Best cookbook for learning how to cook and how to cook for kids?

[jess_g]

I realy need some help here. I can make some basic things but I want to start cooking more. I have a wonderfull cookbook that actualy teaches how to cook instead of just listing receipes. The problem is that the cookbook is written for the new college student. Does anyone have a recemendation for a good starting out type cookbook for a mom cooking for her kids? I realy just need soemthing that will get me started in the right direction.

Thanks, Jessica.

[daisymommy]

There is a book similar to what you are talking about, that is for anybody/everybody. How to Cook without a Book--Pam Anderson.

Here are the cookbooks I bought when DH and I were first married, and I only knew how to make toast :) They are "family" cookbooks, so they would be fine for what you need. Lots of hand holding and easy basic recipes in these.

Stage #1--Clueless in the Kitchen Books
Rosemary Brown's Big Kitchen Instruction Book

Kitchen Survival Guide by Laura Brody

Now You're Cooking. Everything a Beginner Needs to Know to Start Cooking Today--Elaine Corn

Saving Dinner Basics: How to Cook even if you don't know how--Leanne Ely



Stage #2--Ready to move along and cook more
Southern Living Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites

Desperation Dinners--Beverley Mills and Alicia Ross

Cheap Fast Good--Mills and Ross

The Mom's Guide to Meal Makeovers--Bissex, Weiss, & Coyle

[minnie-zb]

I really like the Six O'Clock Scramble books by Aviva Goldfarb:

http://www.amazon.com/Six-OClock-Scramble-Delicious-Families/dp/031233642X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1299775163&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/SOS-OClock-Scramble-Rescue-Earth-Friendly/dp/0312578113/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1299775163&sr=8-2

I'd start with her first book. She tries to keep things easy and family friendly. She tests her recipes and they are good.

[infomama]

Mark Bittman...How to Cook Everything. http://www.amazon.com/Cook-Everything-Completely-Revised-Anniversary/dp/0764578650/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

[jenfromnj]

Mark Bittman...How to Cook Everything. http://www.amazon.com/Cook-Everything-Completely-Revised-Anniversary/dp/0764578650/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

I was going to suggest this one as well--it's basic, but is great to learn how to cook the basics, and many of the dishes are also great as "blank slates" that can be added onto or otherwise doctored once you get the hang of cooking.

[ncat]

Betty Crocker is my go-to cook book for how to make anything basic. My copy is falling apart.

We gave the Bittman book to my brother and sister-in-law and they have really used it a lot. It has inspired them to learn to cook.

I also really like Cooking Light magazine. They have reasonably healthy recipes that generally turn out well, and they use a lot of seasonal produce. The directions are generally easy to follow and I have learned some new cooing techniques. Some of my favorite standard recipes have come from there.