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Review The Can’t Cook Book – Simon & Schuster book review

The Can’t Cook Book – Simon & Schuster book review
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The Can't Cook Book - Simon & Schuster book review :
4.55 out of 5 based on 35 reviews.
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Jessica Seinfeld, author of two New York Times bestselling cookbooks returns with her new book – The Can’t Cook Book

Are you smart enough to dodge a telemarketer yet clueless as to how to chop a clove of garlic? Are you clever enough to know how to forward an email but don’t know the difference between boiling and baking? If you are basically competent, then Jessica Seinfeld’s new book The Can’t Cook Book is for you.

If you find cooking scary or stressful or just boring, Jessica has a calm, confidence–building approach to cooking, even for those who’ve never read a recipe or used an oven. Jessica explains how to prepare deliciously simple food – from Caesar salad and roasted asparagus to lemon salmon and roast chicken. Each recipe explains upfront what the challenge will be and then shows exactly how to overcome any hurdles in easy–to–follow, step–by–step instructions.

Elegantly designed and richly illustrated with gorgeous photographs and Microsoft tags linking to videos of Jessica cooking in her own home, The Can’t Cook Book is perfect for anyone who wants to wean themselves off take–out meals and processed snacks and become empowered in the kitchen.

The Can’t Cook Book, written by Jessica Seinfeld, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $29.99.  Also available as an ebook for $17.99.

Find out more about The Can’t Cook Book here.

 

Published 4th November 2013

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  • Briliiant!

    Not sure if I should have been insulted to get this for Christmas, but it is sooo goood! The roast pork tenderloin was the first one I cooked, and there was not a scrap left – even the fussiest of relos ate the lot (complained the whole time but ate it).
    I would highly recommend this for cooks and non cooks alike, but especially for those kids moving out on their own for the first time

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • Fantastic book, a great teaching tool

    “Mum do you know I really have trouble cutting onions at school, when we have cooking class,” my daughter tells me. I said, “I’ll teach you how to do it properly.” –
    “It’s okay Mum, I was reading ‘that book,’ you know the Can’t Cook Book (with smirk & giggle), and I know how to do it now.”
    My family really enjoyed the Herb-Roasted Beef with Potatoes & Carrots, and I enjoyed the simplicity of cooking it. It will definitely become a staple meal in this house.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • Easy cook book

    We tried some of the recipes over the weekend with great success. The slow-cooker Lasagna was so easy to make and the taste was delicious. The kids helped me make the Broiled Honey-Nut Bananas and they were gone within 10 min of them being ready. Highly recommend this book, easy to follow with real food that everyone will eat.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • hubby and I are in love... with food

    Partner and I have just read through the book, and let’s just say we are in love with the recipes and can’t wait to try them. I can finally cook some easy to do recipes, and can finally say I can cook in stead of I can’t cook, I habe a bub on the way aswell and could cook some of these recipes and freeze them but all in all great book and can’twait to try them!

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    book?
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    this to a friend?
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    easy and family
    friendly?

  • gorgeous easy to follow no more annoying my mother

    Great easy to follow step by step recipes and food that everyone eats. I will be no longer calling my mum to find out how long to boil eggs, I think she will be very greatful haha. The can’t cookbook looks basic but is great straight to the point and very detailedi love it I will be highly recommending this book to every one I know. Thanks

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  • Catchy title. Love it

    I have read this book right through and am very impressed. It has some awesome easy recipes in it and step by step instructions. I am going to buy a copy of this book for my non cooking son who I am sure lives on take away

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  • First glance a winner

    Had my first glance through the book and was pleasantly surprised at the contents. Lots of easy healthy food ideas are contained in it . I have written my shopping list to make some over the weekend and will get back to everyone on how successful i was but i am pretty confidant we will be eating well this weekend, I honestly think even hubby will be able to cook something from the book..

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  • FANTASTIC COOK BOOK!

    I went and bought this book as I was not selected to review. I can’t cook, won’t cook and my partner is in charge of cooking anything past the easy recipes. I have had so much funny trying these out they are really great and definitely ok for the terrified like me!

