Almost from Scratch : 600 Recipes for the New Convenience Cuisine

Rating:
Summary: Save time w/o sacrificing taste
Review: I checked this book out from the library last week and logged on today to buy it. Sure, I know how to roast my own peppers and simmer my own stock, but I don't have the time or inclination to do that every night of the week. Mr. Schloss has a book full of delicious recipes that only take a few minutes to throw together. So far we've enjoyed ziti with tomato and olive relish, jerk pork ribs grilled with yams, cream of pumpkin soup with Asiago cheese (okay, I used Parmesan instead) and red tandoori chicken thighs. Last night at the table my daughter said, "You mean this chicken came out of the same book as those ribs? It must be a magic book." I like the wide selection of cuisine types, too.

Note: Some of Ms. Schloss's "essential convenience pantry" ingredients can be pretty pricey, but I appreciate his argument that it's cheaper than buying a pantry full of speciality spices, etc that you can't use every day. I also appreciate the brand recommendations.