Thanks to Good Housekeeping, my cooking has improved tremendously, it turns out perfect every time.


Absolutely essential for everyone.   December 29, 2001
 46 out of 46 found this review helpful

This book should undoubtedly have 5 stars. If you're not sure which cookbook to buy then this is it. It has a fantastic picture index in the front which makes it quick and easy to pick a dish you wish to cook. Then, when you turn to the relevant page there are more pictures and explanations...none of this business that some other cook books have, where you have to guess how the finished product should look! My Mum bought me a copy of this book about 5 years ago and has always wanted one of her own ever since, this Christmas I finally managed to locate one on this website - and an updated version at that! The cooking actually comes out like the picture! This book has so many receipies, encompassing all foods - it's great.I've tried about 20 so far, where as with all other cookery books I've bought, I'm lucky if I do 3! There are vegetarian dishes also but I was so impressed with this book, that I'm going to order the veggie book also.


A must-have for every serious but busy cook   May 18, 2001
 30 out of 30 found this review helpful

I am ordering this book because the copy I was given in 1993 is falling apart! It's the first book I turn to for good, reliable, imaginative but not elaborate dishes. When I want to concoct a delicious dish for friends on Friday night, after work, after squeezing in Sainsburys, after putting the kids to bed......this book's my bible. Many of my husband's favourites came from this book - Chicken with lemon and sage, Chicken with spicey tomato sauce, smoked mackerel pate and lots of other gems. If you like Delia, Katie Stewart, Josceline Dimbleby, and (bless her) Marguerite Patten, and aspire to Gary Rhodes, Jamie Oliver etc... (but only rarely have the time - and let's face it who ever really orders sausage skins in advance from their local butcher to make - probably delicious - home made steak and kidney sausages) then this will sit very happily on your shelf.


Fantastic for the new and nervous cook.   November 22, 2000
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

Everyone needs one, the classic cookbook that sits on your shelf and provides an essential reference guide for that first venture into the kitchen. Clearly laid out with a coloured photo index at the begining, this is the book for those one step on from one pot cooking. In the great Good Housekeeping way, it firmly takes you step-by-step through everything you need to know to produce stunning dishes. Fully illustrated, your mouth waters simply by turning the pages!