by Angie E.

If you’ve ever felt like a lost soul in the kitchen, fear not, because Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything (also available as an e-book) is your culinary guardian angel. This book is a lifesaver for those of us who often find ourselves struggling to whip up a decent meal or decode complex recipes.

With its straightforward approach and comprehensive coverage, it’s like having an understanding, all-knowing mentor guiding you through the culinary maze. Recently, I got a new stove and it has inspired me to cook full-heartedly again. In some ways I feel like I’m starting over from scratch with cooking and baking, and this book is helping me get back on track.

One of the most remarkable aspects is its clarity. Mark Bittman breaks down each recipe into simple, easy-to-follow steps that even the most inexperienced cook can grasp. From basic knife skills to advanced techniques, he covers it all with patience and precision. As someone who often struggles with what seem like convoluted cooking directions, I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate his straightforward approach. How To Cook Everything lives up to its name. It truly covers everything you’d ever want to cook. Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or somewhere in between, this book caters to all tastes and dietary preferences. The recipes range from classic comfort foods to international delights, making it an priceless resource for any chef, amateur or otherwise.

Bittman provides valuable time-saving tips and shortcuts. He gets that not everyone has hours to spend in the kitchen, so he offers matter-of-fact suggestions to streamline the cooking process without sacrificing flavor. These tips are a windfall for those days when you’re short on time but still crave a homemade meal. One of the biggest challenges for a helpless cook is not having the exact ingredients a recipe calls for. Bittman encourages flexibility, offering alternative ingredients and substitutions. This approach inspires you to experiment and adapt recipes to suit your pantry’s contents, making cooking less stressful and more enjoyable.

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of How To Cook Everything is how it boosts your confidence in the kitchen. Bittman’s writing style is encouraging and motivating. He makes you feel like you can conquer any recipe, no matter how intimidating it may seem.

Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.