The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook Revised Edition: Featuring More Than 1,200 Kitchen-tested Recipes, 1,500 Photographs And No-nonsense Equipment And Ingredient Ratings
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| The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook Revised Edition: Featuring More Than 1,200 Kitchen-tested Recipes, 1,500 Photographs And No-nonsense Equipment And Ingredient Ratings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Repackaged to be easier to use and expanded to include a whole new chapter of healthy, light recipes, this revised edition of one of last fall's bestselling cookbooks remains the one and only basic cookbook you will ever need. Beautiful step-by-step photos illuminate every conceivable technique from chopping shallots and skinning salmon to cutting up a chicken and tying a roast. In fact, just about anything you want to do in the kitchen is explained in these pages in America's most popular test kitchen's approachable, no-nonsense voice.
These recipes will keep you busy (and your friends and family happy) for years to come, since we've included hundreds of easy weeknight dishes (like Skillet Lasagna and One-Pot Chicken and Rice), company-worthy dinners (like Beef Burgundy, Roast Leg of Lamb, and Fresh Fruit Trifle), equipment ratings, shoppings tips, and more. |
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Over time, twin enterprises Cook's Illustrated magazine and America's Test Kitchen have published many books dedicated to providing exhaustively tested recipes--"best" versions of traditional dishes plus definitive takes on kitchen equipment and ingredients. Some series readers have complained of endlessly recycled or rejiggered recipes; others take each book at face value, finding the formulas and cooking insights good and helpful. America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook, which calls itself a cookbook, cooking school, and kitchen reference in one, offers over 1,200 approachable recipes for a very wide range of dishes--from "weekday" fare like Creamy Rice Casserole, Cheesy Nachos with Spicy Beef, and Skillet Lasagna, to dressier recipes, including Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Red Wine Rosemary Sauce, Roasted Trout Stuffed with Bacon and Spinach, and Chocolate Marshmallow Mousse. There are "specialty" chapters devoted to sandwiches, drinks, and slow cooker and pressure cooker dishes; a grilling section is a tutorial in itself. Unorthodox, "better-way" approaches abound. For example, a fried chicken formula instructs the cook to wet the bird's dry coating slightly before it's applied for an extra-crunchy crust. Predictably, side bars feature equipment and ingredient evaluations, on bottled salsa, for example; "good food/bad food" photographs show readers what to aim for when producing fare like holiday cookies; and there are tips, charts, and "Cooking 101" sidebars galore. Step-by-step photos offer more direction still. Though the majority of recipes are sound and yield tempting results, readers poring through the book will note gaffes and curiosities. The recipe for poached eggs, for example, offers the option of extra cooking for "firm yolks" (hard-boiled poached eggs, anyone?) and hamburgers receive an indentation before cooking to avoid "puffy" domed burgers, a novel problem that could, in any case, be solved by proper shaping. The addition of sugar to some savory dishes--for example, a pan sauce for steak--is misguided. Readers should also know that the book, which comes in loose-leaf form, requires some assembly, and that the pages themselves are quite thin, making them vulnerable to spills and tearing in daily kitchen use. These things said, the book delivers solid, family-friendly dishes with enough fully orchestrated "how- to" to make even novice cooks feel secure when tackling the basics or more ambitious fare. What's New in the Revised Editon? In addition, new inside front and back covers provide information on emergency substitutions, roasting guidelines, equivalent measures, and more--and a "Light Recipes" chapter has been included. Without defining precisely what "light" means--fewer fats and carbs, or a combo?--the section offers attractive all-course recipes, such as turkey chili, veggie burgers, meat and cheese lasagna, and chocolate bundt cake. Some readers will welcome the "slimming" of familiar dishes while others will find some of the manipulations--using cornstarch to thicken the sauce in fettuccine alfredo or ricotta to add body to a reduced-fat pesto, for example--unappealing. The book, however, remains a valuable kitchen tool--and one with greater convenience and durability than before. --Arthur Boehm Exclusive Recipe Excerpts from The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook (Revised Edition)
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| 06-26-08 | 5 | 1\1 |
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My mom loved this cookbook when I gave it to her a couple of years ago. I recently gave it to a girlfriend and she loved it too. Now I need to get one for myself.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-09 00:33:43 EST)
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| 06-21-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is a perfect book for the person who is moving out on their own for the first time. Many cookbooks give overly complicated recipes for simple foods but don't provide the cooking temperature and times for chicken or show how to cook an artichoke. This cookbook gives the basics (a fantastic way to cook a baked potato that comes out perfect every time) as well as going into some more advanced cooking (making home made ice cream that will make your summer memorable). You won't regret buying this book unless you are Thomas Keller and I doubt he needs this book (unless he wants to cook a baked potato for himself).
