Real Simple Dinner Tonight -- Done!: 189 quick and delicious recipes

by Real Simple, Allie Lewis Clapp

So, what's for dinner? You are probably familiar-painfully familiar-with this question. It's uttered by your husband from the living room (even though you can hardly hear him over the sports highlights), posed by your teenager as he barrels through the door after soccer, or running through your mind as you sit in traffic after a long day at work. And unlike the other headscratchers you encounter in life, this is one you confront every...single...day.

Fortunately, you now have an answer to this question-189 easy and delicious answers, as a matter of fact. From the editors of Real Simple magazine comes this beautiful, comprehensive book designed to help the busy modern cook. The recipes-many of which are ready in less than 30 minutes-feature accessible ingredients, streamlined techniques, and smart tips, tricks, and substitutions. Which means the only remaining question Who's on cleanup duty?

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Reference

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2011

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved the recipes from Real Simple magazine, so it seemed natural that I would be given this gift. And it was a great hit with me! Alas, this is not the cookbook I use most frequently, but there are a few recipes that are a requested item for my family. In particular, my family goes ga-ga over the Asian pork shoulder; I give in with every request, because I love that it is a slow-cooker recipe!

I love the composition of the instructions and the picture with every recipe, making this cookbook very user-friendly. While it would make for an unruly index, I do wish more ingredients were listed in the index (I wish I could find recipes using the same perishable herbs, for example, with greater ease) but it does have the star or major ingredients. Overall, a great cookbook that could be standard if I cooked more.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cookbook understands me.

I am a lazy lazy lazy cook. My favorite cookbooks are ones in which I know how to make the dish by looking at the title. (Being able to rely on previous experience & simple ingredients is key to being a lazy cook.)

Dishes I Might Try:

Sweet Pea and Ricotta Crostini
Spaghetti with Sweet Potatoes & Ricotta
Fettuccine with Lima Beans, Peas & Leeks (+ heavy cream)
Pierogi with Sauteed Red Cabbage
Quinoa with Mushrooms, Kale & Sweet Potatoes (+ garlic, white wine & parm cheese)

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this out of the library mostly because my husband, who does most of the week night cooking, prefers pictures of every dish. We've had the Thai Red Curry Chicken(yummy!) and the roasted chicken with carrots and potatoes, with several others on the "to-try" list. Most seem to have readily available ingredients and fairly quick cooking times. And veggies are included with most meals, so you have everything together on one page (and one plate!) We plan to buy this one.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

RIght along with MS Good Foods, this book offers VERY easy recipes on one page with a corresponding photo onh the facing page, giving new and experienced cooks a solid idea of what the meal should look like. Easy to find ingredients and reasonable 30-45 minute prep times. Can't miss with this one!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has served as a solid addition to my cooking repertoire and library. The recipes themselves aren't fancy, but happen to incorporate a variety of veggies that brings a healthier aspect to the meals. There are many recipes I'd recommend, but those sweet potato turnovers and substituting the ground hamburger with turkey have stayed with me most of all.

[Kat]

I thumbed through this book. It was real simple but the ingredients were not. I don't really see the point in spending so much money on ingredients for a basic 20 minute dish. Also it did not include enough recipes in the vegetarian section

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would prefer the nutritional stats to be on the same page as their recipes, but otherwise a solid book. Quick and delicious recipes.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flipped through this on my break at work and decided to buy it.

[Christiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was only one recipe I kind of thought about cooking in this one. I think it's just not my style.

[Karen Ballum]

I'm glad we grabbed this from the library. It's not one we'll be adding to our personal shelves.

[Claudine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Good food and easy to cook! Perfect for busy people who like to eat well but don't have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots (189 total) of really good and easy recipes that would be good for weeknight meals. I ended up never using and donated it, but I still think it is a great cookbook.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of quick, easy recipes, but the ones we tried didn't have enough flavor.