Cooking for Non-Cooks Author:Edward W. Jenks This book is for people who like to eat or serve outstanding food, but don't cook well for lack of ability, interest, confidence, experience or whatever. — Some recipes are original but most are simplified versions of recipes by others. Non-cook vocabulary is used throughout the book to make it easy to use by most people. When common cooking te... more »rms are used, they are explained under "Definitions" at the back of the book.
The Cooking Equipment listed may seem strange to you, but good cooks know the items intimately; it's part of the reason they are good cooks. Go to a good kitchenware shop or gourmet cookware ship and get your equipment a little at a time if need be. You need no other equipment to prepare anything in this book.
The Serving and Tableware list will allow you to serve anything in this book with the casual confidence of knowing you are right.
The Herbs and Seasonings list is fun to buy and looks good in your kitchen. You will use it all and enjoy it.
You should have the listed Condiments and Staples in your kitchen to allow you to shop only for major recipe items when time is short.
Obviously, as your own tastes are applied to the recipes contained herein, you will make modifications to obtain more personal satisfaction.
In passing, I should mention that this book often has an odd effect on experienced cooks -- it may be that they are offended that such a cookbook could be written and become defensive over the art of cooking versus what they view as an approach to the science of cooking>
In fact I personally believe that the variations of ingredients do require the application of art to achieve the best results in most instances. This food, however, will take you a long way while you are accumulating that art.
In using this book, it is important to read the recipe completely before beginning. Good luck. -- The Author« less