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-27 00:38:59 EST)
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| 06-19-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I've had this book for the last 2 years and it literally is my cooking bible. Great product reviews and straight forward instructions. I'm a very visual person and they have great photos to show the finished product and/or how to prepare something and best of all, the food tastes amazing! I've had to disclose several recipes to friends. It is a definite must have in the everyday kitchen.
Regarding the product tiself, the book itself is pretty sturdy. I've noticed that the plastic laminate is starting to peel and my book came with several pages that were not hole punched correctly (thus several pages are misaligned). Otherwise, for a recipe book that carries 700+ pages, it's as sturdy as it can get. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-22 00:34:12 EST)
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| 06-17-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Aside from the fact that this is one hefty book and two hands are needed to lug it around by everyone except Iron Man and the Hulk, this book serves just about every purpose for cooks of every caliber. There are recipes for everyday family meals as well as upscale dishes for the more educated palate.
What I especially like are the detailed instructions with accompanying photos to help us with techniques that are unfamiliar to us. Add to that the substitution list and the measurement conversion chart (I could have used this during my four years in Hong Kong.), high altitude instructions, and menu planning. I was looking for a cookbook to give as a graduation gift, along with a copy of 50 Ways to Leave Your Mother, a humorous advice book for grown kids moving out on their own, and the cookbook had to have lots of instructions for the novice cook. This book has all of that and will work nicely for my gift-giving needs. I do have a word of caution for those thinking of giving this book to a first-time cook. Think twice before handing over a copy to the guy whose culinary specialties are ramen noodles and those filled pockets of melted cheese and who knows what else. (The book would just end up being a side table on which to set their beer cans.) On the other hand, it would be perfect for the novice cook who watches the Food Network religiously, cuts recipes out of magazines, and likes to cook for others; someone who will appreciate all the trial and error that went in to creating some very good recipes and a very complete cookbook. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-20 00:34:25 EST)
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| 05-28-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I love this cookbook. It has recipes for almost anything I would ever want to cook! I will definitely be giving them as gifts to new brides. My Betty Crocker cookbook used to be my "go to" cookbook, but not any more. I love that the recipes are so detailed that a novice who can follow directions is assured of success. I like the explanations about the various ingredients that were tested and why decisions were made. I have never tried a recipe from this book and had a failure. I also like the product and equipment testing and recommendations. If someone twisted my arm and said I had to find one thing I didn't like, it would be that I had to insert the section dividers myself, a job I found tedious. Sorry, but I can't find any other fault with this cookbook. The recipes are accurate and easy to understand and they always come out as expected. No surprises. What more could you want in a cookbook?
