30-Minute Meals 2 [Paperback]

 

 

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Having found 30-Minute Meals to be a wonder of simplicity, time-efficiency, and variations on a few key ingredients, I expected more of the same in this book. Oops! I was mistaken. But the surprises are for the most part good ones.

Let me list those surprises for you:

1. In this book, you usually get a three-dish meal where in 30-Minute Meals the recipes are for individual dishes. In most cases, I was boggled by the sophistication and variety Ms. Ray brought to these meals. They are simply beyond what I would have ever imagined that I could create on my own (as a thaw-and-zap kind of cook . . . who can also slice and dice and toss on fresh ingredients as a topping). But when I read what I had to do, it was clear that I could easily create everything in the cookbook. Boy, do I feel great!

2. If you are a pretty limited cook like me, I think you'll need more than 30 minutes for some of these meals . . . just because there are so many more dishes and ingredients to handle. But you'll figure out which ones those are just by reading the recipes. I doubt if any of these meals would take me longer than 45 minutes. I feel confident I could do more than half in 30 minutes or less.

3. One of my complaints about cooking for one or two is that you can end up with a lot of leftovers. If the dishes are ones that you only want to eat twice a year, that's a drawback. Ms. Ray has an astonishing section called double-duty dinners where you end up storing half of the recipe to be turned into a different meal on another occasion. For example, an impressive Spanish Beef and Rice dinner is turned into ingredients for a stuffed-chilies dinner. I would never have thought of such a good idea. It's a very impressive section of the book.

4. The ingredient repertoire is much more extensive. Some complain that Ms. Ray in 30-Minute Meals gives you just a few ingredients in an infinite number of ways . . . so that you don't get enough variety. In the name of authenticity, some of the recipes in this book require items you may not have in your kitchen. But if you plan ahead, it should be no problem. I didn't see any items that aren't in my local bargain-basement supermarket. Even I know where the fresh ginger is displayed.

5. The desserts were an interesting revelation to me in providing opportunities for quick variety. While in some cases, it's just another way of serving ice cream or sorbet . . . there are also some impressive short-cuts to getting sophisticated results with a few ingredients and a little time, such as for chocolate cups with whipped cream, quick Tiramisu, and Margarita granita.

6. While in the earlier book you would probably end up making every dish at some point, with this book you'll probably pick and choose. The taste and style palates are much broader than standard American fare, and some won't be appealing to you. But with so many menus, I'm sure you'll find plenty that you do like . . . which will become new favorites of your family!

Clearly, Ms. Ray goes far beyond her objective of helping you to make meals that your family will love and want to enjoy with you. Fast food and take-out food will look pretty unappealing to those who've enjoyed the wonderful meals in this book.

Bon appetit!

I have to admit it - I LOVE this book. I have used it for three weeks (every night) and have yet to have a meal take more than 30 minutes to cook. Of course, everyone's personal tastes differ but we have enjoyed (8-9/10) almost all of the recipies. I tend to add extra veggies to everything, but other than that - the spices are right on. I'd recommend this book to both the beginner and the experienced cook who is busy during the week.

rachael ray's book's offer easy to make recipies,that take very
little time to make. i especially enjoy her easy salad recipies
made with fresh fruits, vegtables which is a big thing in my family' racheal keep up the good work inventing new meals to make
your book is a major success in our house'

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5.0 out of 5 stars This is a GREAT book!
I love this book. It's the first one I turn to when I'm trying to think what to make for dinner. Everything is arranged into meals, usually a main dish, salad or vegetable, and... Read more

Published on July 12 2004 by emilily123

5.0 out of 5 stars REAL Recipes for REAL Kitchens
Rachel Ray has done another great job of compiling some of her favorite recipes from her widely popular cooking show on the Food Network. Read more

Published on July 4 2004 by S. Meunier

5.0 out of 5 stars Healthy, Quick and Delicious Meals
I am a huge fan of Rachael Ray's and this book contains many of the recipes she makes on her show "30 Minute Meals". Read more

Published on May 4 2004 by Jennifer Halter

3.0 out of 5 stars Not spectacular.
I had pretty high hopes for this book, and it didn't really live up to them. Many of the recipes take more than 30 minutes to make, which I found dissappointing, because I tried... Read more

Published on May 2 2004 by lovelymuse

5.0 out of 5 stars I am impressed!
Flavorful recipes using everyday foods that can be made in 30 (okay, more like 40) minutes. A good variety of dishes to please kids, parents and visitors alike. Read more

Published on April 17 2004 by Cheryl_in_CA

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Really 30 Minutes
I've watched Rachel's show and really liked it. I wanted her book because I get home from work around 6:30 and prefer to eat dinner before 7. Read more

Published on Mar 4 2004 by H. Murphy

1.0 out of 5 stars No list of recipes in table of contents and No pictures
I am really disappointed with this book. My wife and I bought this book since we watch Rachael Ray's show on TV. Read more

Published on Jan 24 2004 by Sumit Gupta

5.0 out of 5 stars A Stay-At Home Dad says "Now I'm Cooking!"
A few weeks ago we bought this book and finally I feel like I can get meals on the table and not lose my mind. Read more

Published on Jan 22 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars Food 911 Rachel Style!
Being a devoted fan of Rachel's show, I was sure to be biased about her book. However, after watching her show regularly to learn time-saving tricks and buying the book, I can... Read more

Published on Jan 16 2004 by Chez Colorado

4.0 out of 5 stars Love it!!
I received this for Christmas, and I definitely enjoy cooking with this book!

I do agree that it doesn't always take 30 minutes for one of these meals. Read more

Published on Jan 10 2004 by Elizabeth S.

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