    Thanks

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  • Fantastic easy to follow and make recipes

    First impression was wow when I opened the book I found great recipes in the first couple of pages loved the section were it shows and teachers you how to chop things properly the recipes were easy to make and follow and tasted great was a bit hit in my family thankyou I’m a good chef they now tell me.

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    this to a friend?
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    easy and family
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  • Absolutely love this new staple in my kitchen

    I received the book yesterday & going through it, there are so many simple recipes I am going to being trying out. Love the simplicity of it’s teaching elements, a basic that will be used in my kitchen for many years in teaching my children many elements of cooking. It is set out in a lovely, easy to read, and easy to understand format with clear pictures. I will post a longer review after we have tried a few different processes using this magnificent addition to our kitchen.

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  • Guide for the notice cook

    For kids wanting to get into the kitchen or for beginner cooks Jessica Seinfield’s ‘The Can’t Cook Book” is for you. No more excuses as she guides you through the world of cooking explaining how and what utensils are used for, the different methods of slicing and dicing and finely so simple step by step recipes that a five year old could follow.

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  • Easy to follow recipes

    The Can’t Cook Book by Jessica Seinfield makes it so very easy for anyone to prepare a simple meal in the kitchen. Broken down into different sections explaining about utensils, methods, and recipes this book is great for the novice or even for getting the kids into the kitchen with a easy to do but tasty recipes.

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  • Excellent book

    This book is amazing. It has showed me so much that I tjeought I knew how to do and I can do it better, the meals are easy to follow and simple which I love. Even my 5 yr old can read the recipes to me and tell me if. Am doing it in wrong order. I have passed this book on to a mumma friend who hates cooking and she said it is amazing.

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  • For cooks and non-cooks

    The Can’t Cook Book, written by Jessica Seinfeld is really very good! The recipes are my style of cooking simple, easy but also incredibly tasty. The first couple of chapters give a good overview of kitchen tools, terminology and know how’s for the beginner cook. Excellent for both cooks and non-cooks, it would also make an excellent gift for those leaving home who don’t yet know their way around the kitchen,

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  • It's a Cookbook.

    I have used only a few recipes, it’s alright. Can’t say I would have bought it if I wasn’t going to review it. I don’t know. There’s just something missing.

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  • 2nd review

    Having made about halve the recipes now i would highly recommend. Most are very practical and so so easy to make that even my hubby and kids have done some.Everything you need to know is contained in the book with many pointers that even i did not know so it has helped me greatly.

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  • A book with fun and food.

    A tongue in cheek book, that was both entertaining and funny at the same time. This is a great one of a weekend casually hanging on the deck chair with a wine, and a few biscuits and cheese. A good one to motivate you into your next session in the kitchen.

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  • Teenage Commonsense Cooking

    Loved this book. We have this book on display in the kitchen so our teenagers can cook more often when I am out. They have learned a lot and say cooking is fun. I teach English to new migrants and cooking is a great way to learn what’s what in your kitchen. We use this book as a learning tool. Fully recommended as a gift for Kitchen Tea.

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    book?
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    this to a friend?
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    easy and family
    friendly?

  • Briliiant!

    Not sure if I should have been insulted to get this for Christmas, but it is sooo goood! The roast pork tenderloin was the first one I cooked, and there was not a scrap left – even the fussiest of relos ate the lot (complained the whole time but ate it).
    I would highly recommend this for cooks and non cooks alike, but especially for those kids moving out on their own for the first time

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • Final Verdict - Love it!

    Ok, after my initial review I’ve re-read this excellent cookbook a couple of times now and have tried a few of the recipes which for me is very adventurous. My favourite recipe so far would have the be the Baked Egg Noodles and Cheese dish, the instructions were easy to follow and the meal came together pretty effortlessly, best of all it tasted delicious and my husband was not only impressed by my cooking but loved it too. So I am very happy with this book, it has many recipes a reluctant cook like me can try without worrying about mucking it up so now I can start cooking some meals and give my husband a break from his main cook role. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who feels less than competent in the kitchen.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
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    easy and family
    friendly?

