Easy Cooking

Author(s): American Heart Association
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Publication Date: 2001-11-13
Pages: 288
Review: Great book, well organized with the shopping list in the intro and the meals are very good and fast. This is a very helpful book with vivid pictures. The Recipes are very easy and not to time consuming. I wish that there were more for sither a single or double portion. At any rate, it is a very good book!The recipes in this book are so delicious that it is hard to believe that they are healthier for you.This book has really great ideas, but you need to remember to watch the amount of carbs… The American Heart Association does recommend a diet that is higher in carbs…The recipes I have tried have been wonderful, and fast and easy. The Fitness Flan has become a family favorite
Price: $15.95   Buy This Book

Author(s): John A. McDougall, Mary McDougall
Publisher: Plume
Publication Date: 1999-04-01
Pages: 336
Review: The recipes in this book are simple and delicious, which is why this is, hands down, my favorite cookbook to give as a gift to friends and family who desire better health and don’t know where to start. In addition to wonderful, well-tested recipes with inexpensive, easy-to-find ingredients, every third page or so features an explanation of one aspect of nutrition, so the reader learns what wrong with cow’s milk; why oils are not healthy; foods that are filling without being fattening, and much more. Dr. McDougall’s recommendations on nutrition are based on published research, and his website offers free newsletters and an outstanding archive of past issues, all of which include the citations for those who care to know about the research upon which his recommendations are based. Like one of the other reviewers, I read “The China Study” and it changed my life and led me here. After first checking out this book at the library, I decided to purchase it. This is truly an easy Vegan cookbook with meals that can be prepared quickly and with groceries you typically have on hand. There are also some recipes which include ingredients (like Quinoa) that may help you “grow” if you are a beginner. Highly recommended addition to your cookbook library.I am a very busy mom with a very picky (meat-eating) husband. Surprisingly, we both really enjoy the recipes. The meals are simple, quick, and leave virtually no clean-up. What I love most about this cookbook is ALL the facts and tidbits McDougall includes that support eating a plant based diet. Who knew that cooking without oil and meat could be so easy and flavorful. McDougall rocks! I think Dr. McDougall has the answers to our health problems and reading all of his books, even the ones that are out of print or hard to find is so worth the effort. If you want to see your blood pressure go down, your cholesterol drop and your aches and pains go away - you’ve got nothing to lose by giving his program a try. You quickly become accustomed to a change in your diet. If you want to stay away from the doctor, get rid of your prescriptions and chuckle at the commericals for medications - you need to begin McDougalling. Life changing!I’ve known about the McDougall program for many years and have had another of their cookbooks for years and use it often. This cookbook is now a new favorite of mine. The recipes all come together quickly with (in many cases) just a few simple ingredients. Great for those nights you haven’t planned anything for dinner!
Price: $25.00   Buy This Book

Author(s): Betty Crocker Editors
Publisher: Betty Crocker
Publication Date: 2002-08-29
Pages: 432
Review: LOVE this cookbook. We have many “family favorites” from this book. I was looking for a cookbook to use after the kids left home and this was the winner of all of them that I bought. Great EASY recipes that are quick to whip up after a log workday. Easy to double for company also. The Lemon Dill Chicken is “to die for” and incredibly easy. We have given away many to workmates and family–everyone gets one!I just started cooking and looking for new and easy recipes in the last few months.

This book was exactly what I was looking for! It actually makes cooking more fun, …and easier. It really gets the creative juices flowing! I’ve already got many recipes marked that I wanna try. The recipes are simple,and can be adjusted to suit what you want. They’re actually practical, too. This is stuff people actually eat, it’s not just for looks, y’know?

Oh, and it comes in a binder-fashion cover, making it easier to look thru, since you don’t have to hold your place. Every page has some sort of little hint or tip, too. Each recipe also includes the nutritional information; calories, carbohydrates etc. There are also several pages that list foods with a shelf life, kitchen gadgets(and what they actually do), 1-step recipes, microwave solutions, a glossary of cooking terms, and time-saving cooking tips.

I especially like that I can take the basics of a recipe, and make it into what I want.

I would recommend this cookbook to beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Are you busy? Do you want to eat something other than fast food from a drive-thru? Well, this cookbook might be for you!

I picked up this book at my local library, and will be adding it to my collection. No, it is not Martha Stewart. But, included in this colorful cookbook are over 300 recipes to put dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less. Yes, the recipes do contain canned goods, frozen vegetables, and packaged side dishes. However, if you are looking for a quick meal with items from your freezer and pantry, give some recipes a try. Most of the recipes have full color photographs (a big bonus for any cookbook!), a spiral binding that easily lays flat, and information on prep time and bake time. Another thing that this book includes (which many cookbooks lack) is nutrient information including calories, fat grams, sodium, and Diet Exchanges.

