Bookalicious :: Kitchen Simple

If you've read Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything and use it like a bible (I do) then you'll love James Peterson's Kitchen Simple.  It's like the next step up.  The recipes are simple and often really basic - like Polenta - but there are also an assortment of recipes that you would serve at a dinner party - like Salmon with Clams, Coconut, Garlic, and Saffron.

There are also pictures.  Lots of them.  Lots of enticing pictures.  Even some of the most basic recipes come with a photo - which makes Celery with Blue Cheese even look lovely.

James Peterson himself has SIX James Beard Awards - all for previous books with basic recipes and instructions.  Maybe this one will win him #7??

This book is perfect for planning weeknight dinners and brainstorming 'something different.'  We get so bored with dinner sometimes.  This is a great solution as Peterson uses basic ingredients, basic taste profiles, but elevates them just enough to relieve the weeknight doldrums.