Also, have him subscribe to (“like”) “tasty” on Facebook. He’s probably already seen it. It’s the one where they make things filmed from above and all of the recipes are easy. My kids have made several things from it. https://www.facebook.com/buzzfeedtasty/
The Better Homes and Gardens cookbook in the classic red and white checked cover gets updated frequently. The latest version might be a good choice, actually. It has a range of recipe types and handy references inside the front covers. There are also easy tabs to find the section you’re looking for–bread, meat, vegetables, etc. Most people I know use theirs forever. It’s a staple. You can even see it on the shelf of Rachel and Monica’s apartment in Friends.
Here is the ring-bound version, which lays flat when you use it and the pages can be pulled out easily. Your favorite recipes can also be added.
To show him that cooking can be fun and easy, and to build confidence, you could also get him a waffle iron and show him videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4p_zlmoII8
or
lists like these – https://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/just-waffle-everything?utm_term=.naPmXmaMlb#.mkXgLgvG02
The epicurious.com website you can sort recipes by “easy” for beginner cooks.
http://www.epicurious.com/
The NYTimes recipe section online also has beginner recipes and videos on things like basic knife skills
https://cooking.nytimes.com/
When the head chef of Chez Panisse’s son went to college, he realized that he’d never taught him how to cook. The result was that he compiled basic recipes into one book for his son.
He published the book, called “Twelve Recipes” and here it is–
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062270303/ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=harpercollinsus-20
If you want to try out one of the recipes before you buy the entire book, here is one recipe–
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017108-cal-peternells-braised-chicken-legs?action=click&module=Collection+Page+Recipe+Card®ion=5-Star+Braises+for+Chilly+Weekends&pgType=collection&rank=1
we were just talking about this…
i just personally cleaned out my cookbook collection and the only two i kept (and USE) are the betty crocker and the better homes and gardens in post #21. i am hardly a fancy cook, in fact i’d say i was a pretty lazy one, but i do like to eat so its sort of something that has to happen. i consider both to fit your critera–easy for a novice, and although they may have more than you asked for, they are divided into chapters by type and have a good manageable amount of recipes in each. i personally prefer the BH&G red book.
i’d imagine he would start making things he heard of before he tackles the things he hasnt. as in meatloaf or baked chicken. either choice above would suffice.
the joy of cooking was among the first to go, along with specialty ones…who the heck needs a whole cookbook devoted to beans?!
My son likes Mark Bittman better than Betty Crocker. My daughter likes Betty better.
But you are looking for something with the basics only? Right? And really easy.
I just did a google search for “easy cookbooks for guys” and got a TON of hits…with some very funny and creative titles! Most available on Amazon. Look there. At least they would be fun!!
Look at “Dad’s Own Cookbook” by Bob Sloan. It might be just what you are looking for.
“Cooking Techniques” How to do Anything a Recipe Tells You to Do" by Beverly Cox is a great reference for learning to cook. How to cut up various veggies, carve meat, make different sauces, dice,cut,chop. All in step by step pictures. You can learn a lot just flipping through it.
The Complete Step-By-Step Cook Book has a ton of recipes but most are fairly simple. Lots of variety from different countries. And each recipe has step by step pictures (although not like the book above).
Another vote for Mark Bittman. I still drag out my Betty Crocker. And now the internet.
I recommend The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters. https://www.amazon.com/Art-Simple-Food-Delicious-Revolution/dp/0307336794/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=T3Q395CV3Q31ZTND693Y
I am not familiar with Mark Bittman, but he also has How to Cook Everything Fast which might be better for a college student. https://www.amazon.com/How-Cook-Everything-Fast-Better/dp/0470936304/ref=pd_sim_14_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9TXZEXS5XXJQZCD9X2P1
Your son needs the tools to make healthy meals.
OXO salad spinner
a wok
a rice cooker or microwave rice cooker
Get a 3 ring binder and put in copies of his favorite simple meals from home. Go over the recipes with him and add any additional notes or comments in the margins.
Teach him to make vegetable soup from a bag of frozen vegetables and chicken noodle soup from a rotisserie chicken. Teach to make fried rice in the wok.
