Better Homes And Gardens Beginners Cookbook

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· 130,637 ratings · 565 reviews

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Hands down, my most-used cookbook. It was the first cookbook I bought when I got my first apartment. I was poor and opted for the mass-market paperback version and over the past 30 years it has disintegrated. I recently decided to replace it with a fancy, shiny new spiral bound copy. It looks pretty and it's okay but in my opinion, it's not as good as my old one. Many of my favorite recipes are missing so it sits on the shelf. I take down my battered old faithful, held together with packing tape Hands down, my most-used cookbook. It was the first cookbook I bought when I got my first apartment. I was poor and opted for the mass-market paperback version and over the past 30 years it has disintegrated. I recently decided to replace it with a fancy, shiny new spiral bound copy. It looks pretty and it's okay but in my opinion, it's not as good as my old one. Many of my favorite recipes are missing so it sits on the shelf. I take down my battered old faithful, held together with packing tape and a rubber band, and find the recipe I need. A classic! ...more

Nostalgia: n. A bittersweet longing for things, persons, or situations of the past.

I am a sucker for sentimentality. There are times, however, that I'm confused as to how nostalgia can push through the fullness of time with such a golden sheen. Often the things that I can be nostalgic for don't end up being nearly as enjoyable when I happen upon them at my current perch in life. I end up disappointed, and sometimes sad, for ruining what esteem I held for something that elicited such joy at a les

Nostalgia: n. A bittersweet longing for things, persons, or situations of the past.

Better Home and Gardens New Cook Book would not be applied to this category.

If memory serves, this was one of three cook books that we had in my home growing up. The edition that we had was much larger and had a hardcover. This is certainly not that version, as it is significantly smaller both in overall size and text font, some pages have separated from the binding - even with minimal use - and it's harder to keep open because it is a mass-market paperback, so be forewarned. I decided to only rate it 3.5 peaches because of these flaws, and for the basic recipes within, with a whole peach devoted to its nostalgia and staying power.

I couldn't tell you what my mother cooked out of her better quality book - if I'm honest, not much, as cooking wasn't necessarily her forte - but, once or twice, she likely baked some shortbread. For me, it was enough to just have the colourful book to flip through, and dream of the day when I would be able to make anything I wanted. I think I may have even spent some time copying out recipes that I found appealing. The life of a child before the advent of the internet, sigh.

As a gift from my mother, at some point over the last twenty years, I received this smaller paperback version of that red-and-white plaid cook book in my mind's eye, and I set out to make my childhood dreams come true. But, not unlike that big old book, this one sat idle for many years.

Cooking was a skill that took me decades to acquire, as I had other interests that stole my time - many that shall not be named on this website - but by my 30s I had steered my head away from all of those distractions, and I jumped in with both feet. I fancy myself a bit of a foodie at this point in my early 40s, certainly as compared to my earlier years when I subsisted off of Kraft dinner, wieners, and beans. I truly enjoy fixing up delicious meals for my family, even if they take all day and produce a big, honking sink of dishes. Ok, I hate that part, but it is an unfortunate consequence of the cooking, and I am without a dishwasher, so what can you do?

The

Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book might make me smile when I pass it on my bookshelves, but I rarely use it unless I'm looking for some kind of bake sale item - the lemon squares are a fabulous option in this case. I just have so many other books that offer more exotic or exciting recipes, so this one often gets skipped and forgotten. I decided to give it a chance as my opening post for The Cookery on Peachy Books, as it deserves some attention after all this time, and if nothing else, there is the nostalgia factor that I appreciate.

I set out to make a meal from this collection for my lads on the weekend. I took a closer look at this classic and read through the first section entitled: 'Cooking Basics.' Here you'll find a breakdown of required ingredients and appliances, some suggestions to maintain kitchen safety, party planning tips, the food guide pyramid, and cooking techniques; all of the things that would help someone completely inexperienced navigate their way through a kitchen.

I had my son take a gander to see if there was anything that he would prefer to have for Sunday dinner. He headed straight to the 'Appetizers and Snacks' section and chose potato skins, and on a neighbouring page, a dill dip for veggies and crackers. I can work with that, I thought. So I took out a package of ground beef from the freezer and decided I would make some burgers to go with his finger-food fare.

We prefer our burgers with simply salt, pepper, and ground beef, which doesn't require a recipe, of course. Since I didn't have any buns on hand, I sifted through the book until I found the 'Breads' section. There was a 'Dinner Rolls' recipe, but after reading through to the end, I found additional instructions detailing how to instead form the dough into burger buns. I was all set to begin making our scrumptious meal!

To see the results of my finished meal as well as the bookmark I was inspired to make by this exercise, please visit my blog post in The Cookery at peachybooks.ca here .

