The Cookbook that settles disputes about the best way to make pancakes, chocolate chip cookies, and the whole range of wonderful staples of the American diet. Should you skin red potatoes before mashing them? Drop dumpling dough or cut it with a biscuit cutter? Substitute butter for shortening when baking? These people know the answers and they explain them with pictures. How cool is that?! ( )

This book has been with me for ages and most of the recipes in here were tried and experimented and this has been a great contributor of my foundation of cooking. Every recipe has been presented with clarity very easy to follow and most of the ingredients are accessible in my local supermarket. It is very detailed and thorough and every meal is a chefs' work of art. I just love this cooking book its amazing. ( )

Some good recipes, but difficult to search, read & follow! ( )

My go to first book when I am looking for a good recipe. I love the clear way things are explained and I love the testing that the Cook's Illustrated Magazine have put into each recipe here. ( )

Not only do you learn what to do right, but they explain what not to do as well. As the other reviewer mentioned, the passages on brining are very informative! ( )