recommend this for people who are new to cooking and the kitchen, but we think that old pros like ourselves will enjoy it as well. This would be a great gift for a married couple, or a young person (even those men) who are starting out on their own. It would be an absolutely awesome housewarming gift!
Check out our review post on the blog!
http://theperfectstormbffs.blogspot.c...
Read
March 3, 2015Spring is well underway, which means summer is right around the corner. With the warmer temperatures come picnics in the park, backyard barbeques and family reunions. Are you tired of bringing the same old boring salad to every summer soiree but aren’t really sure you’ve got what it takes to spice up your mom’s traditional recipe? Kelsey Nixon’s
Kitchen Confidence
is a great place to start.
Kelsey Nixon is a native of Northern Utah, who some may know from her stint on Food Network’s The Next Food Network Star or her Cooking Channel show Kelsey’s Essentials. Even if you aren’t familiar with her from TV, her cookbook stands on its own merit. The instructions are clear and concise, and the photographs will inspire anyone to want to dig right in. The book is full of classic recipes like roast chicken, mac and cheese and chocolate chip cookies. But it takes what might otherwise be a dull rehashing of these tried-and-true recipes and encourages the cook to make them all their own—by experimenting with personal-favorite ingredients, local in-season produce, and new techniques.
The book is ideal for the novice home cook who might be a little timid in the kitchen. Experienced home cooks might find the advice elementary, but the recipes are so flavorful that even skilled cooks might find some new ways to increase their kitchen confidence.
—Heidi Steed, Events Assistant
Kelsey Nixon is a native of Northern Utah, who some may know from her stint on Food Network’s The Next Food Network Star or her Cooking Channel show Kelsey’s Essentials. Even if you aren’t familiar with her from TV, her cookbook stands on its own merit. The instructions are clear and concise, and the photographs will inspire anyone to want to dig right in. The book is full of classic recipes like roast chicken, mac and cheese and chocolate chip cookies. But it takes what might otherwise be a dull rehashing of these tried-and-true recipes and encourages the cook to make them all their own—by experimenting with personal-favorite ingredients, local in-season produce, and new techniques.
The book is ideal for the novice home cook who might be a little timid in the kitchen. Experienced home cooks might find the advice elementary, but the recipes are so flavorful that even skilled cooks might find some new ways to increase their kitchen confidence.
—Heidi Steed, Events Assistant
September 4, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised by this cookbook. I've watched Kelsey Nixon's cooking show a time or two but really don't know her well. I wasn't sure that her cookbook would resonate with me and the tastes of my family. I am very happy to report that I was concerned for no reason - the book really resonated with me and I enjoyed it quite a bit!
I really liked how she balances the needs of an experienced cook with those of an inexperienced cook. There is a great section about essential equipment for a home cook that I think is a fantastic resource - and I especially like how she adds in the equipment she feels is 'nice to have' and 'fun, if you have the room.' Very useful for those with or without home cooking experience!
The contents of the cookbook include recipes across the spectrum including breakfast, starters, salads, sandwiches & soups, main course, sides, and desserts. Very comprehensive with so many different options for everyone! Some of the recipes that I'm most interested in making for our family include Prosciutto, Mushroom and Gruyere Strata, Buttermilk Biscuits, Cinnamon Buns, Antipasti Bruschetta, Green Goddess Dip, Charred Corn Salad, Shrimp Rolls, Pan-Seared Scallops, Chicken Piccata, Quinoa Pilaf, Sausage, Apple and Pear Dressing, and Lemon Bars. As you can see, LOTS of the recipes in this book have grabbed me!
This is a solid cookbook that I definitely recommend ... especially if you are a Kelsey Nixon fan!
NOTE: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I really liked how she balances the needs of an experienced cook with those of an inexperienced cook. There is a great section about essential equipment for a home cook that I think is a fantastic resource - and I especially like how she adds in the equipment she feels is 'nice to have' and 'fun, if you have the room.' Very useful for those with or without home cooking experience!
The contents of the cookbook include recipes across the spectrum including breakfast, starters, salads, sandwiches & soups, main course, sides, and desserts. Very comprehensive with so many different options for everyone! Some of the recipes that I'm most interested in making for our family include Prosciutto, Mushroom and Gruyere Strata, Buttermilk Biscuits, Cinnamon Buns, Antipasti Bruschetta, Green Goddess Dip, Charred Corn Salad, Shrimp Rolls, Pan-Seared Scallops, Chicken Piccata, Quinoa Pilaf, Sausage, Apple and Pear Dressing, and Lemon Bars. As you can see, LOTS of the recipes in this book have grabbed me!
This is a solid cookbook that I definitely recommend ... especially if you are a Kelsey Nixon fan!
NOTE: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 4, 2014
I'm one of those people who loves the idea of cooking, but isn't really that great or confident about it. So this cookbook intrigued me. The book begins with an essential pantry list and tips for organizing your kitchen. It also has tips for the correct equipment and technique. The recipes that follow are all across the board as far as variety. But each one has a basic list of ingredients that are simple and easy to find in almost any grocery store. The recipe has a small section where the author comments about the recipe or gives tips for preparation.
The instructions are straight forward and easy to follow. The variety is wonderful, especially for someone with a limited number of go-to recipes that I can put on my menu. I'm vegetarian, but there is still a huge option to choose from. Also some of the meat recipes can be easily adapted to fit my diet. Bright colorful photographs and colored print make this cookbook a fun book to just look through. But I will also be enjoying these recipes for quite some time. This book is definitely a keeper in my book.
I received this book free of charge from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
The instructions are straight forward and easy to follow. The variety is wonderful, especially for someone with a limited number of go-to recipes that I can put on my menu. I'm vegetarian, but there is still a huge option to choose from. Also some of the meat recipes can be easily adapted to fit my diet. Bright colorful photographs and colored print make this cookbook a fun book to just look through. But I will also be enjoying these recipes for quite some time. This book is definitely a keeper in my book.
I received this book free of charge from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
May 22, 2014
While this is a good, comfort food cookbook, it didn't break any new ground. As far as reaching out to beginners, Jessica Seinfeld's most recent book does a much better job (as do a few others). And if you're a more experienced cook, you probably have similar recipes in your repertoire. Not all of these are weeknight friendly, though they generally are very family friendly. She has some creative touches, like candied bacon crumbles on top of deviled eggs, that are nice.
So, while there's nothing wrong with this book, unless you're a real fan of Nixon's, I can't see why you'd read it.
So, while there's nothing wrong with this book, unless you're a real fan of Nixon's, I can't see why you'd read it.
February 15, 2015
Very good, simple recipes and hints. It's an especially good choice for those who are just learning how to cook.
February 27, 2014
if i could have given this 4 1/2 i would i think everything i would eat or make everything loved it
May 16, 2014
Well, that was useless.
I did save the pickle recipe, though.
I did save the pickle recipe, though.
May 26, 2014
This is a good cookbook. Very easy directions and likable food. Would recommend for any cook who enjoys Kelsey on Food Network.
July 2, 2014
Found a really great recipe for corn bread!
July 15, 2014
Great pictures and stories with the recipes but nothing over the top or out of the ordinary. Four stars for clear directions and delicious combinations.
September 10, 2014
Bland recipes in a shiny presentation. Not for me.
June 13, 2015
Good basics.
August 2, 2015
When you're an adequate cook like me, even the basics can be inspiring, and these were. Looking forward to trying out some of these recipes and techniques
March 29, 2016
know the basics on how to get around a kitchen and know the jargon. it's not for kitchen virgins.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews