dk books

Customer Review:

Review by: Jenny Snedden, 15 March 2012

'I have used this book since the day it was published. Other books have come and gone but this is the one I come back to again and again. My cookery bible. Everything is explained precisely and simply. The recipes are timeless and suitable for every occasion. My daughter now uses it and when she leaves home I will buy her one for her new home. I couldn''t recommend this book highly enough.'

Customer Review:

Review by: Salma Hussain, 29 February 2012

'The title "complete cookbook" is really not a gimmick! It really does contain everything you need to know about the art of cooking explained in a simple way with easy-to-follow instructions. You will definitely not need to purchase any other cookbook! As a novice cook I was initially apprehensive about this book, as many other cookbooks have claimed to offer everything about cooking, but have actually come far short of their claims. The author Mary Berry has an admirable skill of explaining all her recipes with simple instructions, and accompanying them with realistic, mouth-watering pictures of the finished article, which are really not difficult to achieve. The book itself contains over 1000 recipes, all organised into appropriate sections such as fish, soups, vegetarian, pies, chilled desserts and cakes. Each section has a picture contents page that is organised by cooking time. Each section also begins by displaying foolproof step-by-step pictures for essential cooking skills such as making pastry, bread dough, boning lamb, chicken or fish, aswell as identifying different pulses, and the best ways to store certain foods. The hardback cover is invaluable, as this book will be used over and over again by young or old, on any occasion from making a simple snack, or using up ingredients in the home, to preparing more lavish dinner parties for guests. I cannot recommend this book enough!'

Customer Review:

Review by: Joanne James, 29 February 2012

'If you want to teach yourself the basic techniques required to be a competent home cook, this is the book for you. I have had the first edition of this book for over 20 years, and it is a well-thumbed cookbook for which there will always be a place on my shelf. This new edition is a refreshed version of a classic, rather than a book of new content: new photos, revised layout, but retains the things that set this book apart from other similar tomes, such as Delia Smith''s Complete Cookery Course - colour photos of dishes at the front of each section and excellent step by step instructions for techniques such as jointing a chicken. There are a few new recipes in this edition that bring it up-to-date, such as how to prepare your own sushi, and some great suggestions as to how you can ring the changes with key ingredients, such as chicken or salmon. But this is a book of solid staples; if you are looking for new recipes, you would be better to try an alternative Mary Berry book. To build a basic repertoire and produce reliable results time after time, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book.'

Customer Review:

Review by: EmmaTheBaker, 28 February 2012

'WOW! What a fantastic recipe book! Just like the title suggests it is a COMPLETE COOKBOOK! I doubt I will need another recipe book. To begin with the cover is very beautiful and bright, you will spot it easily amongst other books. The book is broken down into sections by food type, this makes it very easy to find what you are looking for. At the beginning of each section there is a contents page illustrated with lovely, clear images. There are tons of images to go alongside the recipies, including images that illustrate step-by-step instructions. The recipes are easy to follow, with not too much text. There are lots of really useful hints and tips throughout the book. My Mum had one of Mary Berry''s previous cookery books from years ago and she loves this one too! There is a huge variety of recipes to choose from including traditional and contemporary, and one thing I do like is they they don''t all need a thousand different ingredients! This is truly a fantastic recipe book, but it is actually more of a kitchen bible! I would recommend this book to everyone.'

Customer Review:

Review by: Reuben's Mom, 27 February 2012

'DK does it again! The illustrations in Mary Berry''s Complete Cookbook book are wonderful and the "how to", "cooks tips" and "recipe chooser" sections are brilliant. Moreover, the recipes are ones that I am actually happy to make for my family and friends. My only criticism is the lack of information (aside from the general section on Freezing) about how each recipe (even if only part of the recipe) can be made ahead and/or frozen afterwards. But, I strongly recommend this cookbook for anyone starting out or anyone who loves a good, informative, well illustrated, easy-to-follow cookbook.'

Customer Review:

Review by: Helen, 27 February 2012

'This is so much more than just a cookbook. Before you even get to the recipes you find yourself absorbed in the useful information section which is packed full of guidance on areas such as equipment, store cupboard, freezing, microwaving and using herbs and spices. As someone who hates to waste anything I found myself reading these sections like I would a novel. The rest of the book carries on the theme with hints and tips throughout, which will be invaluable for both the expeirenced cook and the novice. The recipes themselves are a nice mix between the traditional favorites and recipes influenced by world cuisine, all broken down into straight forward steps. I particulary liked the start of each section where recipes are sorted into those taking under 45 minutes and those taking more than 60 minutes - very useful to help you decide what can be achieved quickly when you get in from work hungry and want a quick meal. All in all this book shows that Mary Berry''s talents stretch far beyond the baking she is best known for. If you only buy one cook book this year, make sure it''s this one!'