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-18 00:34:05 EST)
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| 05-26-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I bought this book for my daughter. She and I both think it is nicely presented with good information. We both like the photos, especially the instruction photos for procedures. We like that the authors insert their own reviews of various products, in appropriate places (although occasionaly they seemed overly biased...with some things there is no "better or worse", only "different"). I gave only 4 stars because I don't know how well the binder might hold up over time. It does not appear to be sturdy enough for a book this size. I will probably put a protective cover on it to extend its life.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-29 00:35:12 EST)
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| 05-20-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I have purchased and given five of these cookbooks. My copy is well used and I have heard good reports from those I have given it to. Every recipe turns out great and the detailed instructions and photos are so helpful. They test each recipe many times until satisfied with the results. Sometimes they change the technique and do not use the conventional preparation procedure. I try recipes out of this book with great confidence and highly recommend it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-27 00:34:17 EST)
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| 05-13-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Unlike many of the cookbooks I have purchased, this one has been THOROUGHLY researched . The recipes are only finalized after many different methods and ingredients have been tested. The book has dozens of useful tips. I now cook almost exclusively using this wonderful book. You can't go wrong buying this book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-21 00:35:25 EST)
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| 04-28-08 | 1 | 1\3 |
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I purchased the ATK Family Cookbook but found that I was automatically enrolled in their ATK book club and was given no opportunity to opt out this book mailing progam. I started receiving unordered and unwanted ATK books in the mail and billed for same. Involuntarily enrolling customers in their ATK book club seems like a rather shady practice for a supposedly reputable testing lab.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-14 00:34:55 EST)
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| 04-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I received this as a gift for Christmas and it turned out to be one of the best gifts I received! We've used it multiple times since and have always been more than pleased with the results.
In terms of construction, the cookbook is very well constructed. It is a 3-ring binder format with glossy pages, real life pictures and a clear and concise lay-out. The authors have also added in useful tidbits here and there about products (much like they do in Cook's Illustrated). For example, they have a little section about the best peanut butter to buy..or the best olive oil. The recipes themselves are very easy to follow and not too fussy (I've found some of the Cook's Illustrated recipes to be fussy but I don't feel the same way about these). The authors provide thorough descriptions for each recipe and they also do a good job of explaining why they are making certain recommendations. Thus far, I've tried making the lemon meringue pie, the key lime pie, the apple pie (I like pies!), the steak and chicken fajitas, pizza with chopped tomato pizza sauce, chicken and broccoli penne, the stuffed shells and the hashed browns. All were terrific! I highly recommend this as your go-to all-purpose cookbook. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-28 02:19:58 EST)
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| 04-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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My husband and I received this as a gift for Christmas and it turned out to be one of the best gifts we received! We've used it multiple times since and have always been more than pleased with the results.
In terms of construction, the cookbook is very well constructed. It is a 3-ring binder format with glossy pages, real life pictures and a clear and concise lay-out. The authors have also added in useful tidbits here and there about products (much like they do in Cook's Illustrated). For example, they have a little section about the best peanut butter to buy..or the best olive oil. The recipes themselves are very easy to follow and not too fussy (I've found some of the Cook's Illustrated recipes to be fussy but I don't feel the same way about these). The authors provide thorough descriptions for each recipe and they also do a good job of explaining why they are making certain recommendations. Thus far, my husband and I have tried making the lemon meringue pie, the key lime pie, the apple pie (I like pies!), the steak and chicken fajitas, pizza with chopped tomato pizza sauce, chicken and broccoli penne and the stuffed shells. All were terrific! I highly recommend this as your go-to all-purpose cookbook! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-19 04:13:37 EST)
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| 04-16-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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"I received this as a gift and I absolutely love it. Comprehensive is a good word. So many great recipes, with detailed instructions and many of which have photos to go along. One of my favorite features is how they explain why they do things a certain way, for example: how they cream the sugar and butter for a cake differently than most recipes call for. The recipes in it taste wonderful, and their are so many tips along the way. I have dozens of cookbooks, but this is the one that I always go to first. In the front of the book, there is a list of kitchen tool essentials, their use and America's Test Kitchen favorite brands, with the price, which is nice. It is a wonderful tool for any cook. It's like 5 great cookbooks in one, for 1/5 of the price. Great gift, but get one for yourself too!"
