Cookbook suggestion

Parent Cafe
21

<p>Thanks everyone. I’m an OK cook, but I’m in a rut if you will, and don’t have much time. I know the basics, but am looking for new/different ideas. I will definitely look up some of your suggestions.</p>

22

<p>I use my mom’s 1970s Betty Crocker ‘Cooky Book’ for Christmas cookies–everyone always asks where the recipes come from since they are ‘to die for.’ Nothing like retro Betty!</p>

23

<p>1214…if you are in a rut, you don’t need a cookbook, you need CC!</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1395372-whats-dinner-your-house-tonight.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1395372-whats-dinner-your-house-tonight.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I’ve gotten LOTS of inspiration from this thread (thanks, abasket!)</p>

24

<p>Yea for retro Betty! I find the older cook books tend to have tastier recipes and easier to cook than some of the newer ones. Love America’s Test Kitchen to learn from but most of its recipes take way too long. Good results though and you learn plenty of technique that translates to other meals.</p>

25

<p>I’ve been getting the Cooking Light magazine for years. Their website is great too - can’t recall if I needed to setup up access tied to my subscription.</p>

26

<p>

</p>

<p>I’d suggest looking at the book 600 Curries. He has a variety of spice mixes that you can make and use to change up your cooking.</p>

<p>For example, Bottle Masala.</p>

<p>Take a head of cauliflower, cut into large florets. Trim the stem and cut it into several pieces also. Drop into boiling salted water for about 5 minutes. Drain. Spray a shallow baking dish with PAM. Add blanched cauliflower, sprinkle with Bottle Masala, sprinkle with about 1/2 to 1 cup grated cheddar. Bake at 450F until browned and bubbly.</p>

<p>Simple, healthful, great tasting. </p>

<p>Take a couple of medium zucchini, trim ends and cut in half and then quarters the long way. Cut crosswise into slices. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over high heat in a heavy nonstick or other skillet until smoking. Add squash, stir. Sprinkle with Bottle Masala and a hearty pinch of salt, and stir fry until just tender. Adjust seasoning.</p>

<p>Also simple, healthful, and very tasty. His Madras Curry is also very good for this type of thing. You might be able to find the recipes online or the book at the library.</p>

<p>Penzey’s is also a good source of spice mixes that can jazz up your cooking on a nightly basis by sprinkling them on chicken breasts, chops, etc.</p>