I'm 24 and finally out on my own. What is the best "starter" cookbook I can buy? I've never really cooked much

Question

Title says it all.

I'm not "clueless" when it comes to cooking, but I basically just have never had to cook, as I've always lived at home and/or was at college (cafeterias).

It's not so much I'm clueless, but I need a "starter" cookbook I guess. I need new ideas too. Keep in mind I will only be making this for one person, myself. I don't want a ton of leftovers everynight because they will go to waste, but at the same time I want to have my vegetables, potatoes, etc.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Betty Crocker's Everything You Need to Know to Cook Today and the Joy of Cooking are classics.

Answer 2

Of the two finalists, I agree Julie was the deserving winner - that said, I think Chris should have been there and would've won. Would I buy her cookbook? Probably not. I have dozens of cookbooks and do not feel Julie's book would add anything new to the collection. Would I eat at her restaurant? Maybe. I honestly do not believe she could run a busy restaurant and neither could Poh. Julie has shown the country that a good home cooking mum can mix it with the best. Several of the eliminated constestants could easily run a restaurant - with a lot of training and mentoring. The best restauranteurs and chefs of the world have mastered their craft through many years of dedication and hard work. A couple of months of reality show drama and pressure does not a chef make. Well done to Julie for achieving what she did. I am sure she will host many dinner parties and make money from celebrity appearances. ANY person in Australia can also be taken, mentored and guided through Masterchef as was Julie and Poh.

Answer 3

Tons of books, pretty much all similar. The difference between what you get from a book A or book B won't matter nearly as much as you practicing. Save your money, look on the web,

Go to a store with a real meat department, and ask the meat cutters to teach you about cuts of meat. Knowing which cuts are which, and how each needs to be cooked is really important. A good recipe with the wrong meat fails.

Learn to marinate. Cut a big chunk of meat into individual-sized pieces, bag individually, and freeze them in marinade. Take out a individual portion the night before, put it in the fridge, and by the next night it is thawed and marinated and ready to go.

The best bet is someone teaching you by letting you do it and watching over your shoulder (Thanks GMa).

Use low heat, unless you are broiling. New cooks cook too fast.

Don't salt until the very end, if at all. Salt dries things out, and makes them tough.

Get a crock pot. They make little ones now. Some good freezer bags and a bigger crock pot will let you make your own TV dinners.

Answer 4

I know I like the cookbooks: Barefoot Contessa, Silver Platter, the Martha Stewart books and Cooking 1-2-3

Answer 5

Here is another vote for the Betty Crocker cookbook. If you are worried about food costs, then you might want to get a cookbook where each recipe has only 3-5 ingredients.

Answer 6

Get a Betty Crocker Cookbook- things are spelled out for the rookie and there are enough recipes for you the test out to see what else you'd like to try. Most recipes serve 4 to six servings but
you can cut the recipes down or cook the full recipe and freeze for a later date.

Good Luck, bon appetit!!

Answer 7

Either the Betty Crocker Cookbook (red & white cover) or "The Joy of Cooking". Both are good "Starter" cookbooks containing a lot of different recipes and provides you with tips, conversions, etc.

Answer 8

I have to say Joy of Cooking! I learned to cook from this book it not only includes recipes but why and how articles. Almost anything you'd ever want to do is in here. The internet is also an excellent resource when you have a specific recipe or food item that you'd like to cook as you can quickly compare a number of recipes and pick the one that sounds right for you or simply what you have on hand!

Answer 9

The best starter cookbook is called Where is mom now that I need her. It has a lot of easy recipes and ideas. It's worth the time to check it out. It's a really easy simple basic cookbook. Good luck!

Answer 10

Need to start to buy simple cookbook that you can follow ..Get the one that food you like to eat..Usually it's for 4 to 6 people menu..Just divide the ingredients for 1 person and follow the recipe..You will feel like it's a lot of work but learning to cook is the best way to see it not a chore..