I liked to look at the pictures, but to me, the meals seemed "Real Simple"- for Martha Stewart. A lot of the recipes used ingredients that I didn't have, and if I bought them, I wouldn't use them much.
Presentation & photographs: 1 page clear recipes w/ large clear appetizing photographs. Preparation time, total time, & servings. "The next time try".... was interesting as well were the tips.
Sections: One-Pot Meals; No-Shop Meals; 30-Minute Meals; No-Cook Meals; Freezer Meals; short-cut Meals; Reliable Sides; and recipe & Tip Index.
Grilled shrimp tacos; Panzanella (day old bread salad); Soy marinated London broil (Tip cut meat at a slant for tenderness); Steamed halibut & asparagus in parchment; Scallop & corn chowder; or Shrimp w/ arugula & couscous.
So I am not going to even try: Minted peas, Creamy Parmesan polenta; Ham & cheese waffle sandwiches; French fry pie; Shrimp, watermelon & avocado salad; Sweet pea & mint soup; Not-so-sloppy Joes (no cinnamon in my meat); Crispy leftover pasta; or Saucy eggs.
I may not add this to my collection, but I will happily borrow it from the Library!
A very organized organization book. Some info is completely obvious. I didn't really get any new ideas. Nice pictures. I don't know why the picture is of meals made easy, this is the real simple organized home book.
I bought this book in my 20s, as someone who enjoys food but didn’t (and still doesn’t) identify with ‘foodie’ culture. I’m into plant-based comfort food and keeping it simple but (ideally) sublime.
The lasting value of this cookbook is less about distinctive meals and more about celebrating the approach of simple-but-delicious. It’s more of a look at the value of putting together something with modest ingredients and thoroughly enjoying it. Which is how normal mealtime is probably most honestly approached, in terms of time, money and flavour.
The ideas can be adapted to vegetarian or vegan eating.
The BEST cookbook I own!!!! I would recommend this cookbook to everyone, I have bought it as a gift for other people because I think it has easy-to-follow recipes that are exceptionally delicious. My favorit is the fish, potatoes and tarragon cooked in parchment paper, after following the recipe from the book, I went on to make it using different fishes and different vegetables, it was always a hit.
This is one of my cooking bibles. Taken from the "simple meals" mentioned in their fantastic magazine, Real Simple editors put together their best, and easiest recipes. Many of them take 3 or 4 ingredients and are fantastic. Some of my faves include the Parmesan Risotto, Roast Chicken with Olives and Thyme, Corn and Goat Cheese Omelets, Salsa Quesadillas and Crisp Leftover Pasta.
The "short cut" meals are THE BEST. Many of the ingredients are from leftovers as in the Chicken PotPie, Inside Out Spring Rolls and Meatball Heros. The Last Minute Lasagna is one that I've used for years and is the quickest and easiest thing to make for a quick winter "dinner party".
Quite a few of these recipes are also "no-cook" making a quick meal, easy and delicious such as the amazing Chicken Salad with Peaches and Blue Cheese, Panzanella and the fantastic Gazpacho (a summer favorite). They also have suggestions for one pot meals, and meals that you can freeze such as Butternut Squash Soup (yum) and Macaroni and Cheese (I make this at least once a week.).
If you're single, a couple, or a family you will benefit from these recipes. I highly recommend.