Rating: 
Summary: Can't wait to get in the kitchen!
Review: After the book arrived in the mail, I read it for two hours straight. The recipes all follow the same format readers have come to expect from Cook's Illustrated magazine: an introductory explanation of the goal, the trial and error process, and the refinements which go into the master recipe. I have already enjoyed a handful of the dishes which have appeared in recent magazine issues, and I can't imagine the other 700 being anything less that "the best."
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Summary: Essential Cookbook for Anyone who wants to learn to cook
Review: This book isn't for people who just want billions of little recipes like window pane cookies and baked alaska....For every recipe there are two pages of history and explanation about how the recipe was derived. I learned tons about baking just by reading the preliminary pages to the Master Muffin Recipe. This is a great cook book if you love to tinker..and the muffins turned out fabulous!
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Summary: Week's worth of cooking, a lifetime of loyalty to this book
Review: Having received this book as a gift, and knowing the quality of recipes found in Cook's Magazine, I couldn't wait to try these recipes. After owning it just one week, I have tasted the best chicken soup, clam chowder, sorbet and muffins ever. I won't even bother with other cookbooks now that I have this one. The cooks simplify the recipes to the bare bones ingredients and cooking steps, but never skimp in the pursuit of flavor, texture and excellence in end product. For North American staples this one is unbeatable, AND informative. Reading the food science behind the recipes makes cooking not only a sensory experience, but an educational one as well.
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Summary: You can't do better than this.
Review: Living by Betty Crocker for all the basics, THIS book explains it all and the recipes we have tried so far have exceeded our expectations. This book is now our first choice for any recipe.
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Summary: Indispensable!
Review: I am always tinkering with recipes to improve them in some way or another. The great thing about this book is that they have already done the tinkering and found, as the title suggests, the best recipe. In addition to the superb recipes the research is fun to read as well...like chef-detectives solving the mysteries of bland cookies or overcooked chicken. This book does not include recipes for everything under the sun. It specializes in basic recipes which you can customize as desired (suggestions included). Another thing I appreciate is the authors do not assume you have unlimited time or money to spend on cooking. They evaluate various shortcuts (canned stock, microwaving) and recommend them where appropriate. Furthermore, the recipes do not make use of weird or impossible to find equipment or ingredients. A reasonably stocked kitchen is all you need to make most everything in the book. Thanks to Cooks Illustrated!
Rating:
Summary: The best cookbook I have ever come across!
Review: This is one of the most helpful, and complete cookbooks I have ever seen. I gave it to a friend for a Christmas gift, and we have already tried the recipes, and so far, they have also been perfect. The tips and explanations, recommended cooking utensils, etc., help you have a perfect dish, instead of just a so-so one.
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Summary: Repetitive if you own other Cook's Illustrated books
Review: I have found Pam Anderson's *The Perfect Recipe* very useful, and also like *Cook's Illustrated Complete Book of Poultry*. I am disappointed to find that *The Perfect Recipe* contains much information and many recipes identical to those in these 2 books. At the same time, there is much useful new material here, too. I do think, though, that the editors should have been more forthright about the fact that much material has been previously printed in other books. (It all comes from previous issues of *Cook's Illustrated* magazine in the first place).
Rating:
Summary: What a Great Book!
Review: I just love this cookbook. I have two shelves of cookbooks at home and from many of them I use only a few recipes, but from this book I haven't yet found one I don't immediately want to try. I especially appreciate the complete information provided about technique, ingredients, and kitchen tools included in the extensive information in each section of the book. I'm convinced this book will make be a better cook by increasing my understanding of the recipes and techniques. I'm looking forward to many years of great dishes and meals coming from this book.
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Summary: Not only a cook book
Review: Aside from being the best cook book on the market, "The Best Recipe" is so pleasing to look at. This book has become part of my kitchen in every sense. Not only do I refer to it nearly every night for tips, techniques, and recipes, but I keep it on the table for decor. It is beautiful to look at and beyond informative.... For anyone that is a serious cook, this book is for you!
Rating:
Summary: I give "The Best Recipe" Five Stars !
Review: The most detailed book on cooking that I've yet to read. I highly recommend "The Best Recipe" as it is thorough and precise in every aspect.
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