Amazon.com Review
Over time, twin enterprises Cook’s Illustrated magazine and America’s Test Kitchen have published many books dedicated to providing exhaustively tested recipes–”best” versions of traditional dishes plus definitive takes on kitchen equipment and ingredients. Some series readers have complained of endlessly recycled or rejiggered recipes; others take each book at face value, finding the formulas and cooking insights good and helpful. America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook, which calls itself a cookbook, cooking school, and kitchen reference in one, offers over 1,200 approachable recipes for a very wide range of dishes–from “weekday” fare like Creamy Rice Casserole, Cheesy Nachos with Spicy Beef, and Skillet Lasagna, to dressier recipes, including Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Red Wine Rosemary Sauce, Roasted Trout Stuffed with Bacon and Spinach, and Chocolate Marshmallow Mousse. There are “specialty” chapters devoted to sandwiches, drinks, and slow cooker and pressure cooker dishes; a grilling section is a tutorial in itself.
Unorthodox, “better-way” approaches abound. For example, a fried chicken formula instructs the cook to wet the bird’s dry coating slightly before it’s applied for an extra-crunchy crust. Predictably, side bars feature equipment and ingredient evaluations, on bottled salsa, for example; “good food/bad food” photographs show readers what to aim for when producing fare like holiday cookies; and there are tips, charts, and “Cooking 101″ sidebars galore. Step-by-step photos offer more direction still.
Though the majority of recipes are sound and yield tempting results, readers poring through the book will note gaffes and curiosities. The recipe for poached eggs, for example, offers the option of extra cooking for “firm yolks” (hard-boiled poached eggs, anyone?) and hamburgers receive an indentation before cooking to avoid “puffy” domed burgers, a novel problem that could, in any case, be solved by proper shaping. The addition of sugar to some savory dishes–for example, a pan sauce for steak–is misguided. Readers should also know that the book, which comes in loose-leaf form, requires some assembly, and that the pages themselves are quite thin, making them vulnerable to spills and tearing in daily kitchen use.
These things said, the book delivers solid, family-friendly dishes with enough fully orchestrated “how- to” to make even novice cooks feel secure when tackling the basics or more ambitious fare.
What’s New in the Revised Editon?
First out in 2005, Americas Test Kitchen Family Cookbook was praised for its recipe ease, inclusiveness, and wealth of helpful information, but was also criticized for its physical production. A loose-leaf book with its pages included separately, readers found it inconvenient to assemble and its paper impractically thin. The revised edition is printed on heavier stock, and arrives with its pages already on its rings (there are two more now, for sturdiness) with only chapter dividers to insert, a simple task.
In addition, new inside front and back covers provide information on emergency substitutions, roasting guidelines, equivalent measures, and more–and a “Light Recipes” chapter has been included. Without defining precisely what “light” means–fewer fats and carbs, or a combo?–the section offers attractive all-course recipes, such as turkey chili, veggie burgers, meat and cheese lasagna, and chocolate bundt cake. Some readers will welcome the “slimming” of familiar dishes while others will find some of the manipulations–using cornstarch to thicken the sauce in fettuccine alfredo or ricotta to add body to a reduced-fat pesto, for example–unappealing. The book, however, remains a valuable kitchen tool–and one with greater convenience and durability than before. –Arthur Boehm
Exclusive Recipe Excerpts from The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook (Revised Edition)
 Light Chicken Parmesan |
 Classic Apple Pie |
 Cook’s Illustrated |
 The Best 30-Minute Recipe |
Product Description
Repackaged to be easier to use and expanded to include a whole new chapter of healthy, light recipes, this revised edition of one of last fall’s bestselling cookbooks remains the one and only basic cookbook you will ever need. Beautiful step-by-step photos illuminate every conceivable technique from chopping shallots and skinning salmon to cutting up a chicken and tying a roast. In fact, just about anything you want to do in the kitchen is explained in these pages in America’s most popular test kitchen’s approachable, no-nonsense voice.
These recipes will keep you busy (and your friends and family happy) for years to come, since we’ve included hundreds of easy weeknight dishes (like Skillet Lasagna and One-Pot Chicken and Rice), company-worthy dinners (like Beef Burgundy, Roast Leg of Lamb, and Fresh Fruit Trifle), equipment ratings, shoppings tips, and more.
