When it comes to thoughtful presents, books are high on the list. One great idea for children or young adults out on their own for the first time is one of the many cookbooks for beginners. It's true that there are a million plus recipes online these days, but it's so much easier to have a good idea for dinner or to find a forgotten detail in a favorite dish right on your counter.
There are literally more cooking guides than anyone could use, because this is such a popular subject and an important part of life. One of the great classics, like the Joy of cooking, makes a great wedding present. The huge volume has recipes from all over the world, but it also has a lot of basic information. Novice cooks can learn what makes bread rise and how to get a crust on a French baguette, how to substitute one ingredient for another, and why sifting flour makes a cake better.
At the other end of the spectrum for a young bride is Betty Crocker, who issued guides for all ages. Quick meals are a specialty of this genre, as well as many treasured recipes that might not be gourmet but are perennial favorites with families. Things like chocolate chip cookies, macaroni and cheese casserole, and beef stew are included, as well as apple pie and foolproof meat loaf.
A cookbook can have a theme. Some may feature only casseroles, others may contain recipes made with canned soup, and others may be compiled by ladies' clubs, fire department auxiliaries, or churches. Southern hospitality, Texas barbecue, New England seafood, or New Orleans Cajun cuisine are examples of regional fare that those from other parts of the country or the world may be novices at preparing.
Then there are diet books that help people stick to a low-fat, low-sugar, low-carbohydrate, or low-sodium program. Having a selection of recipes to follow may make it possible to stay on the plan long enough to reach whatever weight or health goals have been set. Sending someone a targeted cookbook is a great way to show support.
There are many fun cooking guides for kids, who should learn how to feed themselves and know why so many adults love to cook. Recipes for no-bake cookies or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can be followed alone, while things like bite-size toasted cheese wedges are fun and safe for kids to prepare with supervision.
Seafood is another kind of dish that many need help to prepare. Crock-pot cooking is popular with busy families. Making bread at home can be a wonderful hobby and an activity that the whole family can enjoy from beginning to end. Even using leftovers is a topic that has achieved publication more than once.
Everyone should learn how to prepare food for its flavor as well as its nutritive value. We all could use some new ideas to get out of the food ruts we're in. The right introduction to new foods, new methods, or new implements can make a useful, thoughtful gift that keeps on giving.
There are literally more cooking guides than anyone could use, because this is such a popular subject and an important part of life. One of the great classics, like the Joy of cooking, makes a great wedding present. The huge volume has recipes from all over the world, but it also has a lot of basic information. Novice cooks can learn what makes bread rise and how to get a crust on a French baguette, how to substitute one ingredient for another, and why sifting flour makes a cake better.
At the other end of the spectrum for a young bride is Betty Crocker, who issued guides for all ages. Quick meals are a specialty of this genre, as well as many treasured recipes that might not be gourmet but are perennial favorites with families. Things like chocolate chip cookies, macaroni and cheese casserole, and beef stew are included, as well as apple pie and foolproof meat loaf.
A cookbook can have a theme. Some may feature only casseroles, others may contain recipes made with canned soup, and others may be compiled by ladies' clubs, fire department auxiliaries, or churches. Southern hospitality, Texas barbecue, New England seafood, or New Orleans Cajun cuisine are examples of regional fare that those from other parts of the country or the world may be novices at preparing.
Then there are diet books that help people stick to a low-fat, low-sugar, low-carbohydrate, or low-sodium program. Having a selection of recipes to follow may make it possible to stay on the plan long enough to reach whatever weight or health goals have been set. Sending someone a targeted cookbook is a great way to show support.
There are many fun cooking guides for kids, who should learn how to feed themselves and know why so many adults love to cook. Recipes for no-bake cookies or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can be followed alone, while things like bite-size toasted cheese wedges are fun and safe for kids to prepare with supervision.
Seafood is another kind of dish that many need help to prepare. Crock-pot cooking is popular with busy families. Making bread at home can be a wonderful hobby and an activity that the whole family can enjoy from beginning to end. Even using leftovers is a topic that has achieved publication more than once.
Everyone should learn how to prepare food for its flavor as well as its nutritive value. We all could use some new ideas to get out of the food ruts we're in. The right introduction to new foods, new methods, or new implements can make a useful, thoughtful gift that keeps on giving.
