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How to Cook Everything—Completely Revised Twentieth Anniversary Edition
Mark Bittman
Amazon Best Sellers
Apple Books
76 Min Reading Time
Audio Version Available
About this book
Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything has been the go-to guide for simple, satisfying home cooking for twenty years. Now, in this completely revised and updated Twentieth Anniversary Edition, Bittman makes the ultimate kitchen companion even better.
Featuring hundreds of new recipes and variations alongside reimagined classics, this edition showcases Bittman's trademark minimalist style with easy-to-follow instructions and tons of inspiration. Discover infinitely variable techniques, innovative uses for homemade condiments, quick one-pot meals, and visual guides to mastering soups and stir-fries.
With updated information on ingredients, including whole grains, produce, and sustainable seafood, plus stunning color photos throughout, this edition is more indispensable than ever. Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, Bittman provides the straightforward advice and delicious recipes you need to prepare meals for any occasion, relax in the kitchen, and enjoy the process.
Summary of Key Ideas
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Demystifying the Culinary Arts
Cooking as an Accessible Skill: Bittman's core philosophy revolves around making cooking approachable for everyone, regardless of their experience level. The book emphasizes that cooking isn't a daunting task but a skill that can be learned and enjoyed by anyone. By providing clear, concise instructions and demystifying culinary techniques, Bittman empowers readers to confidently navigate the kitchen and create delicious meals. He encourages experimentation and adaptation, fostering a sense of creativity and independence in the kitchen.
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Building Blocks of Culinary Confidence
Mastering Fundamental Techniques: The book emphasizes mastering basic cooking techniques as a foundation for culinary versatility. Instead of simply providing recipes, it teaches the 'how' and 'why' behind each step, enabling readers to understand the underlying principles of cooking. This approach allows cooks to adapt recipes, create their own variations, and confidently tackle new culinary challenges. Mastering these core techniques builds confidence and transforms cooking from a chore into an enjoyable and creative endeavor.
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The Power of Freshness and Simplicity
Embracing Simple, Fresh Ingredients: Bittman advocates for using fresh, high-quality ingredients as the cornerstone of good cooking. The book encourages readers to focus on seasonal produce and readily available pantry staples, emphasizing that simple ingredients, when prepared well, can result in extraordinary flavors. By prioritizing the quality of ingredients, Bittman promotes a mindful approach to cooking that values simplicity and natural flavors over complicated techniques or processed foods. This focus on fresh ingredients also aligns with a healthier and more sustainable way of eating.
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Recipes as Flexible Blueprints
Flexibility and Adaptability in Recipes: A key idea is that recipes are not rigid rules but rather flexible guidelines. Bittman consistently offers variations and substitutions within his recipes, encouraging cooks to adapt them to their own tastes, dietary needs, and available ingredients. This adaptability fosters a sense of creativity and empowers readers to become more confident and intuitive cooks. By understanding the underlying principles of each recipe, cooks can make informed decisions about substitutions and modifications, ultimately creating personalized dishes that reflect their individual preferences.
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Cooking Sustainably and Mindfully
Reducing Food Waste: Bittman promotes mindful consumption and minimizing food waste. By providing tips on proper storage, utilizing leftovers creatively, and understanding ingredient seasonality, the book encourages readers to adopt a more sustainable approach to cooking. This emphasis on reducing waste not only benefits the environment but also saves money and encourages resourcefulness in the kitchen. Bittman's approach fosters a deeper connection with food and promotes a more responsible and ethical way of eating.
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From Novice to Culinary Intuition
Becoming a Confident, Intuitive Cook: The ultimate goal of the book is to transform readers into confident, intuitive cooks who can navigate the kitchen with ease and create delicious meals without relying solely on recipes. By mastering fundamental techniques, understanding ingredient properties, and embracing flexibility, cooks develop a deeper understanding of the culinary process. This intuition allows them to experiment, adapt, and create their own signature dishes, fostering a lifelong love of cooking and empowering them to nourish themselves and their loved ones with wholesome, delicious food.
Chapter Recap
About The Author
Mark Bittman
Main Quotes
"Anyone can cook, and most everyone should."
"The more you cook, the more you can cook."
"Cooking is not about following recipes slavishly; it’s about knowing techniques and developing judgment."
"The best way to learn to cook is to cook."
"Don't be afraid to experiment."
"Keep it simple."
"Use good ingredients."
"Taste as you go."
"Clean as you go."
"Have fun."
Who Should Read This Book
Beginner cooks
Home cooks seeking a comprehensive reference
Experienced cooks looking for reliable basic recipes and techniques
People who appreciate simple, straightforward cooking methods
Those interested in a wide variety of cuisines and dishes
Gift-givers looking for a practical and informative cookbook
Individuals seeking to improve their overall cooking skills
Fans of Mark Bittman's writing and approach to food
Cooks who value a resource that covers a broad range of culinary topics
People who want to learn the fundamentals of cooking from scratch
Book Summaries Like
How to Cook Everything—Completely Revised Twentieth Anniversary Edition
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