Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book

My old 1980's edition was getting very threadbare, pages coming loose, so ordered this new one. It does have a LOT more recipe's. Problem I have is that at least 6 of my mainstay recipe's have been changed, several others are not even in this book. Like waffles using beaten egg whites, baking powder biscuits without buttermilk. Printing is much smaller than my old book, so much more concentration is necessary with my 77+ year old eyes. Every recipe I tried in the old book worked as written. Comparing the old recipe's to the new ones, they have changes in the amounts of ingredients, probably not to much difference in results, but when on gets good results, why change to something different. I would guess I will feel better as I continue using it...just wish they had kept my recipe's in the new book. The old one was my cooks bible...we'll see about the new one. One other complaint...it appears that the paper the recipe's are on is a much lighter weight paper, and I'll bet they tear out very easily...but they had to go to thinner paper to get that many pages inside the covers.

I have had an older edition of this cookbook for over 15 years, and it never disappoints. I own other general cookbooks, Betty Crocker and Joy of Cooking, but I have found the recipes in this book to be the best. One feature of the new edition is something in every section called "Make it Mine" where the book gives a standard recipe that can have many variations and then gives you options to "make it yours". An example is the recipe for burgers in the meat section which gives examples of different seasonings you can use to make your burgers different. In the cookies section the Make it Mine section talks about different fats you can use. Each section has handy tips like how to purchase a cookie sheet and which types work best for the best turnout. I love the spiral-bound format since it lays flat on the counter. You can also add or remove pages. There is a new section called Holiday Favorites with lots of yummy-looking recipes like Red Velvet Cake, Dulce de Leche-Hazelnut Pumpkin Pie, and Homemade Checkerboard Rolls. I think a lot of these recipes may have been in the older edition, but they were not sectioned off by themselves. It basically gives every recipe you'd ever need to prepare a traditional holiday meal, complete with dessert. The nutrition information, which was also included in my older version, is always helpful.Overall this book is a fantastic guide, and I recommend it to experienced cooks and beginners alike.

To be fair, I certainly have not perused this entire cookbook yet. My circa-2000 version was falling apart, so I thought I'd replace it. Tragically, the handful of recipes I've used are much different than my old book's. For example, the basic banana bread recipe I've used for 15 years has been changed to one that involves first roasting the bananas, then peeling them, etc etc, making it much more complicated. I pulled several recipes from my old book before tossing it, once I realized how different this version is. Visually, however, it is very nice and updated.

I bought this one for my daughter-in-law since my son and her love the canned salsa recipe.I was gifted this cookbook new almost 20 years ago. I have used many recipes from it and have not been disappointed in any of them. I recently ordered a newer edition that came in a plastic binder since mine has fallen apart from repeated use over the past several years. I still go back to this one even if it is stained up and falling apart. It has recipes the newer edition does not have. I love the canned salsa, the zucchini bread, several of the cookie recipes, the pie crust, the biscuits etc. I always get compliments (and requests) for the salsa and pies I make using this cookbook. I have other cookbooks but seldom use them this gives me all the recipes I need.Recipes are easy to find since the book is divided into sections, plus it has an index and table on contents that help you find exactly what you are looking for.

Great cookbook! I wish I had gotten it much sooner...Say, as soon as I first started cooking. It has many many recipes, including all of the basics. There are also guides to cooking techniques. If you spend some time with this cookbook you can lay a strong foundation for your cooking knowledge and skills.The recipes are easy to follow, and range from very basic to more involved. I like that it gives accurate time estimates for preparation. It has everything from French toast, hummus, casseroles, pasta dishes, and sides, to desserts and baked goods.I deducted a star because the cookbook could be organized better. I also think in this modern era, they could do a little more to cater to those with dietary restrictions or special diets. For example, symbols for GF or low calorie recipes or recommendations for substitutions. I'm not saying do away with all the goodies, but have some good options for feeding guests with different needs. They could even just add a page with a few recommended recipes and page numbers for special diets.

My mother had this cookbook so she grew up being familiar with the BHAGC. I thought it was very useful in many ways - not just for recipes but also for things like the charts for substitutions and roasting meats. So when I moved out on my own this was the cookbook I bought. I made my first loaves of homemade bread using it. And I cooked and baked many recipes from it. I loved the clarity and thoroughness of the recipes and photos.. Somewhere along the way someone cashed my copy. I’ve been meaning for years to get another one, and snagged an excellent deal on a used edition that looks brand new. And to come full circle, I think my first recipe to try will be homemade bread. I am very pleased to have this back on my kitchen shelf and plan to make good use of it.

Every housewife in the USA had one of these in the 70's, for good reason. Recipes are straightforward, photos are great, useful tips throughout. It is of course in imperial measurements. My Mum had one, and I had wanted a copy for a long time.

This is an American book, and one should be prepared to the mentions of American products and measures. This is also not an advanced cookbook - but then, it isn't what it claims to be either.That said, this is an excellent starter cookbook and guide to kitchen-keeping not just for a new bride or groom, but anyone who has moved out of their parents' home and has no idea what that funny-shaped pan or pot is for (and wants to learn).Directions and explanations are very good, the recipes truly easy, and the really nice make-it-your-own pages (which let you select options you add up to a specific dish) are a wonderful teaching tool. Ideas of how to use leftovers of any particular dish (two dishes presented side-by-side as cook today, eat today and tomorrow combos) are also a fantastic idea.Generally very recommended, but not for anyone who already knows how to cook. It's a good book of basics, not anything to put polish on your fancy cooking skills.

Great classic cookbook of the USA.

This is an excellent cook book. Highly recommended, a great purchase you won't regret. Many recipes, tips and ideas.

This is the same book I bought 35 years ago as a newlywed. It has been my mainstay over all these years and the old one is literally falling apart. I had despaired of finding a new one, as the modern recipes were not good enough (I gave a new hardback away, I was so disappointed). This edition will last me for another 35 years.