Cooking by the Books

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Cooking by the Books
By: Karen A. Spencer- Food Information Consultant

The current recession has forced many people to change their dining habits to include more home cooked meals. Those who are already comfortable moving about the kitchen, will just do more of it; but what about the people at the pre cooking 101 level? How should they approach the kitchen? Pre-101ers should approach the kitchen carefully, with a cookbook in hand.

What It Is & What It Can Do
Cookbooks are more than a selection of recipes compiled into a book. Cookbooks can provide insight into another culture or time period; educate you on ingredients and cooking methods; the recipes can help you develop your own creative cooking juices. With the right selections, you can move from burning water to preparing meals to wow your family and friends.

How To Select A Cookbook
Remember a cookbook like other books start with an idea and has an author and publisher. Here are a few things to consider before buying a cookbook.

Is the cookbook on my cooking level and interest?
Buying a cookbook beyond your cooking level and interest will likely sit on the shelf and gather dust.

Are the recipes written clearly?
Not all cooking instructions are clear. Some omissions are easier to figure out than others, it is important to know this before you buy it.

Are the ingredients readily available?
If not, did the author offer substitutes for hard to find ingredients?

Don’t judge the book by its cover.
The more you spend does not mean the more you’ll get. There are many excellent cookbooks that are inexpensive and packaged very simply; you may be pleasantly surprised when you crack the cover.

Look for recommendations.
Ask friends and family for cookbook suggestions. Find out why they liked the book and if the recipes worked. There are online bookstores that have a book review section which may be helpful in making a decision.

Whether you are a pre 101er or an experienced cook, the goal is to get cooking without collecting a lot of dust bunnies.