A Book Review

As a new wife, in 1995, one of my new found roles was cook. It had never been my job before to answer the question: “What’s for dinner?” We quickly grew weary of the three dishes that I knew how to cook; chili, spaghetti, and American Chop Suey. Thankfully, I received one very practical wedding gift: the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book.

I began with the recipes that were labeled as FAST or EASY.  Soon I was making dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, Creamed Dried Beef, and Calzones. Then I branched out to other types of recipes. For breakfast, I was trying Pancakes, Waffles, and Muffins. For desserts, I was making Spice Cake, Peanut Butter Bars, and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.  This cookbook helped me to gain both confidence and skill in the kitchen.

The Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book also contains detailed information about purchasing and preparing meat, identifies close to 50 different types of pasta, and teaches you how to soak and cook dry beans. It is a manifesto for the beginning cook. I have depended on its wisdom countless times over the years.

Although the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook is not trendy or filled with fancy recipes, (it was first published in 1930 after all), it is filled with simple and frugal recipes that beginners and seasoned cooks alike can enjoy. And, it still makes a great gift for the novice cook, the newlywed, or anyone wanting to learn how to cook from scratch.