Betty Crocker's New Cookbook: Everything You Need to Know to Cook Today
Scoff if you must, but this is one of those rare books that has stood the test of time, and multiple successful editions. I've actually worn out my 8th edition copy, and am planning on buying a newer hardbound edition.
"Betty Crocker's New Cookbook" is a simple, easy to use, easy to read, well organized, and concisely laid out book, and it's chock full of helpful pictures and step by step instructions for cooks of all levels ... from nervous novices to hardened professionals.
Although by no means encyclopedic in its depth, it covers a surprising amount of territory in simple, easy to follow, and well-indexed detail. There are no annoying and distracting celebrity chefs that get in the way ... it's all just good old fashioned straight forward unpretentious how-to information, and it's earned a hotly contested berth in my regular rotation of culinary reference books.
Highly recommended. 5/5 Stars (Amazon), 9/10 (IBDoF)
MINOR NITS:
(1) FLIMSY SPIRAL BINDING: I was given the soft-cover ring-bound 8th edition of this book. The ring-binding and glossy pages are spill resistant, and easy to lay open on countertops and bookstands, granted ... but the result has the feel of a flimsy high-school disposable notebook. I'd have much preferred a properly stitched hardcover edition, for vastly improved durability.
(2) OVERLY CONSERVATIVE DONENESS CHARTS: The recommended temperatures in the cooking charts all err on the side of excessive safety, in deference USDA recommendations. Experienced cooks who value flavor and perfect doneness above lockstep homage to USDA regulations (and corporate fears of getting sued) can shave 5-10F off most of the listed finishing temperatures for most varieties of meat (particularly red). Modern pork, in particular, is far safer than it used to be, and is routinely overcooked by most home cooks. Let experience and additional reading be your guide.
{Review updated 2009-Feb-15}
Betty Crocker - Betty Crocker's New Cookbook - 9
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Betty Crocker - Betty Crocker's New Cookbook - 9
Last edited by Darb on Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:07 am, edited 7 times in total.