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-19 04:13:37 EST)
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| 04-11-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Yum! It has great, super easy recipes to follow!
I have yet to find one that I dislike :) I got a copy for my mom as well, and she loves it!! Only problem...I wish there wre more pictures...I like very visual things... However, overall, it's great! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-17 22:45:37 EST)
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| 04-03-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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THE RECIPES IN THE AMERICAS TEST KITCHEN FAMILY COOKBOOK ARE NOT THE SAME AS FOR EXAMPLE AMERICAS TEST KITCHEN LIVE. THE PASTA E FAGIOLI RECIPE IN 2005 ATK LIVE IS FABULOUS BUT IN THE ATK FAMILY THEY DO NOT HAVE THE SAME INGREDIENTS, WHICH MAKES ME BELIEVE THE END PRODUCT WILL NOT BE THE SAME. EVERY RECIPE I COOK FROM ANY OF ATK INDIVIDUAL COOKBOOKS TURN OUT FABULOUS. I AM ALITTLE DISAPPOINTED IN THE ATK FAMILY COOKBOOK.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-11 22:12:21 EST)
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| 04-02-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook Revised Edition: Featuring More Than 1,200 Kitchen-tested Recipes, 1,500 Photographs And No-nonsense Equipment And Ingredient Ratings
I've been cooking and collecting cookbooks and recipes all my life, so it was embarrassing to discover that most of what I have always done could be improved. Cooking 'from scratch' using this book, I haven't had a single result that was less than great. Many were total revelations of what a dish COULD taste like, instead of what I'd become used to. Several dishes are superior to those I've tasted in restaurants worldwide. My enthusiasm has convinced friends to try it, and now they're raving about it to others. I've taken over half my cookbooks off the shelf, in favor of this one. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-11 22:12:21 EST)
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| 03-26-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is the best cookbook ever. I've made over 40 recipes so far and pretty much everyone of them was the best versions I've ever had. You will learn so much. My family thinks I'm the greatest cook now. It is a wonder reference book as well, before I make anything I check the book first, even simple things like making a hard boiled egg. This book is for real family cooks, there's even a recipe for Chile Mac. This book would make a great wedding gift for any young couple.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-02 18:30:17 EST)
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| 03-11-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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When I first received this cookbook, I was disappointed. Who wants a cookbook with recipes for regular 'ol stew, rice pilaf, and tomato sauce? At first glance, I was very unimpressed. This was until I tested some of the recipes. After trying the recipe for rice pilaf, I haven't bothered putting this book back on the shelf.
We all learn certain ways of cooking things, either from our parents or trial and error. Well, this book teaches you how to make your simple, everyday dishes the best they can be. This book has taught be how to be enamored with a chocolate chip cookie recipe! I thought I had outgrown chocolate chip cookies years ago and had long replaced them with fancy dried cherry/almond/oatmeal combinations. But with the recipe found in this cookbook, chocolate chip cookies no longer taste dry or boring. The "secret" addition of melted butter makes them rich and wonderful! I haven't made instant rice in months. Now that I can make REAL rice taste awesome from the instructions in this books (something I couldn't do before), instead of settling for the mediocre instant rice-- I reach for the real rice every time. So many cookbooks focus on "special" recipes to liven up your kitchen. Well, I have found special recipes often do not teach us the basics of kitchen knowledge. These cookbooks also do not get used everyday. Because this cookbook teaches us the basics and also offers good, everyday, simple recipes, it has become a staple "go to" book in my kitchen. This cookbook also come with a handy substitutions guide, a conversion chart and food combination suggestions. The only problem I had with the book is it is packaged in a 3 ring binder format. You have to put in the tabs. This is a bit annoying, and a poor design format as I don't intend on adding anything to the cookbook and there isn't room for extra anyway. But this is a small price to pay for such a indispensable tool in my kitchen. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-26 15:02:36 EST)
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| 03-10-08 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This cookbook is unbelievable. It is so informative but the recipes are wonderful. I have tried about 10 so far and they have all been very good. The Chicken Enchiladas recipe is by far the best enchiladas I have ever eaten - that is including enchiladas that I have eaten in restaurants. I usually by cookbooks, look at them for their pictures and never cook a thing out of them. Nothing ever interests me - so I really have stopped buying them until a friend recommended America's Test Kitchen. We get Cooks Magazine so I knew what to expect - well sort of . This book is very different. What a great teaching tool. This book will be my standard wedding gift for the future. This book reminds me of the Joy of Cooking but with so much more. It is the Joy of Cooking for today's cook. Thank you.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-26 15:02:36 EST)
