What's Cooking America

What's Cooking America? Is it a question or a statement or an ecological question having something to do with the greenhouse effect or of course El Nino - It's actually the name of a cookbook by Linda Stradley and Andra Cook published by Book Partner, Inc. This cookbook is near perfection. All of the recipes are on one page, some pages actually have multiple recipes; there are helpful hints, histories or suggestions on every page; there are illustrations on every page; the book is filled with over 800 recipes; and almost all of the ingredients are readily available. There are a few downsides, but I'll save those for the end. The cookbook is broken down into many sections: Appetizers & Beverages, Breads & Sandwiches, Candies & Cookies, Desserts, Meatless Meals, Meats, Poultry, Salads & Salad Dressings, Seafood, Soups, and Vegetables. The recipes, that are mostly basic and easy to prepare include: Burgundy Mushrooms, Tequila Cider, Lemon Tea Bread, Date Drop Scones, Alaskan Sourdough Biscuits, Sugared Walnuts, Hazelnut Macaroons, Honeyed Apricot Biscotti, Baked Alaska, Florida Key Lime Pie, Vegetarian Meatballs, Broccoli Pasta in Sweet Tomato Sauce, Peppered Chutney Tenderloin, Orange Pork Chops, Chicken & Cashew Bake, Kiwi Fruit Salad, Baked Sole with Almonds, Southwestern Black bean Soup, Baby Carrots with Curry Sauce and Baked Squash with Blueberries. The only complaints that took of point for the book, are that number one the book is a misnomer. What's Cooking America is not a far title for this book, because it has recipes that not only are from other countries, but other countries would want to make some of these other recipes too. The other problem I had with this book is that, like fundraising book companies do, the sections were in alphabetical order instead of logical order. With a suggested retail of $21.95 however, this would be a great source of information for any kitchen. Overall rating: 4 pots out of 5

Need a great gift for a new bride? For a cookbook afficionado? For anyone who just plain likes to cook? What's Cooking America fits the bill. From its colorful cover, to the lovely illustrations and informative sidebars, this cookbook will satisfy the most discriminating cook. I especially liked the wealth of time-tested recipes that obviously had been passed down from generation to generation in the authors' families. Yet in many cases, they were updated to fit our tastes and current eating styles. This book would make a great gift-- at less than $20 for over 800 recipes, it's a wonderful value as well. Try it, you'll like it

Put this one on your cookbook shelf next to Fanny Farmer and The Joy of Cooking! Clear and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the most complicated entrees to the simplest desserts. And I love the sidebars! All cookbooks should be so informative

The sidebar tips and hints are very informative and useful. I tried many of the recipes. Excellent! Very well written and the recipes are easy to follow. I recommend for everyone who likes good food and cooking