Cookbook for a complete beginner.

[daisymae]

Ds will be moving into his first house next May He can cook basic stir fries etc but I would like to give him a book as a Xmas presents that explains the basics and has plain simple food as a majority of the recipes rather than very fancy cooking that he wouldn't be interested in. Dh and I will give him our own recipes from foods he likes but would be good to have a book he can refer to. Any recommendations? Thanks

[Bianca]

Sam Stern has a range of cookery books - Cooking Up A Storm; Get Cooking; Real Food, Real Fast etc. etc.. They're definitely worth a look (all on Amazon).

[welovemushu]

I have the good housekeeping cookery book they call it the cook's classic companion.had it for years has all the basic recipes and pastry soups etc. Bought one for my daughter when she got her own home . It's a book that you can always refer to for standard recipes and really useful . If it helps the ISBN is 0 09 175356 2
Hope this is the sort of thing you're looking for xx

[Bianca]

Quite often the best beginner's resources are created for kids and young people - they actually let you start with the basics. With that in mind, this looks very good: -

amazon/Beginners-C.../dp/0746085389

Some things will be too simple, but there's a lot of good stuff in there, too, . (I had a quick look at the index.) ETA: Also, it's spiral-bound!

Disclaimer : I have the Sam Stern books, but not this one; I just like the look of it, so thought I'd mention it.

[Mrs Red C]

A friend of mine wrote out all her family favourite recipes into book form ready for going to Uni. Something different, otherwise Good Housekeeping is a good basic book.

[Mo&Chris]

Can't beat the classic - Delia Smith

/Mo

[Camsmummy]

Jamie Oliver’s ministry of food is a good starter cookbook

[Guest]

I have juat bought the latest Jamie Oliver book (well I think it is the latest). It is the five ingredients book. I really love cooking and am happy with 40 intredients, but I really like the simplicity of these recipes and think it could be an excellent place to start.

[daisymae]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, looks like I will be browsing amazon tonight

[loldis]

Another recommendation for Ministry of Food. Teaches techniques as well as recipes, brilliant book. The new 5 ingredients one is good too, all pretty simple stuff.