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| 03-09-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I bought this cookbook as a result of flipping through it at the library and coming across the curried cauliflower recipe. I made that and it was absolutely delish. After that, I tried several other recipes and here's what I found: every recipe yields a delicious dish as long as you do not waver from the ingredients and measurements. If you are willing to shop for all necessary ingredients, mince onions as opposed to chopping them, and make bread crumbs from scratch as recommended, you will not be disappointed. As I write this, I am on my second helping of butternut squash & sage risotto cooked in the pressure cooker. Many of the recipes require a lot of assembly, pots, pans, measuring equipment, etc. For that reason, I usually only use this cookbook on the weekends when I have plenty of time. And then I have delicious leftovers all week long as a result of the time investment.
This is one of the few cookbooks I own where tasty results are just about 100% guaranteed. But definitely not a "school night" cookbook. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-12 15:39:42 EST)
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| 03-02-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Easy to use & well set up, a number of favorite recipes, that work well and are easier to make, extra crunchy fried chicken,cake like corn bread, focaccia.This would make a good wedding gift that keeps on giving over the years.Instructions are simple,tasty,and fun the results are gratifing.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-10 11:03:37 EST)
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| 03-01-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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I have tried several of these recipes and I'm just not that impressed. The recipes lack flavor and can be very high in calories (though they state no nutritional information in this book). If you are looking for a standard book like this, I would suggest Betty Crocker over this cookbook.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-10 11:03:37 EST)
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| 02-28-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This has to be one of the best cookbooks I have ever had the opportunity to create amazing meals from. My cocktail books aren't even this fun!! My boyfriend and I have been cooking from it at least once a week, if not more, for over two months and, I am happy to report, have grown closer because of it. The book encourages cooperation amongst all family members because it has soooo many good things, everyone has to sit down together and discuss the wonderment that is going to be breakfast, lunch, or dinner for that day. We made some chili, cornbread, and banana bread this last weekend and can't wait for this coming weekend to try something new!!!
I encourage all who come across this book to pick it up, take it home (or buy it online) and start cooking right away. The book gives so much and asks little in return. This will be the best cookbook you will ever have. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-02 18:06:54 EST)
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| 02-19-08 | 5 | 3\3 |
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This is a top cookbook for serious home cooks who have to turn out something every evening. The work is an emanation of the America's Test Kitchen TV show (PBS) where Christopher Kimball and his staff consistently turn out the best methods for preparing popular recipes. It's, by far, the best cooking show on television.
The book itself lies nicely, being a notebook-type binding. And there are LOTS of recipes in here that you will make over and over. I check this book out at my local library quite often and make two or three of the recipes over the course of a week and then return it. I've written some of them down that are "keepers" (I have a high standard for such recipes!) If you only had 3 or 4 cookbooks on the shelf, this should be one of them. A fine effort. See my Listmania list: Cookbooks for People Who Actually Cook. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-01 07:08:17 EST)
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| 02-18-08 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This cookbook is by far and away the most-used cookbook in our "stash". The recipes are instructional and give you reasons and descriptions for following the steps as instructed. The product reviews are helpful and have led us to many great products (sometimes even money-saving finds!). This would make a great gift for anyone starting out on their own, or as a wedding present! It is my go-to cookbook and I recommend it to everyone- even if you already own 20 others!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-01 07:08:17 EST)
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| 02-08-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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A wonderful book - one you could, if your a cookbook lover like I am, pick up and read like a good book! Love the fact all the recipes are tested till they're perfect. I am buying another one for a shower gift!