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Nov 18, 2010 Mandee rated it did not like it

I have finally decided to get rid of this book. For the last month I've been using it to hold down the lid of my dog's dry food container so she won't get into it because the latch is broken. I kept wanting this to be a good, useful go-to book like our old Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook that we've had all my life (and that got used so much it's completely falling apart), but everytime I try to use this book I'm disappointed. It's got good ideas, but the recipes are NOT good imo. So final I have finally decided to get rid of this book. For the last month I've been using it to hold down the lid of my dog's dry food container so she won't get into it because the latch is broken. I kept wanting this to be a good, useful go-to book like our old Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook that we've had all my life (and that got used so much it's completely falling apart), but everytime I try to use this book I'm disappointed. It's got good ideas, but the recipes are NOT good imo. So finally, I'm tossing it, or more likely donating it to the Friend's of the Library. ...more

Jan 29, 2008 Janine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Everyone who eats

Best cookbook for beginners. It has all the classic instructions and recipes that a new cook needs. A MUST have in any kitchen. The 3-ring binder version is by far the best.

Yep, this is the thoroughly stained, bent-cornered, beloved classic that my mother-in-law provided me with the first year of marriage. Thanks mom <3

I don't know if perhaps it's me, but I there are a number of recipes in this book that I have had to tweak to make *ahem* BETTER. I am not a chef, but I do consider myself an amateur foodie of sorts. I had to adjust the muffin recipe (maybe I am just used to the super fabulousness of Gingerbread Muffin Company muffins, but anyways...), I had to work on the pizza dough recipe to get it to rise just so and become the correct consistency of pizza dough and not so crunchy at it kept turning out with I don't know if perhaps it's me, but I there are a number of recipes in this book that I have had to tweak to make *ahem* BETTER. I am not a chef, but I do consider myself an amateur foodie of sorts. I had to adjust the muffin recipe (maybe I am just used to the super fabulousness of Gingerbread Muffin Company muffins, but anyways...), I had to work on the pizza dough recipe to get it to rise just so and become the correct consistency of pizza dough and not so crunchy at it kept turning out with their recipe...among other things. All in all, it is a good cook book and it has tons of hints and great recipes. The cinnamon buns are wonderful! ...more

I've found the majority of recipes in this new edition bland and flavorless, totally unlike my mom's edition from the late 60's. The low-fat, low-salt movement has taken its toll on this classic kitchen staple.

For what it's worth, I cook with as little salt as I can get away with, but when you don't put any salt at all into a pie crust - eww.

My suggestion is to search Goodwill or second-hand book stores for one of those earlier editions. You can always adjust the ingredients to suit a special d

For what it's worth, I cook with as little salt as I can get away with, but when you don't put any salt at all into a pie crust - eww.

My suggestion is to search Goodwill or second-hand book stores for one of those earlier editions. You can always adjust the ingredients to suit a special diet.

Also - whatever happened to the ingredient substitutions list that was in the back cover?

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I was going to purchase this cookbook for my son last year for his birthday, because my copy has our family favourite "Hot Milk Sponge Cake" recipe in it, a classic that Better Homes has had in its index since it began. To my surprise, I discovered that the recipe no longer was carried, since 2008! Pity, since it is super easy, can be doubled and is a moist and lovely cake better than any boxed mix. Cookbooks may try to revise to keep up with the times, but editor judgement isn't necessarily a g I was going to purchase this cookbook for my son last year for his birthday, because my copy has our family favourite "Hot Milk Sponge Cake" recipe in it, a classic that Better Homes has had in its index since it began. To my surprise, I discovered that the recipe no longer was carried, since 2008! Pity, since it is super easy, can be doubled and is a moist and lovely cake better than any boxed mix. Cookbooks may try to revise to keep up with the times, but editor judgement isn't necessarily a good cook. ...more

I think My Mom gave me this one as a graduation present. It's not quite as good as having her in the kitchen with me, but the recipes remind me of childhood: 3-bean salad, cowboy coffee cake, corn chowder, snickerdoodles, spanish rice and all the candy and canning recipes My Mom has a knack for and I usually don't have the guts to try on my own.

I love how they keep coming out with new versions of the "New Cookbook" and this version is extra special because of the section with "All-Time Favorite

I love how they keep coming out with new versions of the "New Cookbook" and this version is extra special because of the section with "All-Time Favorites". It's like looking through some of My Mom's old editions.

The thing about the book is that all the things it's really good to know are in there from how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon (3) to what to substitute if your recipe calls for baking powder and you happen to be out.

