Books always make good gifts, especially when thoughtfully chosen. Although not everyone is a great reader, most people do like to eat. Preparing food for oneself and for others is not an innate skill; it must be learned. Cookbooks for beginners are useful and never need to be boring, since there is a wide variety available.
There are literally hundreds of different kinds of cooking guides. If you're looking for a great wedding present, for instance, one of the classics is good. The Joy Of Cooking, for example, has many gourmet dishes but also covers the basics. In addition, it has a lot of good kitchen information, like how to substitute ingredients if you're missing one on the list. It also explains many cooking terms, which might be unfamiliar.
Another great resource is the selection of cooking guides put out by the Betty Crocker folks. This is a treasury of American cooking, dating from the mid-1900s when Mom's apple pie reigned supreme. The focus of these volumes, some of which are especially for children, is family favorites and quick, easy meals. Comfort food like macaroni and cheese and chocolate chip cookies can be found here, as well as fail-safe meat loaf.
A cookbook can have a theme. Some may feature only casseroles, others may contain recipes made with canned soup, and others may be compiled by ladies' clubs, fire department auxiliaries, or churches. Southern hospitality, Texas barbecue, New England seafood, or New Orleans Cajun cuisine are examples of regional fare that those from other parts of the country or the world may be novices at preparing.
There is always a new diet or eating plan in the news these days, and giving a companion recipes book is a great way to show support. It's much easier to stick with low-fat, low-carb, low-sodium, or no-sugar programs if you have a series of delicious meals to enjoy. It also makes shopping easier, since the ingredient list serves as a guide.
For kids, there are colorful kitchen companions that discuss how to make hot dogs and beans, cupcakes, cookies, and saltwater taffy. Elderly relatives may be trying to cut their sodium intake or make tasty food that is never, never fried. Teens may need to know the nutritional values of leafy greens - and what they are, even. Couples may appreciate books on easy meals for entertaining or ways to impress at a pot-luck dinner.
You probably know people who've never prepared seafood but who are moving to New England. Perhaps they have gotten a new job and would like to know how to fix crock-pot meals. You may know someone who has never made bread or a cake from scratch. Perhaps one hundred ways to use left-overs is just right for a friend who has left their job to write a book.
Everyone likes to eat - and most of us don't want it all to be raw. Therefore there's always a need for fresh ideas and better ways to delight the palate. Whether it's out of necessity or based on a desire to please, proficiency enhances cooking every time. Give a gift that keeps on giving and find the perfect cookbook for everyone on your list.
There are literally hundreds of different kinds of cooking guides. If you're looking for a great wedding present, for instance, one of the classics is good. The Joy Of Cooking, for example, has many gourmet dishes but also covers the basics. In addition, it has a lot of good kitchen information, like how to substitute ingredients if you're missing one on the list. It also explains many cooking terms, which might be unfamiliar.
Another great resource is the selection of cooking guides put out by the Betty Crocker folks. This is a treasury of American cooking, dating from the mid-1900s when Mom's apple pie reigned supreme. The focus of these volumes, some of which are especially for children, is family favorites and quick, easy meals. Comfort food like macaroni and cheese and chocolate chip cookies can be found here, as well as fail-safe meat loaf.
A cookbook can have a theme. Some may feature only casseroles, others may contain recipes made with canned soup, and others may be compiled by ladies' clubs, fire department auxiliaries, or churches. Southern hospitality, Texas barbecue, New England seafood, or New Orleans Cajun cuisine are examples of regional fare that those from other parts of the country or the world may be novices at preparing.
There is always a new diet or eating plan in the news these days, and giving a companion recipes book is a great way to show support. It's much easier to stick with low-fat, low-carb, low-sodium, or no-sugar programs if you have a series of delicious meals to enjoy. It also makes shopping easier, since the ingredient list serves as a guide.
For kids, there are colorful kitchen companions that discuss how to make hot dogs and beans, cupcakes, cookies, and saltwater taffy. Elderly relatives may be trying to cut their sodium intake or make tasty food that is never, never fried. Teens may need to know the nutritional values of leafy greens - and what they are, even. Couples may appreciate books on easy meals for entertaining or ways to impress at a pot-luck dinner.
You probably know people who've never prepared seafood but who are moving to New England. Perhaps they have gotten a new job and would like to know how to fix crock-pot meals. You may know someone who has never made bread or a cake from scratch. Perhaps one hundred ways to use left-overs is just right for a friend who has left their job to write a book.
Everyone likes to eat - and most of us don't want it all to be raw. Therefore there's always a need for fresh ideas and better ways to delight the palate. Whether it's out of necessity or based on a desire to please, proficiency enhances cooking every time. Give a gift that keeps on giving and find the perfect cookbook for everyone on your list.
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