Wow. This cookbook is amazing. Everything is so well thought out and well done. This is THE way to make everything! When I want to make something that I know will be excellent (although possibly a lot of work) I go to this cookbook. The great thing about this cookbook is that the authors have tested so many different ways to make the same dish and they present the easiest, best tasting way.

Because the authors are so precise, the timing of these recipes is not for those living at 8500 feet (like me). For most of these recipes, I have had to adapt the cooking time more so than with other cook books.

My favorite recipe for meatloaf is in here - All-Anerican Meatloaf. It's fantastic. There is also a great recipe for Weeknight Skillet Fajitas.

Other good ones - Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes (they seemed to go over well for a family Thanksgiving dinner), Sauteed Summer Squash, Poached Eggs, Hollandaise Sauce, Fast and Crunchy Baked Cod, several different chicken recipes,

I've only made a fraction of these recipes, but I've been pleased with the ones I have made.

I picked this book up at a Costco of all places because it was cheap and I'd tried and liked some recipes from the Cook's Illustrated magazine. I didn't expect it to be by far my favorite cookbook.
I'd consider myself more of a foodie than a cook, which is why I love this book. The recipes are simple, directions easy to follow and for most recipes there are pictures of the end result. Most importantly, the recipes, without fail, turn out delicious. Even my foodie friends that I've turned on to this book or invited over for dinner seem to love them. I can't think of a recipe in this book that I've tried that hasn't turned out well. There have been some, like lo mein, that I personally wasn't a big fan of, but not because of the flavor or the recipe itself, I'm just not a fan of lo mein. And of course, for some, like say the spaghetti sauce, I prefer to add more herbs than the recipe calls for, but the adjustments I make are usually simple, because again, I'm not much of a cook.
I assume the reason the recipes all work so well is because they're tested by the Test Kitchen. If you're not familiar with Cook's Illustrated and the Test Kitchen, they test recipes every possible way it has been done or can be done to come up with the simplest and best way to prepare a meal.
I used to subscribe to the magazine, but found many of the recipes fairly complicated for a newbie cook like myself. The recipes culled together in this book are for the most part very simple to understand and do, even if you don't know cooking jargon. Like the magazine, there are tips throughout on best brands for certain recipes and basic cooking techniques, and how to choose the right cut of meat.
The emphasis here is on using real, unprocessed, full fat food, though not necessarily fried and unhealthy. They do have some light versions of recipes that I've also found to be tasty. The recipes cover all the bases in American cooking from appetizers like salsa and guacamole to main courses ranging from lasagna to steaks to dessert. While simple American food can seem, well, simple, don't let that scare you away if you're looking for a good all-around cookbook. They even make meat loaf taste good.

I learned a lot from this book -- like how to know where to cut the tough ends off asparagus (bend one piece at the end, and where it bends is the cutting point). And a pictorial difference and temperatures for knowing when pork is just-right or overcooked pork -- my resulting pork chops were much better.

The book's beautifully illustrated with lots of photos, its directions are clear, and the recipes I've tried have been really good. I'm buying one for me and then it's going on my housewarming gift list.

If I could have just one cookbook for family meals, this is the one I would keep. I use it at least once a week. It's my go-to cookbook for dinner basics like meatloaf, tacos, sloppy joes and breakfast food like pancakes and waffles. The recipe for French toast is the best - who knew flour in the batter is the key to keeping it crisp. I like the 3-ring edition better than the updated hardcover edition because I like to pull out a page instead of coking from a bulky book. This is a great gift for graduates and newlyweds.

This cookbook is my go-to for learning most basic American dishes and dishes adapted for American cooks. Some of the recipes can be a little complex in order to get the best results, but you really learn why you are doing what you are doing. What makes food good? What makes average food just ok, and what makes a truly excellent dish excellent? And everything I've tried by America's Test Kitchen turns out spot on as long as I follow the recipe closely, which is very helpful for learning technique as well as getting food on the table.

I use this cookbook daily, its the best all around cookbook I've ever used!

I can't say I've tried everything, but I've probably read it all. I love reading cookbooks!! It's one of my favorite past-times. I've only tried a few recipes, but they've all turned out well and they give some great tips. However, I give this cookbook only four stars because you really couldn't live on the recipes from this book on a day-to-day basis. You'd quickly become obese. It's more of a special occasion cookbook. Now that I have the ATK Healthy Family Cookbook, I rarely use this one.

Got this for my birthday and took back the library copy. My new go-to cookbook. Love it! Ring bound and sturdy cover. Lots of tabs which I love also: Grilling and Breakfasts are two that I've gone straight to--very convenient! Learn something fantastic every time I use a recipe which is helpful since I've been in a bit of a rut after cooking for over 30 years.

I use this cookbook almost every day. It has made me look and cook things that I had abandoned years ago as too bland or too boring.

Everything in here works and tastes very good.

Matt got this a few years ago for Christmas, and it is always the first cookbook I go to when I need a recipe for ANYTHING. It taught me how to make not just decent, but really great baked potatoes (I know, I know...how hard can they be, but I couldn't do it!)and the most delicious brownies ever! When I read other cookbooks, I sometimes get the feeling that no one has tested the recipes, but I know these have been slaved over until perfect.

So far, all the recipes have come out very tasty. Some of the recipes are a little fussy, and a few seemed like they created way too many dirty dishes. I'm going to be trying more of them, I haven't found one I wouldn't make again yet.

Highlights:
The tomato sauce that accompanies the lasagna recipe is fantastic, and really easy!
The meatloaf is the best I've eaten.

Best cookbook ever. If only I had this 8 years ago.....