The Mr Food cookbooks and Mr Food Test Kitchen website have recipes starting with prepared ingredients if that appeals to him.
i’ve managed to survive all my years with none of these things
My kids have rice cookers…but WE also have one.
My son’s wok is here. Anyone want it? He uses a large frying pan.
My DD would say you need one decent saucepan, and one decent frying pan…and the utensil for them (spatulas, etc).
I survived without those too. But college son LOVES the rice cooker so I finally bought one based on his recommendation. It really is convenient!
I’m in the camp of less gadgets, more technique, and a streamlined supply of QUALITY kitchen gear.
I didn’t know I needed a salad spinner until I bought one during our kitchen renovation with limited meal prep arrangements. It keeps salad fresh for days. It is awesome to always have fresh salad available for lunch or dinner.
I don’t use our wok but my husband makes delicious meals in it. A much better option than the tater tot casseroles he used to make when he was single.
Oh we totally agree about the rice cooker. We just got DD a new one because her old (used) one finally died. She eats rice a lot…and it’s just so easy to put it on the cooker, add water, and hit the “on” switch. Plus…no more rice burnt on the bottom of saucepans.
We asked our kids if they wanted InstaPot…and both said NO.
When my daughters moved out, I gave them a CD with recipes that I have saved on my computer. They both love America’s Test Kitchen so I gave each a subscription to Cook’s Country (they get mailed a magazine but ATK also has a online subcription.) Magazine is a quick read and there are several cooking for 2 and 30 min or less meals. We also gave them a crockpot with suggested recipes
I love my wok.
It’s the best thing for quickly making vegetables, lots of surface area for searing. Any time you’d saute, you can wok.
Mine is used so often it hangs over my stove. And like a good cast iron frying pan, it’s well seasoned and black. I never wash it with soap.
DS is fairly knowledgeable about cooking, but actually executing meal planning, grocery shopping, etc., together with a new location/job is going to test his limits. In addition, he has discovered Panera Broccoli Cheese soup in a bread bowl, so there’s that.
In any event, I got this cookbook out of the library and left it at his place while he was home. Truth: he never turned a page (he enjoys epiphanies), but I did. Fairly basic cookbook, with explanatory pictures, shopping list, food safety, etc. While he is probably never going to make basil, garlic, feta, rocket and olive oil spaghetti, there are other more common recipes like a basic tomato sauce and pasta. Pretty foundational. https://www.amazon.com/The-Ultimate-Student-Cookbook-Chicken/dp/1554076021%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAIH6BKLR7M6KSMDGQ%26tag%3Daboutcom02youngadults-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1554076021
This also was an interesting compendium/summary of books for newly employed, college, etc.
http://youngadults.about.com/od/collegelife/tp/cookbooks.htm
Sidebar: He currently lives with six other guys who do some big batch cooking – like chili. When we dropped him off, my son brought out some bean soup in a tupperware that he’d had for about four months asking me what to do with it. As I directed him to the dumpster, his roommate must have decided it was an opportune time to unveil other mysterious tupperwares with me – I don’t know why. Maybe just needed a little support as he popped the lids.
Library has a large section devoted to cookbooks.
Interestingly, the one thing DS did say he wanted was the Instant Pot. He knows how to make rice and beans which supports his spending style.
Good luck
I admit to owning a collection of cookbooks and each has its merits. Personally, I think Joy of Cooking is the best resource.
I might take a different approach and get a subscription to All Recipes. The recipes are simple, good, varied, etc. and everything (and more) is Web accessible. The monthly, seasonal issues make it perfect for someone who wants to cook once or twice a week.
The title will be off-putting, but Marion Cunningham’s Cooking with Children would be excellent for this.
By the end of the cook book, it’s covered a very solid basic set of recipes. How to make soup, tuna salad, fry a steak, bake bread or a birthday cake, etc. Nothing fancy, but detailed explanations of preparing classic everyday food.
Thought of one more-- Publix’s Apron Meals. Simple fast recipes with grocery lists too. And nothing weird.
Some great stuff in there.