Amazon.com (ISBN 0764561561, Spiral-bound)

No kitchen cabinet is complete without a box of Bisquick. For nearly 70 years, the familiar yellow box has been a staple for biscuits, shortcakes, and quick dinners. Updated for the millennium, Betty Crocker's Bisquick Cookbook is filled with old favorites, such as Cinnamon Streusel Coffeecake and Oven-Fried Chicken, plus new recipes for the likes of Rhubarb Meringue Torte and Thai Chicken with Spicy Peanut Sauce.

The cookbook is divided into seven sections, including such standards as "Best-Ever Breakfasts," "Savory Snacks and Breads," "Family-Pleasing Dinners," and "Delicious Desserts." There's a whole chapter on Bisquick's famous Impossibly Easy pies, featuring savory items such as Taco Pie, Salmon-Asparagus Pie, and--a favorite with the kids--Mac 'n' Cheese Pie, in addition to Coconut Pie (the very first Impossible Pie), French Apple Pie, and Mocha Fudge Cheesecake. Calorie watchers should check out the "Favorites Made Lighter" recipes, which use Reduced-Fat Bisquick. There are recipes for Hearty Chicken and Potato Dinner, Southwest Tamale Tart, and Chocolate-Cinnamon Sundae Cake, all with half the fat of the original Bisquick dishes.

If you have little helpers at your elbow, Betty Crocker's Bisquick Cookbook is a great introduction to cooking. Flip to "In the Kitchen with Kids" and make Jack-o'-Lantern Pizzas for dinner followed by Banana S'mores. There's even a Bisquick-based play dough and squiggle paint recipe (just for playing; no eating, please). Every recipe has an accompanying picture and a Betty's Tip to help you out. Whether you want to whip up a batch of biscuits or make individual Italian Sausage Pot Pies, dinner is only minutes away. --Dana Van Nest