I truly think this is going to be my favorite, most-used cookbook! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-18 23:14:27 EST)
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| 02-03-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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this is just the greatest cookbook. I find myself looking up things I have made forever (pancakes, sweet potatoes, risotto, sauteed fish) just to see their way of doing it. It's always simpler and it's always better.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-09 11:08:32 EST)
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| 02-01-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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The only cookbook you need! We use ours nearly everyday and have given it as gifts. We love it!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-03 23:49:24 EST)
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| 01-30-08 | 1 | (NA) |
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"America's Test Kitchen," "Cooks Illustrated," "Cooks Country" and everything affiliated with it is a SCAM. They will take your money, nicke-and-dime you to death, then refuse to provide customer service. They claim to have a customer service line open during normal business hours, however, no matter when you call, you will be directed to leave a detailed message, and no one will ever call you back. Beware these greedy culinarians. Once they have your credit card number, you will never see hide or hair of them again.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-02 08:30:23 EST)
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| 01-29-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I LOVE this cookbook. Easy to use, makes real, down-home dishes and as my title indicates, not too many one-off ingredients. Most of the spices I already have and are the basics, or if I had to buy new, I would find use for it in other recipes in the book. I have my fair share of cook books with recipes that require me to buy that one ingredient that would only be used for that one dish, which I just hated. Highly recommend.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-02 08:30:23 EST)
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| 01-26-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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[[ASIN:193361501X The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook Revised Edition: Featuring More Than 1,200 Kitchen-tested Recipes, 1,500 Photographs And No-nonsense Equipment And Ingredient Ratings]
I am 60 years old, and have a ton of cookbooks. I am also a good cook. When my best friend, my age, great cook, told me about this book I thought, oh, another cookbook! I went to a local bookstore and leafed through the book quickly, and decided it was too basic for me. BUT, because of who recommended it to me, I looked it up on Amazon, where I buy almost all my books, and decided to order it. Outstanding! GREAT TIPS,AND SHORTCUTS, I would not have thought of. Great recipies with new ideas.Beautifully illistrated and good catagorizing. I recommend it, as an Italian American ,who cooks half and half of each type of food. Who's best friend is a Bohemian American and cooks the same way. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-30 12:57:26 EST)
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| 01-25-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I got this cookbook for my birthday and liked it so much I bought 2 for friends as Christmas gifts. It is a great cookbook because it not only has the family favorites but they give you information on why they use the ingrdents or steps that they do. It is very informative. You will learn a lot about recipes and about equipment they have tested and recommend. This cookbook is a must!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-30 12:57:26 EST)
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| 01-21-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I love this cookbook, it is easy to follow and they use everyday ingredients. I own over 60 cookbooks and this is one of my favorite.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-26 08:04:37 EST)
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| 01-21-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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even though I have a fairly extensive cookbook collection, I always seem to reach for this one! It's as comprehensive as Joy of Cooking (except it doesn't cover squirrel...) but has a gourmet flair. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-26 08:04:37 EST)
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| 01-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I bought this cookbook for a friend as a gift. After browsing through it, I decided to buy it for myself. I liked the idea that all the recipes were tested and tried, and along with the recipes there were recommendations for various products which had been tried by the testers.
