Do you ever wish you had a great basic cookbook that was full of wonderful meal ideas, but also teaches basic techniques? I may have just the thing for you. How to Cook Without a Book by Pam Anderson is a cookbook I have had for over 20 years and it has never steered me wrong. The book has been completely revised and modernized since I bought my copy. Plus, the new version has photos, which my copy does not.
The book is based on the concept that if you know the basic method for a stir fry, or a saute, or making a stew, there are dozens of recipes that you can make following a basic formula. Change up the protein or the vegetables if you like. The basic methods remain the same and your food will be consistently delicious. Her new book has variations for pizza, pastas, soups and lots more.
In addition, for each type of meal she provides an overview of the basic steps you will be following.
Last night I made the weeknight stir fry and used the variation for Sweet and Sour Pork. This is the basic stir fry method/ingredients, and I used the specific instructions for Sweet and Sour Pork.
Pam includes a number of different "flavoring sauces" and suggestions on using various proteins (chicken, shrimp, pork etc), but the method of all stir-fries is the same.
Here is my prep area with everything I need all ready to go in the frying pan.
This book goes way beyond stir-fry recipes, however. I can't tell you how many variations of the author's basic "saute" with a special sauce that I have made. Chicken cutlets with lemon caper sauce, boneless pork cutlets with port wine and cranberries, turkey cutlets with tarragon tomato sauce. The variations are limitless and all so good. I don't have another cookbook with as many little Post-It flags as this one has!
Pasta a gazillion ways, things to do with tomato sauce, omlette and frittata variations, this cookbook is just full of ideas on how to prepare your favorite foods with simple methods and endless variety.
Consider picking up a new copy of this book, or search for a used copy of the version I have from 2000! I don' think you'll be sorry.
12 responses to “The Best Basic Cookbook”
I’ve had this book since the original came out and agree it’s exceptional. Now I’ll have to get the updated version! By the way, I enjoy your book reviews and always add a few of your recommendations to my reading list.
I’ve had this book since the original came out and agree it’s exceptional. Now I’ll have to get the updated version! By the way, I enjoy your book reviews and always add a few of your recommendations to my reading list.
I’ve had this book since the original came out and agree it’s exceptional. Now I’ll have to get the updated version! By the way, I enjoy your book reviews and always add a few of your recommendations to my reading list.
I taught myself to cook with the Fannie Farmer cookbook. remember that one? I never use it anymore but keep it for sentimental reasons. It was ‘old school’ cooking and not my style anymore.
I really like stir-fry but haven’t made one in a while. I’ll have to pull out a cookbook….
I taught myself to cook with the Fannie Farmer cookbook. remember that one? I never use it anymore but keep it for sentimental reasons. It was ‘old school’ cooking and not my style anymore.
I really like stir-fry but haven’t made one in a while. I’ll have to pull out a cookbook….
I taught myself to cook with the Fannie Farmer cookbook. remember that one? I never use it anymore but keep it for sentimental reasons. It was ‘old school’ cooking and not my style anymore.
I really like stir-fry but haven’t made one in a while. I’ll have to pull out a cookbook….
This cookbook looks really interesting! Thanks for pointing it out! Stay warm this weekend!
This cookbook looks really interesting! Thanks for pointing it out! Stay warm this weekend!
This cookbook looks really interesting! Thanks for pointing it out! Stay warm this weekend!
Thank you for writing about this cook book. I had never heard of it. I am excited to try the recipes in the book as I feel I am in a rut with my cooking. I do try new recipes with mixed results. I am certain my husband will appreciate it too!
Thank you for writing about this cook book. I had never heard of it. I am excited to try the recipes in the book as I feel I am in a rut with my cooking. I do try new recipes with mixed results. I am certain my husband will appreciate it too!
Thank you for writing about this cook book. I had never heard of it. I am excited to try the recipes in the book as I feel I am in a rut with my cooking. I do try new recipes with mixed results. I am certain my husband will appreciate it too!