Cooking Basics For Dummies - Tapa blanda

It doesn't take culinary mastery to be a great cook. This friendly guide digs you out of microwave dinners and propels you with all the ingredients you need to become a superior home cook. You'll discover the fun and easy way to prepare meals all your guests and family members — from die-hard vegetarians to the most passionate meat eaters — will love.

• Warm up to your kitchen — set up your cooking space with essential tools and equipment and get to know basic cooking techniques from boiling and steaming to braising and stewing

• Take a stab at working with knives — get expert tips on the only knives you really need to have on hand and find out how to safely work with them to chop, dice, mince, carve, and more

• Start cookin', good lookin' — make tasty dishes for every meal of the day, from perfectly poached eggs to sumptuous soups and salads to crowd-pleasing pastas

• Don your baker's hat — discover how easy it can be to thrill your family with homemade pies, cakes, breads, cookies, and more

• Wow your guests — figure out how planning and practice can remove the stress of hosting parties (and even Thanksgiving dinner!)

Open the book and find:

• Explanations of basic cooking techniques

• Tips for planning your menu

• Advice on stocking your pantry and fridge

• The scoop on using herbs and spices

• How to make savory and sweet sauces that impress

• Secrets for stretching your food dollars

• The 4-1-1 on kitchen safety and dealing with disasters

Learn to:

• Master grilling, slow cooking, baking, roasting, sautéing, and more

• Make tasty, affordable meals the whole family will enjoy

• Prepare a complete holiday or party menu