I highly recommend this book for anyone...from the beginner cook to the gourment.. it has everything. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-22 07:20:13 EST)
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| 01-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Love this book. Can't say enough. It has alot of learning as well as recipes. I take it when I have my pedicure just to read. Really enjoy it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-22 07:20:13 EST)
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| 01-17-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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this book has solid, wonderful recipes and so many helpful hints and techniques which are perfect for a beginner cook like myself. i previously relied heavily on online recipes with reviews so i'd know which were tasty and what kind of changes to make. with this cookbook, though, i won't need to do that anymore. this has a ton of really great, basic recipes, which is exactly what i was looking for. it's self-described as using "no-nonsense ingredients" which is great because i don't want to have to hit up a specialty store every time i try a recipe nor am i trying to create fancy meals made with obscure ingredients and combinations. i love that there are so many tips and suggestions and explanations about why they used certain ingredients and cooking techniques. it's extremely informative and it's given me a lot of confidence to not only cook but even shop for lots of ingredients i have never used. there are a lot of handy charts and reference guides about how to prepare and buy vegetables, fish, meats, etc. everything is broken down in detail with clear and easy to follow step by step instructions and lots of pictures so you can see what they're talking about. the other aspect i appreciate is that it teaches you how to make a lot of commonly used ingredients from scratch (stock, mayonnaise, dressings) but also has recommendations on which products to buy if you're in a pinch for time. i like to cook from scratch as much as possible because it tastes better and i don't have to worry about scary chemical additives. it is also massive and i was shocked to see how many different sections were included: sauces/condiments, fruit desserts, pies, cakes, cookies, poultry, meats, grilling, appetizers, salads, breads, sandwiches, slow cooker/pressure cooker, even light recipes (low fat, low cal). the only complaint is that one of the binder rings are uneven and sometimes my pages get stuck. i've noticed a lot of complaints about the production so i purchased mine at the bookstore so i could return it easily if i had problems. do note that amazon probably has the best price - it's nearly $10 off the cover price and the big book store chains sell it at regular retail value. this is the most wonderful cookbook i've ever come across and can't wait to keep cooking through it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-22 07:20:13 EST)
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| 01-13-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is a great resource for any kitchen. I've given one as a gift, and will buy one for the cottage. Lot's of good basic recipes, and they turn out! I haven't been disappointed by one of these folks' recipes yet. Easy to follow directions.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-17 23:01:38 EST)
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| 01-12-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I purchased this cookbook for myself, as I thoroughly enjoy the recipe's from PBS's America's Test Kitchen television show. It is an exceedingly comprehensive cookbook and contains hundreds of recipes, as well as kitchen equipment ratings. As a result of the recommendations provided in the book, I have purchased a number of the recommended products (i.e. measuring cups and spoons) and couldn't be happier with them. If I were to have only two cookbooks, this would be one of them (the other would be a church cookbook that I got from my grandmother). I gave this exact cookbook as a Christmas gift to three of my friends-that's how excellent it is. It is a very good investment, particularly as a gift for a new graduate or newly married couple or, in my case, as a gift for valued friends.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-17 23:01:38 EST)
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| 01-08-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook is excellent. All the recipes we have tried so far were really good. The tips and tecniques are right on the money.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-13 09:22:35 EST)
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| 01-01-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I love this cookbook!! Its my favorite so much so that it's what I gave as gifts!!! I love America's Test Kitcken, so much info...Thank You
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-08 02:59:34 EST)
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| 12-28-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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This cookbook was recommended by a friend who got me started watching the Americas Test Kitchen TV show. It is probably the easiest and most informative cookbook I have ever had. It gives detailed directions and usually has additional tips for turning out the best products. Recommends the best products to use as well as the best utensils. The food has turned out great. I purchased one for all my kids that have just recently moved out on there own and even added my own chapter of family favorites. The book is ring bound and it made adding my own family recipes easy. Better than the Betty Crocker by far. A must for anyone who cooks or needs to learn. Simple to follow. Simply the best!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-01 18:49:12 EST)
