My mom gave me this book in the early 1980s when I first moved into an apartment. It became my constant kitchen-companion during those first few years on my own. Each section starts with several recipes that highlight different techniques, including clear photographs illustrating each step. Then, they follow these with more recipes using one or more of the techniques they just covered. Although I’ve since graduated to more than 2 shelves of cookbooks, and I no longer use this one on a daily basis, I still refuse to give it up (even to my stepdaughter–she has to have her own!). This one in combination with Joy of Cooking would make a fabulous “starter set” for someone wishing to learn how to make good, solid “American food.”
Rating: 5 / 5

This is an excellent cookbook for beginners. It takes you through each step to a complete meal. The meals are easy with on hand items and also has instructions for more elaborate meals, if needed for entertaining. It is out of print but is worth the search to find one.
Rating: 5 / 5

When I left home, my mother got me this book. Now, 24 years later, I am buying a used copy for my oldest daughter. This book has the best, illustrated, step by step recipes for “the basics”. Although I do not use this book for many fancy meals or items, this is still the one I come back to for biscuits, waffles, scratch mayonnaise, bernaise, hollandaise, hard boiled eggs, etc. In addition to great illustrated recipes for the standards, it has great tips for recovering from the usual mistakes. It also has a nice glossary that defines the standard “terms” of cooking (with pictures). Those of us that have been cooking for a while know the difference between cubed, diced, chopped, and minced, but this book helped me when I didn’t. I have another daughter that will be leaving home in 4 years. She will get a copy, too.
Rating: 5 / 5

I loved this book as a young woman–I learned to cook using it 25 years ago. I am now looking for a copy for my 22-year old daughter. Wish they would update it and publish it again!!
Rating: 5 / 5

I got a copy of this when I was 14, and still use it; the waffles are great. I’d recommend it for beginning cooks of any age
Rating: 5 / 5