1000 CLASSIC RECIPES:
The Complete Cookbook
for Every Meal and Any Occasion
Photos: every recipe
Ease: 3-4
This Canadian tome has been reincarnated recently as a paperback about half the size of this original release, which is almost coffe-table size. It is a wonderful collection of simple, delicious and interesting recipes that cover the gamut of world flavors. For example, facing pages 76 and 77 feature Italian Chicken, Honey & Orange Glazed Chicken, Cajun Chicken Jambalaya, and Moroccan Chicken Couscous, all with full-color photos. In fact, every one of the self-proclaimed 1000 (I haven’t actually counted) has a full-color photo that really does go a long way to inspire you to try a new recipe.
I am most often tempted by one of the many vegetable dishes (many of which double as a meatless entrées – Tian of Zucchini and Tomato, Potatoes Baked with Tomatoes, Baked Fennel with Parmesan), the Old World sounding desserts (Gingerbread Upside Down Pudding, Bakewell Tart, Cherry Clafoutis, Boodles’ Orange Fool), and lovely yeast breads (Saffron Focaccia, Zucchini Crown Bread, Olive and Oregano Bread).
This is the perfect book for the new or hesitant cook because the photos actually look do-able, and the ingredients list and instructions are largely straightforward. It is a great introduction to the basics (pancakes, pastas, biscuits, salads, roasts), the classics (pizza, mac and cheese, french onion soup, banana bread, potato salad, pecan pie, brownies), and the “something different” (Thai Rice Cake, Gooseberry Crisp, Leeks with Mustard Dressing, Indian Pilau Rice, Pasta with Saffron Mussels). A valuable resource for finding new family favorites.
