Since editing is one of my hobbies, words are important to me. Words have meaning. When you subtitle your book “30 Minutes or Less to Dinner Every Night” then the focus of the book needs to be getting dinner on the table quickie for a busy family. The opening section should not be appetizers and snacks. You have now burned a critical portion of that 30 minutes making “gingered caramel and yogurt dip with fruit” so you only have enough time remaining to microwave those hot pockets. There’s also an equal amount of desserts at the end of the book. This lack of focus does not help this book. Then we get to the part where they provably didn’t test these recipes and keep a timer running while they did. Or they didn’t copyedit the book. Or both. There’s recipes that say “Cook Time: 10 Minutes” while their instructions include one step where, for example, the meat and vegetables are sauteed until the meat is no longer pink. Then noodles and sauce are added, the heat is turned up until the mixture is boiling, and then the whole thing is reduced to a simmer for … 10 minutes. This recipe is no less than 20 minutes cooking time, and probably closer to 25 or 30 for a normal family.

So while spending a lot of time home during the 2020 lost year and cooking at home a lot, we decided it was time to review what cookbooks were on the shelves. It was time to see if there was something we wanted to make out of these books, or if they were unjustly taking up space and energy from better books. If we couldn’t see ourselves using the books, then we determined whether or not we would want to pass these along to someone who might. Since this book is FULL OF PERFIDY AND LIES I’m not sure that I can recommend that anyone use this.

Good review of the basics.

Another really good basic for quick meals.

641.5 Cro

2.5 Stars

Didn’t find enough recipes I’d make. The meatless section was less than 40 pages out of 335 pages. Two of the recipes in the meatless section called for chicken broth and one for chicken flavored ramen. I thought that was weird. Also in the side dishes section a recipe for veggie rice and one for veggie risotto both had chicken broth.

However there is a handful of recipes I’ll be trying. Not a complete bust.

Some great ideas for family meals. I love how most recipes have a photo too!

Ok. Didn't find any recipes I wanted to try.

This is a fabulous cookbook for anyone who like simple recipes that don't take forever to throw together. The meals are easy, tasty, and only have a few ingredients. Hugely suggested for anyone who lives on their own, or anyone who's leary of the kitchen. Fabulously easy and fun!

Good ideas for easy weeknight dinners. We have a couple staples from this book.