Williams-Sonoma Simple Classics Cookbook: The Best of Simple Italian, French & American Cooking (Complete Series (San Francisco, Calif.).)

Rating:
Summary: Simply Beautiful
Review: As a newlywed, I have purchased several books to enhance my cooking skills recently. This book stood out because of the beautiful presentation of each item and promise of simplicity. Although I did have to call my mother-in-law aobut how to tie up a chicken (not explained) this book has turned some excellent entrees for myself and my husband. One complaint, the book is so large it is difficult to keep nearby while cooking without getting in the way or accidently becoming part of the cooking process. Overall it is a book that has taught me a lot about beautiful presentaion of simple dishes and is beautiful too look at.

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Book
Review: As an avid cookbook collector and frequent shopper at the Williams-Sonoma retail stores, I was especially pleased when my husband bought this as a gift for me. I often take cookbooks to bed at night for inspiration to plan parties and this has become a favorite. As the title states, the recipies are simple and classic with wonderful photographs to show the finished products. While some of the ingredient lists may seem a bit intimidating, the results are worth it. The Potato and Onion Gratin is delicios as well as the Chicken Salad with Apples and Walnuts.The desserts are amazing, the Bittersweet Chocolate Cake is decadent and the Chocolate-Orange Cheesecake will take your breath away. The final chapter has a list of basic recipies and techniques that even the most advanced cooks would be likely to use as a reference. This is a wonderful book.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: Great simple classic recipes. I'm no chef and hardly cook but find the recipes clear and easy to follow. The recipes are classic basic dishes like risotto and crab cakes. Some of the recipes are a bit bland but buy Emeril's if you want spicy. This book is a great classic simple cookbook. Just like Williams-Sonoma great and classic charm.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: Great simple classic recipes. I'm no chef and hardly cook but find the recipes clear and easy to follow. The recipes are classic basic dishes like risotto and crab cakes. Some of the recipes are a bit bland but buy Emeril's if you want spicy. This book is a great classic simple cookbook. Just like Williams-Sonoma great and classic charm.

Rating:
Summary: I went from Novice to Gourmet!
Review: I have collected some very interesting and promising cookbooks over the years, and all of them combined could not teach me what this one book has. I literally went from Novice to Gourmet when I started making some of these recipes. I rave about it and give it to everyone on my gift list.
You can make any of the recipes everyday and not feel overwhelmed because they are truly simple! My favorite is the Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Leeks served with mashed potatoes. Although it takes 2 hours to make, your actual work time is less than 20 minutes. Just leave it to simmer and check on it every half hour, and Viola you are a gourmet chef!
I have such confidence in the kitchen because of this book! I hope, if you decide to purchase this book or put it on your wish list, that it will give you half the joy it has given me because even that would be heaven sent!

Rating:
Summary: SUPERIOR SERVICE AND QUALITY
Review: I placed the order and in just days I received the book very fast and in very good quality. Thanks a million !!!

Rating:
Summary: I love this book!
Review: My husband bought me this book and so far have already tried a few of the recipes. They're easy, ingredients are not too difficult to find (from where I live at the moment) and they're marvelously good!!!

Rating:
Summary: My FAVORITE Cookbook!
Review: This book blows my breath away! Fabulous pictures on every page, Delicious recipes (especially the vegetables) and most recipes take only 15-35 minutes to prepare with simple-to-find ingredients. I love this book and hope they will one day do another like it.

Rating:
Summary: The One I Always Pull Down from the Shelf
Review: This cookbook demostrates that combining good ingredients with simplicity can result in wonderful dishes. I have an extensive cookbook collection, some are beautiful to look at and some are a great resource for recipes; this is both a joy to browse and a pleasure to cook from. The instructions are clear, the lists of ingredients and number of steps are reasonable, and the results have always been very rewarding. As an indication of how highly I think of this book, I purchased copies for both my mother and daughter. This is a great book to have in your kitchen library.