Every kitchen needs a good reference cookbook. Something that has thousands of recipes, tips and techniques. Which is exactly what New York Times columnist and author Mark Bittman’s new cookbook How To Cook Everything Fast is. What I love about this book is that it is perfect for the modern home cook, but who is the modern home cook? I think of it as someone like me, who wants fast, fresh and healthy recipes but isn’t afraid to experiment with exotic flavours and dishes as long as they aren’t too intimidating. This cookbook is filled with trendy recipes (a recipe for Fast Pho, anyone?) but it still has those homey classics like tomato sauce and beef stew. The way the recipes are written are exactly how I cook, which means prepping the ingredients as I go. I never have my mise-en-place ready to go before I start cooking. I mean really, does anyone have time for that? You can see in the photo above that the “prep” steps are coloured in blue directly under the other steps. I think that this is a great way for someone to learn how to cook efficiently for their family.
I started out by making three different recipes from the book, Roasted Salmon with Potato Crust (pictured above), Loaded Muesli and the No-bake Fruit and Cereal Bars (pictured below). All the recipes were huge winners in my house. However as much as the book is packed with recipes, it is also filled with tips. Everything from how to setup your kitchen for speed, to prep shortcuts for veggie chopping. There is also a detailed page on how to read and understand the recipes, which would be really helpful for someone who is just starting to get their feet wet in the kitchen.
And as an early Christmas gift for you guys, I have a giveaway! One lucky reader will win their very own copy of How To Cook Everything Fast! Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. The giveaway is open to resident’s of Canada eighteen (18) and over.
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Disclaimer: I was provided me with a copy of How To Cook Everything Fast for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.
Asiya @ Chocolate & Chillies
Alicia