Ely, Leanne. Saving dinner basics; how to cook even if you don't know how.

ELY, Leanne. Saving dinner basics; how to cook even if you don't know how. Ballantine. 173p. illus. index. c2006. 0-345-48543-2. $14.95. JSA 

This book will help readers cook with confidence. What sets it apart from other basic cookbooks is that it makes cooking simple and fun without all the fuss. The chapters contain much essential information about a wide variety of kitchen essentials such as: equipping your kitchen (what you must have, what you don't need); stocking your cupboards, fridge and freezer; selecting fresh produce and high quality meats, poultry and fish; slicing, dicing and many other prep techniques; whipping up great meals; ensuring that all courses are ready at the same time; and fast-and-easy baked goods. Ely has included some wonderful recipes for all aspects of dining: Hash Brown Quiche, Blender Bean Dip, Potato Sausage Soup, Potato Salad with Salmon, Mexican Skillet Turkey, Double Mustard Skillet Pork Chops, Blueberry Crumble, and Linzer Bars, to list just a few. An extensive index makes it easy to locate recipes according to ingredients and cooking techniques. Leanne Ely is a syndicated newspaper columnist, certified nutritionist and the host of SavingDinner.com. She has also written several cookbooks. Experienced cooks will find it reassuring that they are "doing things right" and newbies will find a wealth of essential information. Shirley Reis, IMC Dir., Wilson Elem. School, WI

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.