The Illustrated Quick Cook: Time-Saving Tips, After-Work Recipes, Cheap Eats

by Heather Whinney

Never has fast home cooking with fresh ingredients been more important than it is now. The pressure on the home cook is ever how can I prepare a balanced meal from scratch when I have only 30 minutes to spare, and 4 hungry mouths to feed? I want to make something from scratch for one, but will it be simple enough? Every minute counts-I've got unexpected guests tonight, what can I whip up quick, that won't disappoint?

Family food is not just about fussy eaters and getting the quantities right. It's also about flexible eating-how often does everyone sit around the table together? Once a week if you're lucky! So, food that can be prepared in advance, and simple straightforward dishes, are an essential part of the equation. We've taken all of this into consideration and come up with recipes that cover every need, with speed, so you will never have to resort to the ready meals aisle in the supermarket. The Illustrated Quick Cook is not trying to change the way you eat, introduce you to obscure ingredients, or take you off the beaten track. It's there to make your life easier, from planning, through cooking, to serving.

More than just recipes, The Illustrated Quick Cook offers fantastic value for the price. Extra features handy menu planners, recipe chooser galleries, Cheat tips, Cook's Notes, recipe variations, and practical information to introduce you to every time-saving chapter theme. With far more recipes than any of its competitors, and a picture of every finished dish, The Illustrated Quick Cook delivers fast food for every occasion.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Reference

544 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[piranha · Rating 4 out of 5]

the only reason this isn't getting 5 stars from me right now is that i haven't cooked from it yet -- i will update once i've tried a few recipes. but it is a delight to read; well organized, beautiful layout, lovely photographs, very clear instructions, time for prep and cooking given for all recipes. it has both imperial and metric measurements, which is always a major plus for me. the recipes mostly use common ingredients yet are inventive in the use of combinations and spicing, well, inventive for somebody like me, who was brought up on meat and potatoes; if you're cooking with julia childs, there's probably nothing new here for you. ;) there is also a wealth of tips and tricks tossed in but it never seems to become overwhelming, you just slowly absorb more and more information about cooking. clearly a lot of thought has gone into making this truly easy and quick.

if it falls short anywhere, it's regarding health issues. there are a number of recipes that feature a little heart, indicating that they're low-fat, low-cholesterol, but there's nothing for low sugar, especially when it comes to the desserts. calories and other dietary data isn't given, and the vast majority of the recipes are for people who don't think much of dieting. i'm ok with that, but if you're caught up in north america's obsession with dieting, this book is not for you.

looking at it again since i am reviewing it, this should win a layout award. seriously. and the food stylists deserve praise for making the food look pretty, but not so pretty that you know it's all fake and you can never achieve that presentation.

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made a pasta dish, though seasoned in a way I have not had before. Living with an Italian, I love trying any new pasta dishes I can find, and this suited my tastes.
I'm so glad I tried it.
The chicken flavor with the cheese tortellini is really delicious. I am so surprised not only that I like it, but my the brood loves it too!
And here, I was worried it would end up in the dog's bowl.
I am sure to use this cookbook quite often, and see what other surprises I can find.

[Scott Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe too simple for experienced cook, but I do not think that is the audience. Good for singles or newly weds who are not full blown foodies but want something accessible, diverse and interesting.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My goodness, this is a behemoth of a cookbook. It's beautifully put together, though, and after post-it-noting several recipes from my library copy, I felt obligated to buy it.

Recipes are nicely organized (chicken, slow cooker), the directions are clear, and the photographs are gorgeous. Lots of additional info about how to prepare food.

Haven't tried enough of the recipes to give it a 5.

[The Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is our absolute favorite cookbook. It's our go-to when we plan our menus because of the great pictures, the restaurant-style menu browser in the front, and because the recipes are either really quick or savable in large batches. Without this book we would not have been able to stick with our resolution to eat at home more often!

[Tishy Wishy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite literally a tome of information. Well laid out, gorgeous pictures, sectioned into different categories like no-cook meals, meals for large groups, salmon dishes, vegetarian, etc. One of my most well used books. It has great suggestions for quick weeknight dishes and gets you in and out of the kitchen in no time.

[Mandy]

I want this cookbook- lots of pictures with almost every recipe. Some recipes call for things that you wouldnt' normally have on-hand, but they are unique, different and truly appear to be pretty easy (according to the directions). I need to get on amazon and search for this book!

[Jayen]

got this book from my boss Ramzi. Guess I need to learn how to cook....

[Carlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. I read a borrowed copy but will definitely be making a copy mine soon!

[Winnie Peach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great recipes. Easy to find what you want to make and very visually appealing!