A New Way to Cook
by Sally Schneider

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Book Reviews of A New Way to Cook

Book Review: Good ideas, but more theoretical than practical
Summary: 3 Stars

I bought this cookbook thinking it would be a great way to find some healthy recipes that use real ingredients. I was definitely attracted to the book by its slick modern design and attractive photographs. Unfortunately, the recipes require too much prep, too many hard-to-find ingredients, or cooking skills that are out of my range. I group my cookbooks into two basic categories -- those good for everyday recipes, and those good for weekend recipes, when I have more time to prep the meal and do the cooking. This cookbook is firmly in the "weekend" category, and most of the recipes would probably have to wait for a holiday weekend so I could have extra time to track down the ingredients -- particularly since the author is insistent that only the "purest, freshest" ingredients will do. "Freshest" for me usually means a trip to the grocery store, which is hard to pull off after a full workday and an hour commute home.

This is also not a cookbook for the novice. Anyone learning how to cook will be better off with "The Joy of Cooking" or the Betty Crocker Cookbook. There are some advanced cooking techniques required that may be beyond the purview of even cooks who have several years of kitchen experience.

There are some great theories in this book that will help cooks make their meals more flavorful and satisfying. The chapters on "flavor catalysts" like dry rubs and broths are excellent. If you can find an inexpensive copy of this book, it's worth reading for those chapters alone.

The theory behind the cookbook is great and the design and pictures really make it a joy to read. However, it's probably best used as an armchair cookbook, rather than one that resides in your kitchen. Unless you have an hour-plus each evening to get dinner on the table (and I don't!), there are few recipes in here that can be made in 30 minutes or less on a weekday, and weekdays are when I most need good recipes to help me feed my family. Great concept, execution needs work. Maybe the author could do a revised version focusing on practicality over high-minded ideals.

Healthy Books

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