12 best beginner cook books

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Get Started in the Kitchen with Super Simple, 5-Ingredient Recipes:

The Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners makes it easy to get started in the kitchen with recipes that use only five main ingredients-that means no long grocery shopping lists and minimal prep, too! Written for all level cooks, you don't need any cooking experience to make the simple recipes in this book. Just follow the instructions and you will be on your way to wonderfully easy meals.

Set Up Your Kitchen:

Before you start cooking, you need some essential kitchen tools, necessary appliances, and staple ingredients to store in both your pantry and the refrigerator. This cookbook makes sure that with just a little preparation, you will be ready for this new cooking adventure.

Make Prep Easy:

5-ingredient recipes make it easy to whip up meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also snacks, desserts, and a chapter on sauces, dressings, and staples.

Start Cooking:

These recipes are convenient and can be made in 30 minutes or less, in one-pot or one-pan, and in slow cookers. Plus, make-ahead recipes that you can store in the freezer save you even more time on busy nights.

Sample Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken Wings

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, toss the wing pieces with the olive oil and seasoned salt. Spread the chicken out on the baking sheet.

3. Roast for 20 minutes, then turn the wings. Roast 20 to 25 minutes more, or until the wings are crispy.

4. In a large bowl, whisk together the pepper sauce, honey, and melted butter. Toss the baked wings in the sauce until well coated. Serve with dressing on the side, if desired. These wings can also be garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Tip:

Restaurant wings are typically deep fried; baking chicken wings seals in the flavor and cuts down the fat and calories. I promise, these are still extra delicious. You can use this recipe to make different flavor wings, too. Instead of the pepper sauce, honey, and butter, toss the wings with 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ or teriyaki sauce.

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Sample Recipe:

1. Combine the honey, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic paste in a small bowl or mason jar and whisk or shake until combined. Set aside.
2. If using chicken breasts that are thicker on one end than the other, use a mallet or rolling pin to pound the thicker side a few times to even them out to a 1/2-inch thickness throughout. If using breasts that are very large, slice them in half lengthwise. (You can use the extra chicken for another recipe or freeze it for later use if it has not been previously frozen.)
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season well all over with salt and pepper.
4. Heat a skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the chicken and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
5. Give the sauce another quick stir or shake, add it to the pan, and continue cooking another 6 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

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Whole Wheat Sour Cream Pancakes

Although these pancakes seem like a special-occasion recipe, you can definitely enjoy them on rushed mornings, too. Try making these slightly tangy pancakes ahead of time and eating them cold with a little almond butter for a quick snack.

Rice Noodles with Fried Tofu and Cabbage

This dish resembles pad thai, but has a different taste profile. Its slightly tart sauce is made rich with the addition of sesame oil. You could even stir in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter if you prefer a more traditional preparation.

Salmon Shrimp Burgers

Canned or leftover salmon retains its moisture and is robust enough to stay together when formed into patties. Try a generous dollop of tzatziki or homemade tartar sauce as a creamy topping for these flavor-packed burgers.

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Something for every taste

These recipes are fast and easy but include a ton of variety and nutritious ingredients, so there’s always something tasty to throw together before class. Try the Avocado Toast with Poached Egg and Tomato Salad, featuring the brain-boosting benefits of fresh avocado.

Basics, but never boring

These recipes include simple staples and classic favorites but offer easy ways to take the basics up a notch. The Pasta Puttanesca shows you how to liven up plain pasta with the brininess of capers and olives and the heat of red pepper flakes.

Dorm-room friendly foods

There’s no need for fancy kitchen tools or extra counter space with these simplified favorites. The Chocolate Brownie Mug Cake uses a mug instead of a mixing bowl or a cake pan and can be made directly in the microwave so you don’t even need an oven.

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SAMPLE RECIPE: CACIO E PEPE

1. Fill a large stockpot two-thirds full with water. Add the salt and stir to dissolve. Place the pot over high heat, cover it, and bring the water to a boil.

2. Add the linguine to the boiling water, stirring immediately so it doesn’t stick to the pot and itself. Cook the pasta for 9 to 11 minutes (depending on the pasta you use), uncovered, until al dente (see page 13).

3. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil in a large saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the pepper to the pan and cook until it is fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Using a ladle, pour 1 cup of the pasta cooking water into the pan. Use a whisk to incorporate.

5. Once the pasta is cooked, using tongs, transfer the pasta from the pot of hot water to the saute pan. Toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce.

6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, continuing to toss the pasta thoroughly.

7. Add the cheeses, and toss the pasta continuously until they begin to melt. Remove the pan from the heat when you see that about half the cheese has melted.

8. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to loosen the mixture.

9. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away if you add too much. Garnish the finished dish with extra cheese, if you like.

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Avocado Toast with Fried Eggs (ingredients, equipment, instructions)

Instructions:

1. In small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon oil, lemon juice, pinch salt, and pinch pepper.

2. Use butter knife to cut avocado in half. Separate halves, then remove and discard pit. Scoop avocado into bowl with lemon dressing; discard skin. Use fork to break avocado into large pieces, then mash into dressing until mostly smooth.

3. Place bread in toaster and toast until golden on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes. Spread avocado mixture evenly on toasts.

4. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil over low heat for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, crack eggs into second small bowl and add pinch salt and pinch pepper.

5. Increase heat to medium-high and heat oil for 1 minute (oil should be hot but not smoking). Working quickly, pour eggs into skillet, cover skillet, and cook for 1 minute.

6. Turn off heat and slide skillet to cool burner. Let sit, covered, for about 1 minute for slightly runny yolks or about 2 minutes for set yolks.

7. Use spatula to transfer 1 fried egg to each toast. Serve.

Breakfast

The first meal of the day really is the most important. Kids who eat breakfast do better in school. (It’s true.) And weekend breakfasts are fun for the entire family. Start your day right!

“These pancakes are very fluffy, in a good way.” – Charlotte, 13

Snacks & Beverages

Snack food is fun. Looking for an after-school nosh or maybe something for a sleepover party? It’s all here.

“This is a quick and easy way to make popcorn.” – Hudson, 10

Cooking for Family & Friends

Making dinner is a great way to up your cooking game. And nothing says “I love you” like a home-cooked meal.

“Kind of sweet because of the sauce, but broccoli balances it.” – Mary, 9

Desserts

Celebrate something special with something sweet. Bake amazing cakes and cookies or chill out with homemade ice-cream.

“Good balance of tart strawberries and sweet cream.” – Owen, 11

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Get Everything You Need to Know

You’ll learn the principles of the authentic Mediterranean diet, tips for implementing the Mediterranean lifestyle, how to shop for ingredients, and guidance for sticking with the diet for a lifetime of better health. And you get it all from a recognized expert.

Detailed Meal Plans That Make It Easy

Two, two-week meal plans will help you transition to this amazing diet so you can enjoy this healthier way of eating for a lifetime. Each plan includes the total calories for each day in the plan, recipes for each day, and suggested snacks.

Over 100 Delicious and Authentic Recipes

You’ll enjoy simple, satisfying recipes for breakfasts, salads, snacks and appetizers, and desserts. The entree recipes include delicious main dish options for vegetables, pastas, grains, and savory pies, as well as seafood, meat, and poultry.