Buy The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook, Heavy-Duty Revised Edition (Ring-bound) at Amazon
13 Comments on “The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook, Heavy-Duty Revised Edition (Ring-bound)”
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I enjoy the PBS series “America’s Test Kitchen,” so when I received this book as a Christmas gift last year I was very excited. Now, almost a year later, I have cooked my way through scores of the recipes in this cookbook and there is not a dud in the bunch. This book takes basic, American fare and boil it down to it’s most essential (and flavorful parts), allowing you to cook tasty favorites. My only caveat is that is you are looking for quick meals, this may not be the best choice–many of the recipes are quite time consuming. However, if you only want one cookbook in your kitchen, this is the one!
Posted on May 30, 2009 at 12:52 pm.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Cookbook Ever!
This is the best cookbook I have ever owned…I’ve been married 35 years, so you can imagine how many I’ve had.
The recipes are great and so are the instructions.
Posted on May 30, 2009 at 6:26 pm.
This is the first time I’ve been motivated to write a review. This is the most used cookbook in my kitchen – every recipe I have tried has been a winner. I appreciate the very specific instructions on preparing the dishes – small details that really make a difference and techniques I can apply to other dishes. I love the reviews on products sprinkled throughout the cookbook, as well as comments on whether short-cuts or substitutions will alter the result. Every recipe has great flavor and while can take some time to make, the time for prep is not burdensome and is clearly outlined on each recipe. If you are looking for a good workhorse cookbook this is it. (sorry to say I haven’t used my betty crocker, better homes and gardens or Joy of cooking cookbooks in quite a while). I plan to get this as a present for all the women in my family this year.
Posted on May 30, 2009 at 8:27 pm.
5.0 out of 5 stars
AWESOME!!
This is my most favorite, most used cookbook. I appreciate the pictures and steps with explanations. This was my favorite Christmas gift.
Posted on May 30, 2009 at 10:55 pm.
I’ve purchased a ton of cookbooks over the years I’ve been cooking at home. However, once I purchased this cookbook all of the other cookbooks have become covered in dust. The only exceptions would be a handful of other Cook’s Illustrated recipes not covered here in the America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. If you are a cooking enthusiast or a new beginner this is the cookbook for you.
Posted on May 30, 2009 at 11:24 pm.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The only cookbook series you will ever want.
This cookbook is a fabulous resource for any cook. These recipes are actually tested repeatedly by ATK as well as home users before the recipes are published in hard copy or soft…
Posted on May 31, 2009 at 12:00 am.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great content, terrible binding.
This is a great book. I have made many of the recipes and all have turned out and been quite delicious. It is the cookbook I reach for first.
Posted on May 31, 2009 at 5:15 am.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The facts and more
This cook book gives you the why and the how. Liked it so much bought two and gave one as a gift. This book is right next to my “Joy Of Cooking” on the shelf.
Posted on May 31, 2009 at 9:14 am.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Cookbook!
This is the best cookbook I’ve ever owned. Every recipe is fantastic and they really spend time telling you how to do things the right way.
Posted on May 31, 2009 at 10:45 am.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Cookbook for beginners to seasoned cooks
Every recipe I’ve tried as been prepared to perfection because of the great tips and clear directions. “Best” product buying tips are also helpful.
Posted on May 31, 2009 at 4:34 pm.
4.0 out of 5 stars
America’s Test Kitchen Revised Edition
America’s Test Kitchen is a cookbook for everyone. They test their receipes and offer excellent practical solutions for kitchen skills in
cooking.
Posted on May 31, 2009 at 10:30 pm.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Use it almost every day
I’m still a college student, but I have to tell you. This is a great cookbook to have around the kitchen!
Posted on June 1, 2009 at 5:12 am.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Confidence Bulder Cookbook!
I come from a family of NON-Cookers and limited bakers. This cookbook is FANTASTIC! It helps to build a non-cookers confidence to a level of comfort in the kitchen!
Posted on June 1, 2009 at 7:42 am.