Michael Symon's Live to Cook: Recipes and Techniques to Rock Your Kitchen: A Cookbook

My wife liked many of the recipes in this one.

This book looks like it is recipes from his restaurants. These are not for a quick meal on a weekend. But if you want recipes that will impress someone, this is the book. This is going to be for my Sunday dinner recipes.

Upon the initial review of the book, I thought "Ahw, just another cook book with recipes the home cook would never attempt (ingrediants not readily available/process not geared to an average home cook)." My thoughts were changed when I read various reviews on this Amazon review post under this book, designating to give it a second chance. So I did, and I am greatly pleased. Many of the recipes can be made by the home cook. Michael's stories are very enjoyable - they help you greatly to understand his style and what he hopes to accomplish. His chef's tips are also very invaluable (commenting on the role of his pantry, cooking tools, ingrediants, etc.). I greatly enjoy his ideas on how to completly change a dish (i.e. turing it to an oriental slant my making a vinegarette that would include "XXX", etc.). Between his cookbook and the Michael Chiarello cookbooks, I was able to understand the style the each chef is trying to get across. I had never been able to accomplish that in the past.Note: I am a Clevelander so I do I have an upfront appreciation for Symon's accomplishments.

Yes, bacon makes everything taste better. So if you're not a fan, this isn't for you. But honestly, I didn't know there were so many ways to use it even to enhance the flavor of asparagus. Not to say everything in this book has bacon. He also tells his story from the beginning of his cooking career to where he is now in between the chapters. I do love his recipes, the burger is amazing and everyone should make it. Also, he explains the different taste components that should be in the dish to balance it, like including something vinegary to balance a heavy savory taste. I never really thought about cooking like that and it really opened my eyes to even more possibilities. But don't worry, there are simple family favorites in here too. Definitely try the tomato soup recipe!

One of my favorites. Very much enjoying the recipes and Chef Symon's story. He comes across as a very relatable and down to earth kind of guy, and that's reflected in his cooking. I've made a number of the recipes so far and haven't been disappointed with a single one, and that included my Thanksgiving turkey this year.

Love this guy on TV, but the cookbook is extremely meat oriented. I’m a carnivore/ omnivore, but found a number of recipes over the top. Otherwise, it’s good: clear, easy to follow, and the voice is like his TV voice.

I am a fan of Chef Mike, so I purchased this primarily out of devotion to liking his methods and personality. He also gushes about his mother and her inspiration to his success in career choice. This is a sweet tribute to that and is not necessarily the recipe collection from him that I was looking for. It is a great collectible book and has basic recipes from his background.

I consider myself a semi-accomplished home cook and was excited to receive this book for all the great flavors and combinations that Michael uses in his cooking. However, I was a bit disappointed in that I don't think the book is geared as much to the home chef as it claims. Duck Confit, homemade foie gras bratwurst, pickled lamb's tongue? Seriously? I am all about good food and good ingredients but I also think that Michael may have forgotten about his Cleveland roots when he thinks everyone can afford to shop at Whole foods. I may stop in for a few ingredients or treats but it is beyond my budget for weekly shopping. That being said, I do look forward to trying different recipes in the book including the dates, the mushroom-stuffed chicken and hanger steak with pickled chilies!

Michael offers a wealth of information that’s helpful to the aspiring home cook in this book. Love it. Love him!

Michael Symon's cookbooks are foolproof, and this one includes such a personal narrative. This is a favourite, for sure, for Michael Symon fans, for home cooks, and for those who love a good food story.