The Recipe Encyclopedia: The Complete Illustrated Guide to Cooking

I have owned this cookbook for 10 years and it is still my favorite! And I have a lot of cookbooks. If I need inspiration to cook - I go to this book, but then I end up with 4 or 5 recipes I want to try. The inspiration comes greatly from the photos, they are all stunning and unique - where did they find all of those wonderful serving dishes? The prep and cooking times at the start of each recipe tell me when I have to start. Most of the recipes call for common ingredients, although I did run into a few that aren't available in my supermarket (You can find substitute ingredient suggestions on the web)and most are already in my pantry. Don't go strictly by the alphabetical listing when you are looking for something though because there are some recipes embedded in other categories and as sub-recipes that may meet your criteria. I found a great Hummas recipe as a sub-recipe for hamburgers. Although my book is still usable I am going to order another one along with one for a friend.

I own many, many cookbooks, but The Recipe Encyclopedia is my favorite. My sister-in-law was visiting once and she fell in love with it. So, today I'm ordering one for her. It's a surprise and I know she'll cherish it as much as I do mines. There is a recipe for anyone of any culture. The recipes are easy to follow and the information contained is invaluable. This book is the greatest.

I originally bought this book as a gift for a family member opening a Bed & Breakfast and after flipping through it, realized I Just Had To Have One For Myself! I cook one meal a week from this book and everytime it's a success! Easy to follow, classy dishes you don't have to be gourmet to accomplish. Plus, it really is an Encyclopedia! Covers everything literaly from A-Z with great detail and offers regional recipes from every part of the Globe. Brilliant, brilliant book. A must for EVERY kitchen.

I have taught for many years in a culinary school as a restaurant service professional .I have hundreds of cookbooks , some of which I like and others I do not. The appealing qualities that I look for are a) Simplicity of Use b)Visual Appeal c)Creativity d)Depth of Information e)Recipe Quality ..to name a few.I am appalled by the number of cookbooks that have very unappetizing photographs of food , whether due to the poor quality of the photography or the bland and uncreative presentation. The purpose of a cookbook is to stimulate the reader to want to experiment with cuisine and as any cook knows ,people cook with their eyes as well as their tastebuds . It is for this reason that one of my main criteria for a cookbook is that it be good enough to eat ! Since buying THE RECIPE ENCYCLOPEDIA I just am having hard time putting the book DOWN or leaving the kitchen . This book now ranks ,in my mind , as one of the best cookbooks I have ever seen.This wonderful book is a treasure trove of CONTEMPORARY recipes and information . As a restaurant professional at a progresive culinary school I have a sophisticated taste and my eyes is an educated one. I have seen the potential for both great food and great presenttaion. This book makes me want to cook . The visuals are authentic and stimulating. The recipes are not only succinct but also arranged in interesting categories that make so much sense with added featured sections (e.g. Foccacia , noodles , cheesecakes).Running down the outside edge is an alphabetical encyclopedia , including visuals , that is not only very engaging but also extremely informative.This book DEMANDS your attention to the extent that I feel inexplicably drawn to open it ..hence it lies on my kitchen island at all times.The pages are all of heavy protected glossy stock and I think the publishers made an excellent decision to publish it in a flexible paperback form.The recipe selection could easily be said to be representative of a cross section of the best restaurants' fare.Both ethnic and traditional selections covering the full spectrum of the menu. This is a cookbook for those that live for good food.It is a rare book that is able to keep my attention so well. I feel that this book is so engaging that I WANT to read it , as I feel compelled and invited to DISCOVER and EXPLORE and LEARN.This is a book that you would HONOR your best friends and loved ones by presenting it to them as a gift but most of all it is a book that , once you have explored it , will send you to your local markets and then into your kitchen , eager to cook .

An A-Z compilation of recipes that features sections on international cuisines and numerous cooking tips. Beautiful photos and each recipe is rated for difficulty. Inspiring for those who like a different fare!