Desperately untrendy - but still the best (Good Housekeeping Cookery Book - Good Housekeeping Institute)

Member Name: SaraL

Product:	Good Housekeeping Cookery Book - Good Housekeeping Institute
Date:	05/09/00 (94 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It's got everything

Disadvantages: zero street cred for having this on your shelf

Cookery Book - Good Housekeeping Institute

It's a boring title and it has none of the glamour associated with the new wave of celeb chefs - but this is still the top cookery book there is, for a whole host of reasons.
Now re-issued in a 50th anniversary edition, this is a cookery book which really does have something for everyone. Need to know how to boil an egg? It's in here. Need to create a desperately grand wedding buffet? That's here too. How about a terribly impressive dinner a deux? you guessed, it's in here.
This was one of the first cookery books I bought, and it's about the only one from that era (about 20 years ago) that I still use, with great regularity.
None of the basics are missing. When I left home, for example, I knew how to make curries and pasta and even cakes, because that's what I liked. Then I met someone who loved traditional roasts. I hadn't got a clue - but the GHI book came to the rescue.
Unlike some books the recipes in here have all been tested many many times. That's why they're just about foolproof. There's also a trouble-shooting guide so if your souffle sinks you can bet you'll find some helpful suggestions about why that might be.
I really like the very practical sections on how long you can store various sorts of food, what kitchen equipment is useful for what tasks and advice of creating menus too.
If there is a criticism it's that it is a little bit old-fashioned. But I'm sure this will be around in another 50 years, and just as useful then as now - unlike most fo the competition.
Yes I have the books by Delia (patronising and dull) and all the other big current writers. Some of them are great. Nothing is as comprehensive as this, however.
If you buy it do get the hardback. When you've used it constantly for a few years, as you will, you'll be really glad you did.

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