We in the UK can now watch America’s Test Kitchen, hosted by Chris Kimball, on PBS. That’s a non-commercial TV station from the US and they are famed for their quality broadcasting. Yes, they offer programmes that will appeal to American viewers, but so much of that is equally pertinent to us on the right-hand-side of the pond. The America’s Test Kitchen Quick Family Cookbook is a companion to the series.
The America’s Test Kitchen Quick Family Cookbook is a book to use. It is exactly the style of recipe book that can stay in the kitchen, will lay flat on the counter and provide recipes that won’t break the bank – and that’s important in these gloomy times.
This ring-bound and chunky folder offers more than 750 recipes that can be ready in 45 minutes or less. It takes advantage of fresh ingredients as well as some convenience products available across the US, but its strength lies in providing the inspiration to actually get into the kitchen to cook.
There is a page of ‘Putting Precooked Rice to Work’. There are packets of ready-cooked rice commercially available, but if you don’t have access to such products then just make extra rice when you are doing your regular cooking and put 2 cups-worth into bags and freeze them. The suggestions here are for Chicken Divan Rice Casserole, Asian-Inspired Chicken and Rice, and several others that take advantage of the aforementioned rice along with left-over chicken. Practical, fast, inexpensive and delicious meals for a family of four.
Salmon is a good buy these days and can be found in freezer cabinets: then it’s on hand when you have little time. Choose the best quality you can find. The America’s Test Kitchen Quick Family Cookbook has Honey-Lime Glazed Salmon, but then it goes on to offer several variations, as with many recipes here.
Fish of every kind is quick to cook and you will be blessed if your homeward commute takes you via a good fishmonger or fresh-fish counter in your supermarket. Try Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Dressing – you could serve this with rice or a salad. Very smart and very healthy.
The America’s Test Kitchen Quick Family Cookbook is a one-stop every-day recipe book that doesn’t expect the user to know anything about cooking. It has a wealth of recipes that are simple to follow and step-by-step pictures to help the novice – soups, pasta, fish, meat, desserts – everything you will need to feed your family. This isn’t extravagant cooking but some of the dishes are stylish enough to serve to dinner-party guests. Every course is considered and 750 recipes will go a long way to providing plenty of choice for even those picky eaters at your dinner table. And it’s The America’s Test Kitchen, so you know those recipes will work. Great value for money.
The America’s Test Kitchen Quick Family Cookbook
Publisher: America’s Test Kitchen
Price: £21.83
ISBN-10: 1933615990
ISBN-13: 978-1933615998
Cookbook review by Chrissie Walker © 2018