  • Fantastic book, a great teaching tool......

    The book is very well organised. I love the How-To section and I gained quite a knowledge of how to prep/slice/chop onion etc. Each receipe is clearly written in a page and instructions are clear. Tried a few receipes and enjoyed them. A book highly recommended to those can’t cook.so many more dishes in the book i cant wait to make and try.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • Fantastic book, a great teaching tool

    “Mum do you know I really have trouble cutting onions at school, when we have cooking class,” my daughter tells me. I said, “I’ll teach you how to do it properly.” –
    “It’s okay Mum, I was reading ‘that book,’ you know the Can’t Cook Book (with smirk & giggle), and I know how to do it now.”
    My family really enjoyed the Herb-Roasted Beef with Potatoes & Carrots, and I enjoyed the simplicity of cooking it. It will definitely become a staple meal in this house.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • So practical!

    I am really loving this book. It’s so practical and helpful. All the questions you’ve ever wondered about cooking but felt embarrassed to ask, it answers them and shows you exactly how to do things. Full of great cooking tips and lots of recipes which I am so eager to try! Great book!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • Fantastic easy to follow and make recipes

    First impression was wow when I opened the book I found great recipes in the first couple of pages loved the section were it shows and teachers you how to chop things properly the recipes were easy to make and follow and tasted great was a bit hit in my family thankyou I’m a good chef they now tell me.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • Never think I can cook

    The book is very well organised. I love the How-To section and I gained quite a knowledge of how to prep/slice/chop onion etc. Each receipe is clearly written in a page and instructions are clear. Tried a few receipes and enjoyed them. A book highly recommended to those can’t cook

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • Easy cook book

    We tried some of the recipes over the weekend with great success. The slow-cooker Lasagna was so easy to make and the taste was delicious. The kids helped me make the Broiled Honey-Nut Bananas and they were gone within 10 min of them being ready. Highly recommend this book, easy to follow with real food that everyone will eat.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • Drew me in immediately

    For someone who doesn’t really like to cook this book was exactly what I was looking for. I really loved the great pictures and found the set up very user friendly. I liked the look of the book and the use of the spiral binding. I especially liked the ‘How to’ section at the front and managed to learn some new techniques! The only problem I had using this book was the fact that it is made for the American market. I had to use Google a few times to find out what some of the ingredients were and having to convert some of the measurements for example from ounces to grams was very time consuming. Thank goodness for the conversion charts at the back of the book. Overall I found this book easy to use and very helpful when it came time to work out what to feed my family.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
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    easy and family
    friendly?

  • hubby and I are in love... with food

    Partner and I have just read through the book, and let’s just say we are in love with the recipes and can’t wait to try them. I can finally cook some easy to do recipes, and can finally say I can cook in stead of I can’t cook, I habe a bub on the way aswell and could cook some of these recipes and freeze them but all in all great book and can’twait to try them!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Were the recipes
    easy and family
    friendly?

  • My 10 year old daughter loved it

    My daughter who is a keen cook, loved this book and it was easy for her to follow the instructions by herself and produce a fantastic meal at the end. So win win she gets to cook and I get to spend some mother/daughter time with her while we do this.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
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    this to a friend?
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    easy and family
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  • gorgeous easy to follow no more annoying my mother

    Great easy to follow step by step recipes and food that everyone eats. I will be no longer calling my mum to find out how long to boil eggs, I think she will be very greatful haha. The can’t cookbook looks basic but is great straight to the point and very detailedi love it I will be highly recommending this book to every one I know. Thanks

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
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    this to a friend?
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Article Buon Appetito! A Busy Mum’s Guide To Memorable, Simple Summer Entertaining

Buon Appetito! A Busy Mum’s Guide To Memorable, Simple Summer Entertaining

I fondly remember slow, summer afternoons with family and friends gathered around a table of delicious finger-food during my childhood – the adults chatting and laughing, the kids pretending they understood the jokes. My parents had continued their Mediterranean traditions long after settling in Australia – and the simple joy of an effortlessly elegant gathering was one of my favourites.

