Principles, techniques & hidden secrets of the pros you can use to cook anything!
The First-Timer's Cookbook is the one cookbook that teaches all the basics. With simple techniques and easy step-by-step instructions for cooking almost anything, now you can learn how to cook, not just what to cook. Easy to follow step-by-step instructions. Lots of descriptive photos. Easy to understand and fun to use.
This book claims it teaches the "basics" and it isn't kidding. There are no actual recipes in this book it is truly meant for a beginner who does not know their way around a kitchen.
The first 5 chapters define the basics of cooking explaining how to set a table, basic cookware to purchase, how to properly use a knife and cooking procedures. The remaining 8 chapters include how to cook meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, how to bread food, cook pasta, potatoes and rice, how to prepare sauces and season foods. Truly a book on how to do the basics. As I have cooked quite a bit I found this book too basic and wasn't able to glean much from it. I thought it could have been improved by having a couple more chapters that included some basic recipes.
If you have never cooked before this book would be a great place to start. It has descriptive photos and easy step by step instructions.
About The Author: Chef Shawn Bucher holds business degrees and a culinary certificate and has worked in the food service industry for over 12 years. Having been involved in most aspects of the industry “from grocery stores to restaurants, hotels, schools to corporate training and development,” he brings a unique and overall perspective to cooking and the food service industry.
When the book says it teaches the basics, it really does. This is a book that contains no recipes, but photographic step by step instructions for basic kitchen procedures. From menu planning and table set-up to cooking vegetables and using knives and food safety, this is a great beginner's cookbook. This would be perfect for a teenager learning to cook or a college student or newlywed who has little culinary experience.
I'm a fairly experienced cook and I learned a few things as well. It's a short, easy read. I wish there had been a Table of Contents or an Index which would be nice if you just wanted to find the section on poultry or slicing a particular vegetable.
The First-Timer's Cookbook is a MUST for all folks just beginning their own culinary experiences. Chef Shawn has created a book that is sure to help all those heading off to their own destinations in life but lack certain basic kitchen skills. Presented in a clear, consise, step-by-step format, this "cookbook" will enable the reader to know what is required in a basic kitchen, how to use each utensil and what each one is used for as well as, many other numerous tips and tricks that are sure to educate.
Unlike most cookbooks, this book is not filled with recipes, but the steps needed to prepare for the recipes. The how-to's for peeling potatoes properly, the different cuts of vegetables, the presentation of the food, yearly vegetable availability and so much more. I am sure even those experienced cooks would find a thing or two that would further aid them in the kitchen.
I plan on giving my copy to my 18 year old daughter when she moves out. She has never been one to hang out in the kitchen to watch mom cook and I just know this book will save her a LOT of calls home in frustration over something she is trying to create. This cookbook is a very handy reference book for anyone who cooks and I suggest grabbing yourself a copy, I am quite positive we all know someone who could use such a gift.
If you or someone you know wants to learn how to cook, or someone who just wants to broaden their knowledge of cooking, or just someone who loves to cook, you need this book! It has step by step instructions and photos and is so easy to understand.
I've been cooking for years but still learned so much from reading this. It doesn't take long to go through but is worth 100 times it's weight in cooking info. I can't imagine anyone having a cooking related question and not finding the answer in this book.