Rating: 
Summary: The very best
Review: The Silver Palate Cookbook and the Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook are the two best cookbooks I own or have ever come across, hands down. The recipes are sophisticated yet uncomplicated. They are delicious. That's the bottom line isn't it? I buy cookbooks to give me ideas to create delicious food. I enjoy the art and creativity of cooking. If you have to choose just a handful of cookbooks, include these and you'll have a precious resource that will last many years. My only complaint is that making these recipes has so spoiled my husband and I that we do not enjoy dining out as much!
Rating:
Summary: A "Must-Have" for Any Cook -- a GREAT Gift
Review: The Silver Palate Cookbook was given to me as a gift years ago. After using it the first time, I decided to give it as a gift to anyone who didn't already have it. My favorite recipe is the Chicken Marbella. It's great for group gatherings -- marinate the night before, cook for one hour before serving. The aroma while cooking is intoxicating. I've met a few neighbors in my building while this has been cooking!
Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites!
Review: THE SILVER PALATE COOKBOOK was one of the first cookbooks to introduce new American cuisine into the kitchens of ordinary homes. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients and innovative dishes, it freed many cooks from mundane meals. Now, of course, two decades after its first printing, many of the recipes no longer seem inventive. Goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes are no longer exotic ingredients, and balsamic vinaigrette can be found at almost every restaurant. Now, instead of surprising cooks, THE SILVER PALATE COOKBOOK supplies them with a wonderful array of recipes that can liven up meal time.Most of the recipes contained in this volume are relatively easy to prepare, with some requiring more time and effort than others. The techniques do not require any special knowledge, and the recipes are logically laid out, with numbered steps and clear English. You'll find easily assembled dishes such as "Tomato, Montrachet, and Basil Salad" as well as the much more complicated "Layered Vegetable Terrine." My favorite recipes are "Marinated Beef Salad," "Curried Butternut Squash Soup," "Tarragon Chicken Salad," "Skewer Shrimp and Proscuitto," "Salmon Mousse," and "Coconut Macaroons." I can't come close to listing all the successful recipes I've prepared from this cookbook, although I occasionally find one that I don't like. Because most of the ingredients are now readily available in a good supermarket, you can assemble what you need without hassle. Anyone with a minimal amount of cooking experience should be able to succeed with these recipes. They are especially great for company since you can select impressive recipes that don't require long hours in the kitchen.
Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites!
Review: THE SILVER PALATE COOKBOOK was one of the first cookbooks to introduce new American cuisine into the kitchens of ordinary homes. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients and innovative dishes, it freed many cooks from mundane meals. Now, of course, two decades after its first printing, many of the recipes no longer seem inventive. Goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes are no longer exotic ingredients, and balsamic vinaigrette can be found at almost every restaurant. Now, instead of surprising cooks, THE SILVER PALATE COOKBOOK supplies them with a wonderful array of recipes that can liven up meal time. Most of the recipes contained in this volume are relatively easy to prepare, with some requiring more time and effort than others. The techniques do not require any special knowledge, and the recipes are logically laid out, with numbered steps and clear English. You'll find easily assembled dishes such as "Tomato, Montrachet, and Basil Salad" as well as the much more complicated "Layered Vegetable Terrine." My favorite recipes are "Marinated Beef Salad," "Curried Butternut Squash Soup," "Tarragon Chicken Salad," "Skewer Shrimp and Proscuitto," "Salmon Mousse," and "Coconut Macaroons." I can't come close to listing all the successful recipes I've prepared from this cookbook, although I occasionally find one that I don't like. Because most of the ingredients are now readily available in a good supermarket, you can assemble what you need without hassle. Anyone with a minimal amount of cooking experience should be able to succeed with these recipes. They are especially great for company since you can select impressive recipes that don't require long hours in the kitchen.
Rating: 
Summary: Big hits and big misses
Review: The Silver Palate's receipts are either wonderful hits or bizarre misses. All the receipts are truly inventive, and either that translates into simple elegant creations where the ingredients work well with each other (but you never would have thought to put them together), or elaborate procedures involving expensive ingredients that one would never have sitting around the kitchen (and is not likely to use again) and which aren't worth the trouble. One great success is a luscious summer pasta receipt with raw tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic... and brie... truly sumptuous and prepared in about ten minutes. All in all, still a must have.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent and delicious reading!
Review: This book has pride of place in our kitchen. Excellent and unusual recipes and some very interesting variations on old themes. Conversion tables can be a bit hit and miss. If you have kids try the giant chocolate chip cookies, I guarantee the best you have ever tasted! Superlative salads and spectacular pates Read, Cook, eat and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: good for special occasions
Review: This cookbook has great recipes to make for special occasions - most of them have a few ingredients that you don't have lying around the house, but when you are looking to make something a little fancier without spending all day, this is perfect. I especially recommend the dessert recipes.
Rating:
Summary: Delectable Recepies That Are Quintessential To All Cooks!
Review: This is a wonderful cook book - I love the side notes and suggestions....The Pumpkin Pie Recipe is like no other I've tried and now is an essential element of my Thanksgiving Dessert offerings! Not too sweet and just the perfect amount of spices (Cardamom too) makes it extra aromatic and a delightful end to a savory meal.
Rating:
Summary: If you can only have one cookbook , this is the one.
Review: This is cookbook is as fresh and relevant today as it was when it was first published in the early 80s. It truly revolutionized home cooking in America with its emphasis on fresh ingredients and basic cooking techniques. It isn't a particularly long cookbook, but it still manages to be incredibly comprehensive. You'll find everything from elegant appetizers to comfort food desserts. Any time you're interested in trying something new or wanting to revitalize an old classic, this is the place to start. The authors went on to write other cookbooks which also contain lots of great recipes, but even "Basics" is not as comprehensive as this one. I can honestly say that I've cooked just about every recipe in this book and that each one has been a success. Not only are the recipes consistently good, but this book also makes great reading. In very practical terms the authors share truly useful tips on cooking techniques, kitchens gadgets and how to select produce. The book is particularly well organized so it's easy to find the recipe you're looking for.
Rating:
Summary: Must Have
Review: This is one of the best cookbooks I own (and I have quite a collection). There are so many tips and basic things that you can use it forever more. I find it more useful than "The Joy of Cooking". In fact, I needed a quick recipe for Bechamel Sauce last Christmas, didn't have access to the book but called a friend who has it and had her read it to me over the phone. This is a must for new cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
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