Some of my family’s favorites include: Ramen Stir-Fry, Countryside Pasta Toss, Orange Teriyaki Beef with Noodles, Easy Cheesy Vegetable Soup, Key Lime Fruit Salad, and Tex Mex Pizza. Enjoy!

I really love this cookbook! There are 11 sections of recipes, including pasta/pizza, chicken/turkey, fish/seafood, vegetarian main dishes, and grilling, and most (but not all) have full color pictures on the facing pages. Each section also has a list of 10 one-step recipes or variations, such as Honey-Citrus Topping for cookies or bananas, or adding fresh raspberries, almonds, and raspberry vinaigrette dressing to a grilled chicken salad.

The ingredients lists are manageable and the steps are simple and written clearly. I have been known to run for McDonald’s when I open a cookbook with recipes that require pounding chicken to .78 inch thickness, or long lists of obscure and expensive ingredients.

The recipes provide lots of variety for our family, and they really are quick and easy to prepare. There is a nice range of healthy choices, and some indulgent options as well. Nutritional information, including calories from fat/saturated fat, is provided for each recipe per serving, in addition to Diet Exchange information (number of starches, vegetables, meats, etc.). Most of the recipes are marked for 4 servings.

The format is also user-friendly. Ingredients are listed at the top in bold, and cooking steps are clearly separated from each other, so you can quickly check directions as you go. Since the book has a 5-ring binder format, you get the benefit of having the recipe lay flat, no matter what page you’re on.

The section divider pages, which list all the recipes for that chapter, are stored in the back, away from the actual chapters and behind the index, which is rather inconvenient. Fortunately, you can move them if you like, since it’s a binder.

Also, while this book offers plenty of great family recipes that you could also use for entertaining, it’s not about the unique and gourmet.

While many other books have similar recipes to these here and there, this is the best collection I’ve found. The pictures and steps make it highly accessible to busy families, and I recommend it!
Price: $27.50   Buy This Book

Author(s): Arthur Agatston
Publisher: Rodale Books
Publication Date: 2005-10-07
Pages: 320
Review: I love this book, I think I have made every recipe in this book book was in good condition when recieved There are so many good recipes in here. Sometimes you get a cook book and there are 2 or 3 really good ones. Our whole family has liked what I made so far. I really like how they are simple, few ingredients and fast! I highly recommend, even a great for beginner cooks.I have used this cookbook to cook for my entire family and the recipes I have tried are quite good.These recipes really are quick to prepare. I like the way most of them taste, and will say these recipes are an improvement from the recipes in the original book. Being from New Orleans, my taste buds are hyper-critical and I can’t say that they are absolutely deliciously wonderful. But by eating healthy I’ve dropped 14 pounds in 3 months and only have 3 more to loose before I reach my goal and start phase 3. I use this book almost daily and I have other South Beach recipe books that I bought and use. And if I want to eat a fried shrimp poboy, dressed, with mayo and hot sauce, I know that I can, as long as I choose wisely the rest of the month!Ilove this cookbook. I use it all the time, I actually like it better than the summer foods one but they are both great. Certainly worth the money
Price: $27.95   Buy This Book

Author(s): H. Leighton Steward, Morrison Bethea, Sam Andrews, Luis A. Balart
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: 1999-10-26
Pages: 400
Review: There aren’t many good recipes in here. I realize that without sugar you naturally sacrifice some taste, but this is bad. They never offered up any good alternatives to the sweet that you’re giving up, other than artificial sweeteners. I’m not replacing a natural sugar with a chemical. I admittedly have a sweet tooth and this book was less than helpful to me.A wonderful book, in conjunction with “Sugar Busters”. I learned a lot and use the knowledge offered in this book.

For general purposes, without have diabetes, I feel this is a wonderful introduction to learning and maintaining good health, so you do not create insulin problems.

For those with diabetes, you will love how good you can feel. Just read, try, and learn …

I highly recommend this book!!!My husband lost 18 lbs following ‘The Sugar Busters’ plan within 6 weeks! However the recipes in this book are very limited, as it mainly contains the theory of the plan. Being motivated by the result, I looked for a cook book relevant to the plan and found this one. This cook book features recipes that, while healthful, savory and filling, can be prepared quickly. It contains The Glycemic Index, and the menus are divided in 3 sections, starting from breakfast, lunch and dinner with alot of recipe alternatives. I recommend this book even to those who doesn’t even concern about their weights.For anyone who needs to cut the sugar or change their lifestyle. Helpful and easy.I lost FORTY POUNDS!!!!! And, the best part is that I didn’t go hungry! This isn’t a diet, It’s a new way of eating; the right way.
Price: $24.95   Buy This Book

Author(s): Angela Wilkes
Publisher: DK CHILDREN
Publication Date: 2006-08-21
Pages: 96
Review: ths book is GREAT / easy for a child to read and follow directions

recipes are funI am an avid cook and teacher of small children. I found this cookbook an excellent addition to our cooking library and particularly love the illustrations and easy to follow directions. This cookbook has a lot of fun and easy recipes for kids. It also has great photos and step-by-step instructions. Many appealing recipes for children and adults.We all love this cook book. The photos are beautiful and recipes easy to follow. A few are difficult for younger cooks, but just looking at those recipes makes you want to grow up faster! Recipes cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts. Healthy, international recipes that kids and adults will want to make and eat. This one is a winner. I think this is the perfect cookbook for a child who has mastered the extremely basic parts of preparing food (such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches), and wants to learn more. I recommend it for any child who is mature enough to use sharp knives and cooking over heat without injuring him or herself.

