Can anyone recommend a good cookbook for a guy who is just learning to cook?

Question

The poor thing can't even boil water!! lol

Answer 1

I think anyone and everyone should own the Better Homes And Gardens Cookbook It is the one that has a red and white checkered cover. Also, if you go to church, check to see if they have a cookbook for you to buy. You will never go wrong with a church cookbook, they usually have great recipes that if you have gone to a pot luck dinner at your church, you will be familiar with the food you are learning to cook.

Answer 2

The Joy of Cooking is good to have around the kitchen (but who cares who published it?!), it has answered a few quick questions (what is simple syrup, and how do I make it?).

I get more mileage out of the books on foods I actually like... I like Chinese food, so I have a few of those, and one for Polish foods, and one for traditional Scottish dishes.

Baking is sometimes easier than cooking, and the rewards are sweet : ) Children often get into cooking by first learning to make cookies.

It helps to think of cooking as a chemistry experiment, which it really is. Different components have different properties, bring a certain qualites to the end result, and interact with one another in specific ways. Take a scientific approach, follow the instructions, and there won't be too many irreproducable results...

As incentive, if he gets good enough at foods, someday he could move on to beer : )

Answer 3

There's a series of cookbooks called 5 ingredients or less... That would be good and not confusing for a beginner.. Also, it's free and it's easy to follow Kraftfoodandfamily website, if you register you get a really nice magazine and on line recipes and forums.. Best thing is it's free... ! My husband likes it, it has a shopping list and easy to follow recipes.. Good luck

Answer 4

I know people have very specific opinions about Rachel Ray but if you can stand her, and of her 30 Minute Meals cook books would be good. She describes things in pretty basic terms. Also, encourage your friend to watch the food network... especially if he's a visual learner. If he sees a recipe that he's interested in, you can usually find it on foodtv.com. They also give you the degree of difficulty on this site.

Answer 5

The Joy of Cooking is one of the United States' most-published cookbooks, having been in print continuously since 1936 and with more than 18 million copies sold. It was privately published in 1931 by Irma S. Rombauer, a homemaker in St. Louis, Missouri who was struggling emotionally and financially after her husband's suicide the previous year. The book was illustrated by Rombauer's daughter Marion Rombauer Becker, an art teacher at John Burroughs School. Irma Rombauer had 3,000 copies printed by A.C. Clayton, a company which had printed labels for fancy St. Louis shoe companies and for Listerine, but never a book. In 1936, the book was picked up by a commercial printing house, the Bobbs-Merrill Company. While Joy is considered a bit daunting for beginning cooks, it is the backbone of many home cooks' libraries (and is commonly found in commercial kitchens as well).



The book takes you through recipes in an easy step by step format.

Answer 6

I think the Julia Childs' cookbook is the best for beginners. I am not a chef, but that one helped me out years ago

Answer 7

I am in the same position... It's pretty embarassing not knowing how to do the most basic stuff in a kitchen. I starred this to come back and see if anyone has a gem to offer for the totally lost.

Answer 8

Any of Rachel Ray's 30 Minute meals cookbooks or her magazine. There are quick and easy so he won't lose interest. My husband found 'one' that we just both adore and he makes it for me on special occasions.

Answer 9

Rachel Ray's 30 minute meals

Answer 10

Try getting him a cookbook aimed at kids ;-) That's how my brother learned.