Customer Reviews

Desperation Dinners!

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I've never felt compelled to write a review on Amazon, but this book is worth it. Of my massive collection of cookbooks at home, this one is by far the most used. I've made at least 20 of the recipes, and none of them has failed me. My brother in law told me that the pasta dish I made from this book tasted like "restaurant food." A friend from work asked me for so many recipes (mostly after peering over my lunch containers) that she finally ordered the book. My step mom and I both cook from this book frequently and report back to each other on which recipes to try next. I've recommended this book to countless people, and everyone has loved it. The recipes are incredibly fast and they all taste great. If you're going to invest in a quick cooking book, make it this one!

I'm late to this cookbook, as it's been out for some time. I think I was put off by the "Desperation" in the title--desperation and food together does not appeal. Title aside, this is a wonderful cookbook that IS quick. It's a security blanket for me--to have a cookbook with decent meals that I can prepare in 20 mins or so. I use fresh ginger, garlic, etc. instead of the bottled they suggest, but I think it's worth it in taste and it doesn't take much extra time for me. Recipes I have enjoyed include Jamaican macaroni, Deceptively simple fish, Real-life lasagna, pepperonata with sausage, BBQ shrimp on spicy rice, and the black bean soup. My life is not so rushed that I would ever resort to using canned chicken in a recipe (there aren't many of these, and you can always substitute). I'd also recommend going for low-salt varieties of canned tomatoes, for example, as a can of diced tomatoes and a can of chicken broth can really ratchet up the salt content of some of these recipes. Highly recommended for those who enjoy having a nice meal, but are short on time. I use this cookbook all the time, and I have a shelf full of cookbooks. It's a winner.

This cookbook has changed my life! Instead of feeling desparate each night when wondering what to eat for dinner and settling for saltine crackers, I can plan easy and quick meals. These recipes keep the list of ingredients manageable and are designed for lots of freezer/pantry items that you can keep around to increase your flexibility. I have stopped going to the store every day and am eating better and cheaper than ever. My husband enjoys the variety and I am able to plan a week's worth of meals that are nutritious and delicious!

I got this for Christmas a few years ago and have used it so much I will have to replace it soon. Everything in it can be made in 20 minutes flat - starting from frozen! While every recipe is not my taste, I have many favorites that I use again and again. Many "quick" cookbooks have recipes that taste like they came from a can - not this one. The recipes taste great. This cookbook is an absolute must have for everyone but especially busy families!

I received this book as a gift from my husband (my request) two years ago and since then have made dozens of the recipes from it. It is one of the best presents I've received! This has become the cookbook I reach for almost every night when I think "What am I going to make for dinner?" Most of the recipes are very tasty and all are fast. Some of the recipes are a bit dull but I have never used any cookbook as much as I use this one because so many of the recipes are great! I love being able to cook interesting meals for my family quickly. There are many kid-friendly meals, but also a lot of fancier, "adult tastes" dishes as well. One of the best features of this book is the section that discusses how to set up your pantry and freezer so that you always have the ingredients on hand to make dinner. One of the biggest problems for me has been not having the ingredients around to make dinner with, fast or otherwise. Since using this book, I always have the makings of a good meal handy. I have recommended this book to many friends and have shared many of its recipes.

Downside: Maybe I'm just a klutz, but for the most part I can't make these recipes in 20 minutes. Usually it takes me more like 30-45 (max) minutes. I think in order to finish the recipes in 20 minutes you much have all the ingredients within very easy (fast) reach and you have to follow the directions EXACTLY. But still, the recipes, even very intricate ones, are much faster than you would expect. Another drawback is that some of the recipes (but only some) definitely suffer in the flavor department from a lack of longer cooking.

Overall, this book and way of cooking has dramatically improved my ability to get a good dinner on the table every night. Now I don't panic when I think of making dinner. I just figure out what I really want to eat! I highly recommend this cookbook for anyone who likes interesting meals and doesn't have a lot of time to shop and cook.

My mother gave me this cookbook for Christmas a couple years ago and I've been using it nonstop ever since. The authors have done a great job of creating great tasting, healthy recipes that go together fast. The cold soup recipes are awesome for hot summer days...never thought of making vichysoisse from canned potatoes. Some of my other favorites: moussaka in minutes, sloppy janes, spaghetti with clams, mindless mu shu, hollandaise sauce, garlicky green beans, perfect baked asparagus, and tuna and fusili alfresco. Other reviews have mentioned recipes they didnt like, but I've loved every one I've tried and am looking forward to trying new ones. Highly recommended.

This is a great cookbook. It is well worth the money.

The book is full of tips and hints and advice about how to speed up the cooking process. And not once is quality, good taste, or ease given up. The ingredients are common, easy to find, typically on your shelves ingredients. Every recipe I have tried out of this cookbook has turned out wonderful. It is an enjoyable read as well.

I wasn't sure about this book at first, because I didn't really think that what the authors claimed could be true. But, I am happy to say, that for the most part their claim of 20 minutes a recipe is true. Now, you have to really MOVE that entire 20 minutes. As the mother of an 8 month old, that sometimes means that 20 minutes takes 30 because I have to stop and pay attention to my daughter. Overall, though, the recipes taste great, are easy, usually provide leftovers and don't take a gourmet stocked pantry to make. Well worth the money.

I have purchased many many cookbooks, but I have never used one as thoroughly as I have this one. The recipes are very easy to follow - even without pictures of how the dish is supposed to look when done! I have had the book for almost 3 months and I have made well over 30 of the recipes in it. I plan my week's menu's straight from it. I am buying this book for all of my busy friends for birthday gifts this year!!!

As a new, busy lawyer, I simply cannot make most of elaborate, delicious, time-consuming meals I enjoyed preparing as a student. I thought my family would be reduced to frozen ravioli and pizza and take-out until I discovered this book. Even when I've had a stressful, 11-hr. day at work, I can take 20 mins. to make something fairly nutritious and delicious from this book. I pick and choose favorites based not just on taste and ease, but based on nutritional value and calories (I follow Weight Watchers), and I have not been disappointed. My favorites, off the top of my head, include: Spanakopita in Pastry Cups, Summer's Best Pasta, Jamaican ("Me Hungry") Macaroni, Flexible Jambalaya, Middle-Eastern Eggplant with Pita Points, Winter Pesto Pasta . . . I could go on and on.