What I don’t remember is my parents ever being stressed about the gatherings. It all just seemed to ‘come together’. Ah, how times have changed!

There’s something about the Italian style of entertaining that’s still so alluring in our fast-paced family lives. The idea of La Dolce Vita: a sweet life surrounded by family, friends, food and minimal fuss. Which is why we’ve enlisted the help of the entertaining experts at Sandhurst to share easy tips for elegant, memorable summer get-togethers.

We also asked our community of mums to share their tried and true, easy summer entertaining ideas, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Euro-Inspired Entertaining

Sandhurst

Before we dive into the delicious world of sumptuous, simple summer entertaining, it helps to know a little about the inspiration behind our guide. And that’s the concept of Italian entertaining – where time is taken to lovingly grow ingredients, before enjoying them with those you love.

Established in 1988, Sandhurst was born from the time-honoured traditions of generations of the family behind the brand – a proud Italian Australian family passionate about quality produce sourced from world’s best growers.

At the helm of Sandhurst are brothers Mimmo and Ray Lubrano, who live and breathe the impeccable ingredients that become the centrepiece of so many gatherings in Australian family homes.

“Tradition is what we stand for. We’re custodians of Italian values,” explained Mimmo. “When we go to Italy we see it in our grandparents, our parents came from Italy in the 50s. The tradition is a set of values: honesty, teamwork, participation, family – all the things you would associate with Italian family are the values.”

And it’s these beautiful values that make summer gatherings in Australia an extension of the European table.

Easy Summer Entertaining Starts With … Time Saving Secrets!

Sandhurst

A sweet summer of entertaining doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, it shouldn’t be. It’s a chance to spend time with loved ones. To press pause on life and make memories. And it can be simple! So here are some really easy tips for making your home the place where everyone wants to gather this summer.

Create An Entertaining Kit

Whether it’s pre-planned or you’ve had friends or family drop-in, having a few things ready to go immediately melts away any stress. Here are some things to include in a summer entertaining kit:

  • A red table cloth: It instantly says festive!
  • Some platters and serving dishes
  • Candles
  • Some quality antipasto ingredients that simply need to be decanted and enjoyed!

Many Hands Make Light Work

As mums, we tend to be our own worst enemy when it comes to delegating tasks. But remember, a summer of entertaining is about creating memories – not perfection. So let the kids help, and accept offers from your guests who’d like to bring something along to share.

“It can be overwhelming, so just delegate, and prepare. I do one dish prep per day and pop them in the freezer. Then they just need to be heated up. Let the kids do the decorating for you – plus keeps them busy!” – MoM Member Kirsty

Decorate With Happiness

There’s no need to pull out your finest crystal to pull off an elegant get together. Take a look around your home and garden to see what will bring your table to life. A bowl of lemons is a gorgeous addition, as is a bunch of gum leaves. Keep it simple and understated.

Sandhurst

Finger Food For The Win

Nothing says simple summer elegance more than a charcuterie board (or three!). When my friends and our families get together, it’s our go-to – every family is asked to ‘bring a board’. Some do savoury and some sweet, so we’re covered for a long afternoon of catching up.

“Food wise, I keep it simple by doing cold deli meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies.” – MoM Member

But just because boards are easy to put together, doesn’t mean they can’t ooze elegance. And that comes down to including quality ingredients. Choosing Sandhurst products is the easiest way to guarantee the highest quality ends up on your table. We love the premise behind the brand: from our family to yours – it invokes that nostalgic feeling of shared stories, history, gatherings and family.

How To Put Together A Charcuterie Board 

Sandhurst article image

There are no right or wrong ways to create a charcuterie board, but to ensure a balance of textures and flavours try to include:

La Dolce Vita!

A summer of sophisticated entertaining doesn’t have to be hours and hours of work. We don’t want it to be! By grabbing some beautiful ingredients to fill your pantry next time you’re shopping, you’ll know that at a moment’s notice you’ll have everything you need for a Euro-inspired gathering. No fuss, but plenty of substance and style!