The best thing about this book is that the step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. I got this book as a newly married adult because it contains many recipes which I assume are difficult, but which I am confident that I can make using this cookbook. (For example: chicken nuggets made from chicken breast pieces; and chocolate truffles). I wish I had discovered this book years ago, because I believe that with it I could have learned these recipes as a child.
Price: $9.99   Buy This Book

Author(s): Bonnie Polin Frances Giedt
Publisher: Fireside
Publication Date: 1998-11-17
Pages: 288
Review: Lots of good recipes as advertised. BUT, quick and easy….hardly. Most of the recipes call for ingredients not in my larder and require more prep time than the every day person will invest. Good I guess if you are an accomplished chef.Okay, so this is a book for people with diabetes, a condition that affects neither me nor hubby Dub, but Dub likes to eat and I like to cook and I’m a lover of all cookbooks that can take a novice, an apprentice or an experienced chef and assist her in turning out a delicious meal and this book excels in that.

As it says on the cover this book has 200 recipes for 1 to 4 people and according to Dr. Alan Jacobson the medical director of the Joslin Diabetes Center in his introduction, these are safe recipes for diabetics. That being said, they’re mighty tasty recipes too. You don’t have to be a diabetic to appreciate the meals you can whip up with this book acting as your guide.

Dub and I have had the Crustless Spinach Quiche on page 30 a number of times now. Even though Dub is fond of saying real men don’t eat quiche, he tucks right into this. We also like the Chicken Breast Stuffed with Feta Cheese and Spinach on page 126 a whole bunch. We’re Popeye lovers at hour house, we eat our spinach. And if you’re looking for a delicious desert, and it’s healthy or it wouldn’t be in this book, try the Sauteed Banana with Creme Fraiche on page 224, you’ll never look at bananas the same again.

This is a deliciously good cookbook which any chef should be proud to have in her house.

Reviewed by Captain Katie OsborneProduct was advertised as used, but looked brand new. Delivery was a bit slower than other things I’ve ordered, but beat the deadline by a couple of days.Recipes were not fast and simple like some other books, but some are interesting. Info was also presented in more detail than I was looking for. If you are “studying” diabetes to learn about it and not so much about the management of it, you will like this book. I was looking for fast info easy to prepare and get husbands diet into foods he likes. I purchased this book because I was going out with a fellow who had diabetes. Funny thing was about the time the book arrived I stopped seeing him. No sense letting a good cook book go to waste! What I discovered were delicious, easy to prepare meals that are healthy. Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but my waistline seems to be shrinking just a bit.

If you have a friend or family member who is diabetic they will love these wonderful meals. But even if you are not diabetic, and you just want to eat healthy meals that are economical, with minimal prep time, and taste good, try this cookbook.
Price: $16.00   Buy This Book

Author(s): Editors of Southern Living Magazine
Publisher: Oxmoor House
Publication Date: 2004-04-01
Pages: 400
Review: I have at least 40 cookbooks which I have acquired over the years but this is my favorite by far. I continually go back to this one for new, EASY, creative recipes which are always a hit with my family and for entertaining. The majority of the recipes have just a few ingredients and are simple to prepare…or I wouldn’t be making in the first place! I’ve now tried 4 of the recipes in this book, and they’ve turned out nicely. Pictures are good too. The one thing I have a problem with is that the prep times don’t include prep - because the ingredient list contains already prepped items, such as 1/2 c celery, chopped, or 8 oz chopped sun dried tomatoes- items which I actually have to prep, and many of them just don’t come that way. I still highly recommend this book for fast delicious recipes - just add an extra 10 minutes to the times. (The molten cakes on the cover are easy and delicious).I saw a similar cookbook while visitng a friend. It was out of print. This one is even better with great, easy & quick recipes. Every one I have tried has been a hit with my family.This is a great cookbook. My sister-in-law recommended it to me. I made a shrimp dish for my friends and they also requested a copy of this cookbook. The other day the same friend told me it’s her faviorte cookbook. The recipes are easy to understand, easy to prepare and are very tasty.I like flavor! I love to eat good food! And I am all about saving time but come on- does this mean I have to use so much tasteless processed food! Very disappointing.
Price: $34.95   Buy This Book