The Very Basic Cookbook

by Vicki Liley

For those who can't crack an egg, this primer will prove an indispensable kitchen companion. With specific step-by-step instructions on the most basic culinary tasks, from purchasing equipment and keeping a well-stocked pantry to cutting avocados and crushing fresh garlic cloves, this book provides a clear and complete introduction to the fundamentals of food preparation. Each delicious recipe includes tips for selecting ingredients and thoroughly explains cooking procedures so that no dish seems too difficult to produce. After learning essential techniques, you'll be able to whip up chocolate mousse and create ratatouille; you'll also discover that cooking from scratch can be a simple and satisfying adventure.

Genres: Cooking

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2006

Reviews

[janus · Rating 4 out of 5]

as a general rule, if a cookbook doesn't have good photography, then it has to be really good before i think it's worth reading.

this book is mostly text, but it's worth reading. it gives a good discussion of basic (and i really mean basic) techniques in regards to both cooking preparation and the actually cooking process.

for example, i thought that their section on how to prepare a wok for cooking and cleaning was very instructive ... even though i have a difference of opinion.

so if you're willing to read a cookbook carefully .. which i suspect to be a rare thing, because often we read cookbooks in times of "hurry, i need to make dinner STAT" .. then you will learn a great deal from this book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was simple and has some great recipes. It also gives a dummy version guide to the kitchen.