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| 12-26-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is my all-time favorite cookbook (I own more than 50!). I have had mine for over 2 years. I just ordered 5 more for Christmas gifts for my adult children. I like the product(ingredient and utensil)reviews and the recipes are very easy to follow. This newer book has much sturdier pages than mine does.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-28 13:10:24 EST)
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| 12-23-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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The modern version of our parents Betty Crocker cookbook, America's test kitchen does a fantastic job of updating traditional recipes to the tastes of younger generations, and presenting comparative reviews of various techniques and ingredients in an intelligent and amusing way. highly recommended for the lay cook.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-27 07:41:50 EST)
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| 12-20-07 | 2 | (NA) |
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After subscribing to Cooks Illustrated magazine for a few years, I was at first, happy to find this cookbook. While it does have interesting tips, I find most of the recipes to be frankly, Peoria boring. In general the recipes lack interest and flavor. If you are looking to replace mom's Betty Crocker cookbook you may be happy with it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-24 16:54:15 EST)
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| 12-11-07 | 1 | 0\7 |
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My favorite cooking show is America's Test Kitchen on my local public station. I checked this book out of the library and decided I wanted my own copy. I love the testing that goes into each recipe and also their ingredient and product reviews. I've made the meatloaf several times already and cooking the onions separately really makes a difference. Their recipe is replacing my mother's recipe which I have made for over 30 years. The beef burgundy recipe is also wonderful...it fills the house with the most delicious aromas. You might say this is my go to cookbook right now even though I have a sizable collection. I would recommend this one for anyone, beginner to experienced.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-21 19:59:48 EST)
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| 12-09-07 | 3 | 1\1 |
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I was somewhat disappointed with this cookbook.
NEGATIVE: 1. Some of the recipes have really strange measurements (e.g. the mashed potatoes have so much butter and half-and-half in them that they turn to soup), and many recipes just taste unpleasant. 2. The arrogant tone of the notes and explanations is annoying("All testers agreed that our devil food cake ist the best they've ever had"). 3. Some of the tip are very discouraging to inexperienced cooks or they simply do not reflect my experience (e.g. the book claims that using storebought bread crumbs always leads to untasty food, but this need not be the case). 4. The index in the back is confusing and difficult to use. POSITIVE: 1. The tips on purchasing equipment are probably helpful for people who do not yet have a lot of kitchen gadgets and supplies. 2. The three-ring binder is very sturdy. 3. The New York Cheesecake recipe alone justifies the purchase price of this book. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 10:52:56 EST)
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| 12-02-07 | 4 | 1\1 |
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I really like this as a good, all-purpose cookbook. If I don't know how to make something, this is always a good place to start.
The only thing I don't like is how thin the pages are. Since it's in a 3-ring binder and the pages are thin, I've ripped a number of pages right out. I know this is easy to fix with a piece of tape and a hole punch, but it's a little bit annoying. Other than that - an excellent book! (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 10:52:56 EST)
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| 11-12-07 | 5 | 0\1 |
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An outstanding purchase for families in a hurry!
Clear and precise information and some amazing information for substituting one type of vegetable, oil or meat for another to allow for individual tastes and requirements. Highly recommend this book and the price is unbeatable! (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 10:52:56 EST)
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| 11-06-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This cookbook is filled with tons of pictures (1,500 according to the book), which I find helpful to know what the finished product should look like.
The book reviews food products, and tells you what is voted most popular, flavorful, and desired by the american population. A wonderful book to give as a gift. Lots of easy and tasty recipes for the entire family. You'll find it will influence what you choose to purchase at the grocery store. I always knew Hellman's mayonnaise was the best! (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 10:52:56 EST)
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| 11-05-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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Even though I consider myself a good cook, I was amazed at the new cooking techniques I learned with this cookbook. It all started when my 16-year-old son received this as a Christmas gift two years ago. The book has sat on the counter since then and it is probably used at least 2-3 times per week. My entire family now has this cookbook. I even gave one to a new bride/groom and they were not cooks at all. They really like the basics of this cookbook. I don't need fancy. I want the basic meals to turn out the best they can. I love that it explains why you use certain techniques. Absolutely a must in every kitchen.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 10:52:56 EST)
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