Real Simple Magazine

I have always loved the recipes from Real Simple magazine, so it seemed natural that I would be given this gift. And it was a great hit with me! Alas, this is not the cookbook I use most frequently, but there are a few recipes that are a requested item for my family. In particular, my family goes ga-ga over the Asian pork shoulder; I give in with every request, because I love that it is a slow-cooker recipe!

I love the composition of the instructions and the picture with every recipe, making show more this cookbook very user-friendly. While it would make for an unruly index, I do wish more ingredients were listed in the index (I wish I could find recipes using the same perishable herbs, for example, with greater ease) but it does have the star or major ingredients. Overall, a great cookbook that could be standard if I cooked more. show less

I have always loved the recipes from Real Simple magazine, so it seemed natural that I would be given this gift. And it was a great hit with me! Alas, this is not the cookbook I use most frequently, but there are a few recipes that are a requested item for my family. In particular, my family goes ga-ga over the Asian pork shoulder; I give in with every request, because I love that it is a slow-cooker recipe!

I love the composition of the instructions and the picture with every recipe, making show more this cookbook very user-friendly. While it would make for an unruly index, I do wish more ingredients were listed in the index (I wish I could find recipes using the same perishable herbs, for example, with greater ease) but it does have the star or major ingredients. Overall, a great cookbook that could be standard if I cooked more. show less

Ok, I didn't read every tip. But the format sucks one in and I know that I read more than enough to justify my rating. Bad ideas, pretty book with some pretty photos (pretty is what gets the second star.)

I mean, I just thought, well, I keep throwing away certain things that it seems like I should be able to use for something, like the plastic bubbles in shipping cartons for example, and so maybe this book will give me ideas for some of the stuff I'm accumulating, like fabric salvaged from show more stained tablecloths or sheets. Um, no.

The weirdest things are assumed to be just hanging around collecting dust. Vodka. A stepstool. A soup tureen. And the same 'problems' get solved over and over again. Check it out if your library has it, but don't buy it, even for a gift.

And when you actually do have a problem, search online for tips to solve it... you'll find plenty.

That said, I did write down six things that I might do. I might use a straw to strengthen a flower stem to make the bouquet taller & less floppy, if there are enough other flowers and greens to hide the straw.

Disclaimer: I have read a couple dozen issues of the magazine over the years, and I do always read the tips page that inspired this book. Once I even saved that page, back when I had extra aluminum foil because Costco-size rolls... but actually, darned if I can remember using any of those tips.... show less

Mostly superficial advice, most of which I wish parents taught their kids, most of which can be Googled. I would not buy this for any young person I know. However, it is kind of engaging. Aimed absolutely at young women, though... lots of chapter young men might read only to help them understand their girlfriends....