The recipes are tried-and-true "American Food" and if you make one for a potluck it will get eaten. Especially "Black Beans and Corn with Salsa Dressing."

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Dec 13, 2012 Lynn rated it did not like it

I had a Better Homes & Gardens cookbook for about 35 years and it was stained & dog eared and my bible for roasting meats & poultry. I finally decided to treat myself to a brand new edition. So I went out and bought a new copy and tossed old faithful away. BIG MISTAKE! The new book didn't have my old favorite recipes and to add insult to injury, the cover's rivets promptly fell out and the whole thing fell apart. I just wanted a nice clean copy of my old friend and now I just wish I had kept my I had a Better Homes & Gardens cookbook for about 35 years and it was stained & dog eared and my bible for roasting meats & poultry. I finally decided to treat myself to a brand new edition. So I went out and bought a new copy and tossed old faithful away. BIG MISTAKE! The new book didn't have my old favorite recipes and to add insult to injury, the cover's rivets promptly fell out and the whole thing fell apart. I just wanted a nice clean copy of my old friend and now I just wish I had kept my messy one (who's cover was still solidly attached) . ...more

Oct 02, 2007 Erin rated it really liked it

This is my go to book for baking, it has the best recipes for peanut butter cookies, ginger snaps, and fruit crisps. It also is a great cook book to have if you don't want to have 10 cook books (like I do) and it has enough of a variety to be your "only" cookbook, as these are tried and true recipes. The one downfall is that it doesn't have many ethnic or alternative (non-meat) recipes, so you'll have to go elsewhere for that. This is my go to book for baking, it has the best recipes for peanut butter cookies, ginger snaps, and fruit crisps. It also is a great cook book to have if you don't want to have 10 cook books (like I do) and it has enough of a variety to be your "only" cookbook, as these are tried and true recipes. The one downfall is that it doesn't have many ethnic or alternative (non-meat) recipes, so you'll have to go elsewhere for that. ...more

May 23, 2017 Diana rated it liked it

I have had multiple copies of this book over the years, occasionally changing editions for updated recipes. It has always been a favorite.

I have used this cookbook extensively over the last 30+ years, and made pretty much every recipe in it at least once if not more. There was not one that we did not care for. One I made recently (a few days before Thanksgiving) that filled the air with a wonderful aroma was Vegetable Beef Soup:

Vegetable Beef Soup

3 pounds beef shank crosscuts
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (10 oz.) package frozen whole kernel co

Vegetable Beef Soup

3 pounds beef shank crosscuts
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (10 oz.) package frozen whole kernel corn
2 cups chopped, peeled tomatoes, or 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up
1 1/2 cups cubed, peeled potatoes
1 cup fresh or loose-pack frozen cut green beans
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
minced garlic to taste (optional)

In a large Dutch oven or kettle, combine meat, bay leaves, salt, oregano, marjoram, pepper, and 8 cups water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 2 hours. Remove meat. When cool enough to handle, cut meat off bones and coarsely chop. Discard bones. Strain broth through large sieve or colander lined with 2 layers of cheesecloth. Skim fat and return broth to pan. Stir in meat, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 30 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Discard bay leaves. Makes 6 main-dish servings.

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This cookbook is excellent for a beginner cook. It explains the basics. I also have to admit that I love my 1970 edition better than the newer version.
These recipes remind you of good times spent with family and friends. For me they were the beginning of cooking on my own. I now have many cookbooks and have evolved in my culinary skills. Just like fashion in clothes, fashion in food evolves constantly. But it's nice to hang on to our roots. I still refer to the Better Homes and Gardens Cook Boo This cookbook is excellent for a beginner cook. It explains the basics. I also have to admit that I love my 1970 edition better than the newer version.
These recipes remind you of good times spent with family and friends. For me they were the beginning of cooking on my own. I now have many cookbooks and have evolved in my culinary skills. Just like fashion in clothes, fashion in food evolves constantly. But it's nice to hang on to our roots. I still refer to the Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book for weights and measures and how many cups are in 4 ounces for example and thermometer readings for meats and many other inquiries I may have. ...more

Jun 10, 2010 Stacy rated it really liked it

This was my mom's go-to cookbook when I was growing up. From it, I baked all of my first pies and quick breads when I was learning to cook as a young adult. It has some useful references (like how long to cook meat, measuring conversions, etc.). While I don't cook these recipes all that frequently now, my cookbook collection wouldn't feel complete without the trademark white and red checkered cover.

My most used cookbook, EVER. Though the recipes are simple, pretty much anything I can think of to cook or bake is in there. I recently had to buy a new copy since my first one was literally falling apart!

