I have had this cookbook seemingly forever. I stole, er borrowed, um obtained this book from my Grandma's cookbook collection years ago. It is packed full of recipes so I flip through it frequently. Most are at (or only slightly above) my cooking ability - I mean, how difficult can you get with only four ingredients?
I love that most of the ingredients that the book calls for are typical pantry fare. I immediately throw a recipe out if it has an ingredient I can't pronounce or wouldn't know where to find (and more importantly, wouldn't ever use again). And because the recipes are limited to four ingredients, they are relatively inexpensive (sometimes downright cheap)! In this day and age, that's a big plus!
The biggest drawbacks are that there are no photos (as I've said before... not sure why I am so hung up on photos, since my meals never look as good as the polished studio confections anyway!) and that the book is a compilation of three separate cookbooks. For example, if you are looking for main dishes, you have to look in three different spots. While that's a bit frustrating at times, the value in this book is definitely worth it!
I can't wait to get back to cooking and try out some recipes in this book that I've never made before. Between Price Chopper and HyVee this weekend I found boneless skinless chicken breasts. ground beef, chicken leg quarters and pork chops all at good prices - so my fridge (soon to be freezer) is packed with meaty goodness just begging to be baked, broiled or sauteed!
I love that most of the ingredients that the book calls for are typical pantry fare. I immediately throw a recipe out if it has an ingredient I can't pronounce or wouldn't know where to find (and more importantly, wouldn't ever use again). And because the recipes are limited to four ingredients, they are relatively inexpensive (sometimes downright cheap)! In this day and age, that's a big plus!
The biggest drawbacks are that there are no photos (as I've said before... not sure why I am so hung up on photos, since my meals never look as good as the polished studio confections anyway!) and that the book is a compilation of three separate cookbooks. For example, if you are looking for main dishes, you have to look in three different spots. While that's a bit frustrating at times, the value in this book is definitely worth it!
I can't wait to get back to cooking and try out some recipes in this book that I've never made before. Between Price Chopper and HyVee this weekend I found boneless skinless chicken breasts. ground beef, chicken leg quarters and pork chops all at good prices - so my fridge (soon to be freezer) is packed with meaty goodness just begging to be baked, broiled or sauteed!
I'll have to check this book out. Like you, I dislike recipes that have uncommon (for me) ingredients. I also need pictures, but can overlook that if the recipes are really great. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful... I actually "borrowed" it from my Grandma before I really started cooking because it's got simple but delicious recipes that use normal ingredients. I forgot to mention in my post that the third of the three included cookbooks is a light one, so recipes are even healthy (and only 4 ingredients - and simple to make... what more could a gal ask for?)!!! I am getting ready to post a great Soy Sauce Chicken recipe from the book in the morning; you'll have to check it out!
ReplyDelete4 ingredient recipes sound pretty good to me. I may have to find that book, although I don't need more cookbooks. I'm bad about using the ones I have.
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend this book above any others - especially in these tough economic times. Who doesn't love to save time AND money? :)
ReplyDeleteWounderline Smith March 5, 2012, North Carolina
ReplyDeleteThis is a good cook book. I brought this book at school. Every working and no-working woman needs this in her kitchen. I gave one to a young lady as a wedding gift and she was delighted.