Cook Something: Simple Recipes and Sound Advice to Bring Good Food into Your Fabulous Lifestyle [Paperback]

The recipes are easy to follow, the helpful advice and recipe cross references are just that, helpful, and the humourous introductions are truly enticing. This book intends to grab the reader by the collar, send him or her straight into the kitchen regardless of experience or trepidation and produce a delicious, mouthwatering, "you'll be everyone's best friend" dish every time.

What strikes me as invaluable about Cook Something and what separates it from all the other really good cookbooks on the shelf is the fact that it is a great collection of sound, tested recipes. It lists every single modern, homey, comfort food you would ever want in a well-rounded repertoire. For instance, the pancake recipe is the best. There is no reason to use any other. The light and flaky pastry crust has become my secret weapon and I use it everywhere, from tarts, to quiches, to pot pies, to dessert pizzas. You'll want to make each recipe as you read it, if only because you'll want to eat each dish that is listed. If you're nervous, stick to the recipe measurements. If you're daring, mix and match according to taste. The creamy mustard sauce is listed with salmon, but it works just as well with monkfish, scallops and pork loin. In any case, use this book as a reference guide, from checking the ideal temperature for roasting chicken to which ingredients go into hummus. Each recipe works well, so you'll not only build your culinary confidence but you'll be inspired to share your cooking with your friends.

Run, don't walk, to pick up your copy!

Don't let the "for beginners" tag turn you off if you're an experienced cook...this book is fun and full of great recipes whether you never cook or have been cooking for years. Buy one for yourself and more as gifts for friends. They'll love it.

Websavvy cooks will also appreciate the layout. Almost all recipes are on one page, with icons that identify about how long they'll take to make, as well as a list of the tools you'll need, and links to other recipes in the book.

Another plus: unlike most cookbooks (which seem to be written for old foggies or hard core foodies), this one is filled with foods that are popular right now--dishes you're likely to really want to eat, like biscotti, hummus and sesame noodles.

The Moroccan Style CousCous Salad is worth the price of the book. I've made this for numerous parties (including for my wedding), and it never ceases to draw raves. One guest told me it was the best he'd ever had, and he'd had couscous in Morocco.