Most of the recipies are fine, but a few times I've tried to make a breakfast dish and the oven temperature or baking time is WAY off, enough so that I got frustrated continuing to buy ingredients and make things for my family from this book that I let my golden retriever shred it. Most of the recipies are fine, but a few times I've tried to make a breakfast dish and the oven temperature or baking time is WAY off, enough so that I got frustrated continuing to buy ingredients and make things for my family from this book that I let my golden retriever shred it. ...more

Sep 19, 2020 Autumn rated it it was amazing

I received this cookbook as a present in the early '80s. I still have the book despite moving many times. All the recipes required are here; everything from soups. sauces, gravies, desserts and main dishes.

Truly a classic cookbook.

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Of all my cookbooks - and I LOVE cookbooks!! - I would have thought this would be one of my favorites. Not even close. There are very few recipes in this book that I have made more than once. For example, don't even bother with the banana muffins. They tasted like a big lump of baking soda. Way too salty and no flavor at all. I won't bother making them again. All in all, I don't recommend this one, particularly to beginner cooks. You'll never want to learn to cook if you try these crappy recipes Of all my cookbooks - and I LOVE cookbooks!! - I would have thought this would be one of my favorites. Not even close. There are very few recipes in this book that I have made more than once. For example, don't even bother with the banana muffins. They tasted like a big lump of baking soda. Way too salty and no flavor at all. I won't bother making them again. All in all, I don't recommend this one, particularly to beginner cooks. You'll never want to learn to cook if you try these crappy recipes first. I actually would rather give this only 1/2 a star but there isn't that option. ...more

I've had this book since the 1981 edition came out and still use it occasionally even though it's falling apart. Also, I loathe cooking. I've had this book since the 1981 edition came out and still use it occasionally even though it's falling apart. Also, I loathe cooking. ...more

Jun 16, 2008 Marlee rated it really liked it

Great for a beginner with explanations of techniques and terms at the beginning. The book has been in family for ages though I have a later edition than the one my mother used.

Very simple and easy to follow. General over all.

Mar 08, 2016 Angela rated it it was amazing

This was THE cook book in my mother's kitchen. The brownie recipe is everyone's old favorite just the way it is. I remember leafing through it on quiet days and imagining the meals I could cook. I don't currently own a copy, but I should add it to my collection. This was THE cook book in my mother's kitchen. The brownie recipe is everyone's old favorite just the way it is. I remember leafing through it on quiet days and imagining the meals I could cook. I don't currently own a copy, but I should add it to my collection. ...more

Was a wedding gift. Great book with wonderful helpful tips and recipes.

I have the 15th edition spiral bound book from 2010. This is an old standby cookbook for all cooks. There is just about any basic recipe in this book.

the habit of cooking will be good. after trying these recipes, my habit becomes passion,...

I like the glossy photos, but prefer the recipes in the older version.

My aunt got this book when she got married in 1992. When she died in 1994, my Uncle gave me all her cookbooks. I was finally able to read them one day and this one was my favorite - it was shoved full of notes and other recipes and grocery lists and notes on the recipes in the book - all written by her. I spent days crying over this cook book and it is one of my most treasured possessions. I loved making the recipes she made notes on and realizing, she was always right in the substitutions, addi My aunt got this book when she got married in 1992. When she died in 1994, my Uncle gave me all her cookbooks. I was finally able to read them one day and this one was my favorite - it was shoved full of notes and other recipes and grocery lists and notes on the recipes in the book - all written by her. I spent days crying over this cook book and it is one of my most treasured possessions. I loved making the recipes she made notes on and realizing, she was always right in the substitutions, additions, and revisions she made.
I miss her. ...more

Mar 02, 2021 Rhonda Brown rated it it was amazing

Best buy for a beginning cook/chef. It has explanations in it that celebrity chef books are not contained. Before buying a cookbook, thumb through a read a few recipes, if you are unfamiliar with terms and techniques, shelf it. Find a good cookbook that works for you.

Better Homes and Gardens is the fourth best selling magazine in the United States. Better Homes and Gardens focuses on interests regarding homes, cooking, gardening, crafts, healthy living, decorating, and entertaining. The magazine is published 12 times per year by the Meredith Corporation. It was founded in 1922 by Edwin Meredith, who had previously been the United States Secretary of Agricultur Better Homes and Gardens is the fourth best selling magazine in the United States. Better Homes and Gardens focuses on interests regarding homes, cooking, gardening, crafts, healthy living, decorating, and entertaining. The magazine is published 12 times per year by the Meredith Corporation. It was founded in 1922 by Edwin Meredith, who had previously been the United States Secretary of Agriculture under Woodrow Wilson.

Better Homes and Gardens is one of the "Seven Sisters", a group of women's service magazines.

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