Sandhurst

Ready to host your own summer gathering? Choose Sandhurst’s quality produce and look for the red lid.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Sandhurst to bring you this article.

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.

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  • Great information! Loved it. You can see https://reminiiapp.com/

    Reply

  • Looked so good I couldn’t wait – Dove in off the end of my bread baton and swirled around in a couple of cheesy dips only to finish up at the Sandhurst stackers and sun-dried olives, who needs a Holiday when there is one in the kitchen, I can take any day.

    Reply

  • I have been buying Sandhurst Kalamata Olives, Sandhurst Semi-Dried Tomatoes, Sandhurst Baby Capers, Sandhurst Sicilian Green Olives for years as our kitchen staple adding that extra flavours to our dishes. I buy Sandhurst products for Gift Baskets as presents for family and friends and they love this idea as I add a chopping board and a knife and crackers and cheese for a celebration of flavours.

    Reply

  • Great ideas for entertaining guests and love that brand I buy it all the time

    Reply

  • i buy this for family they love the brand and the taste of sandhurst and the different flavors and range to choose from and i find it great value for money, i re-use the jars when im done with for small items in the house.

    Reply

  • I have been a purchaser of Sandhurst goods ever since they first appeared on supermarket shelves and still buy it to this day. The Sandhurst brand is the best without a doubt. This year I have not been able to find the Sandhurst cheese stuffed baby capsicums anywhere. I have tried to get on the Sandhurst site, but no luck with what they make. Help – these are such a wonderful addition to a salad.

    Reply

  • Fantastic Article

    Reply

  • I Love a good charcuterie board. I Love all the different options all on the one board. I love to do a chocolate board when we have guests over, it’s a fun way to do dessert after dinner. The kids love seeing everything layed out so they can pick and choose.

    Reply

  • This is great for the grandchildren they love them as they use them as finger food and make up their own meal and use plenty of ingredients including meat and cheese on the dips and crackers. We keep it simple with the Sandhurst’s products as it is a meal in every jar and the kids love them.

    Reply

  • This looks like the perfect relaxed way to have a picnic! I am loving the idea of this! Just bring along lots of fillings and plenty of cheeses and breads and of course a little alcohol and you’re all set. This sounds like the perfect way to catch up with friends!

    Reply

  • I hate being taken to a third party page to enter comps.

    Reply

  • Certainly most welcome for summer, and would be wonderful for the festive season. I can see this platter on the table Christmas Eve, when we get together with our neighbours.

    Reply

  • Love the look of the olive on creamy fetta

    Reply

  • This is timely and helpful, thanks – I aspire to entertain more and tips to make it less stressful are very welcome.

    Reply

  • Charcuterie boards are the absolute best! We do these so often in the warmer months because there’s something for the whole family. People pick and choose what they like and there’s no complaints because there’s so many different options to choose from, everyone is happy. It’s such a simple stressful way to make dinner.

    Reply

  • I absolutely adore finger food and this style of feeding people when we have family and friends at our home; or when we go out for a picnic, bbq or get together. These types of food are so easy to source and to buy and to prepare and to happily eat.

    • Yes I agree, finger foods are easy and yummie ! And you can assemble a healthy enough plate (certainly when you add salads, cheeses, nuts, fruits, boiled eggs, olives and rustic breads) that it can certainly can replace a meal (either lunch or dinner). Everyone happy and no hours of preparation in the kitchen :)

      • Also; the other bonus is less mess to clean up when cutlery is not needed. Finger food is the best for laid back and relaxed get togethers. There is always such a clam and relaxed feel to a finger food meal without the need for any fancy and stuffy table settings.

    Reply

  • The simplest way to entertain.

    Reply

  • I love the looks of different finger foods. I don’t think it is hard to put something together and I had many afternoons hanging out with many mums and all the children at the Cul the sac we then lived. At times I had 8 mums coming with over 40 kids. Many sweet memories indeed

    Reply

  • Love the visuals of the chatcuterie board

    Reply

  • Looking forward to summer catch ups! Its always the best time to just chill

    Reply
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