The Can't Cook Book - Simon & Schuster book review Product Review

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The Can't Cook Book - Simon & Schuster book review :
4.55 out of 5 based on 35 reviews.

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


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


  • 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
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
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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..
    Did you enjoy this 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
    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?


  • 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.
    Did you enjoy this book?
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    Were the recipes easy and family friendly?


  • 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,
    Did you enjoy this book?
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    Were the recipes easy and family friendly?


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

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Mopping isn’t exactly the chore most of us look forward to, but like most mums, for Katrina Macilroy, it’s unavoidable.

With three teenagers, a husband, a dog, two cats and timber flooring throughout most of her home, there’s plenty to keep her mop busy.

“I thought the toddler stage was hard, but teenagers take it to a whole other level,” Katrina told Mouths of Mums.

She describes herself as a ‘full-time Uber driver’ for her three kids, but when she’s home, she may as well be a full-time cleaner.

Her husband is a concreter, the family has plenty of sand coming inside and, with teenagers touching everything, the floors quickly show the evidence of a full family life.

“I have to mop like every second day because the floor gets marks,” she said.

So when Katrina was given the chance to try the Vileda Easy Wring & Clean TURBO Mop & Bucket Set, she was keen to see whether it could actually make one of her least favourite cleaning tasks any easier.

“I didn’t have high hopes for it to start with, because I’ve used spin mops before and I’d been disappointed,” she admitted.

But it didn’t take long for her to change her mind. One of the first things Katrina noticed was just how easy the mop was to use.

Person using the Vileda Easy Wring & Clean TURBO mop system.

The foot pedal made wringing the mop quick and simple, without having to stop and fiddle with anything.

“It was so easy to spin it,” she says. “It wasn’t like you’re spinning it for hours or anything.”

She was also impressed by how quickly the mop itself could be put together, and the simple button that releases the mop head for washing.

“That simple press notion, everyone can do that. So I love that.”

It’s The Little Things That Add Up

For Katrina, who regularly finds herself cleaning up after a busy family, these little details made a surprisingly big difference. She also loved the triangular mop head, particularly when it came to getting into the corners and edges that her previous mop struggled with.

“The triangle design makes it easy to get into all the little corners,” she says.

But ultimately, the big question was whether it actually cleaned her floors. Katrina’s answer was an enthusiastic yes.

“My floor has never been so clean,” she says.

Katrina was also surprised by how light and manoeuvrable the mop felt, because at just 4’11”, she says mopping can sometimes be an uncomfortable job.

“I’m not a tall person, so trying to mop is always just a horrible experience.”

Person carrying the Vileda Easy Wring & Clean TURBO mop system.

But she found the Vileda Easy Wring & Clean TURBO Mop & Bucket Set easy to move around and able to go in different directions without feeling heavy or awkward.

And it wasn’t just the mop itself that won Katrina over. She says the bucket design solved one of her biggest mopping frustrations: accidentally tipping the bucket over.

With timber floors, getting too much water onto the floor is something she tries hard to avoid. “The amount of mop buckets I’ve tipped over and just gone everywhere,” she says.

That can turn a simple cleaning job into another mess to deal with, particularly when you’re suddenly scrambling for towels and a dry mop head.

But Katrina says the Vileda bucket feels much more stable because of its design.

And for someone who mops as often as she does, she says that has saved her time. “This thing has saved me so much time, I can’t get over it.”

The Only Mop You’ll Need

Katrina also admits that she’d previously convinced herself she needed a steam mop. She even bought one, only to discover that plugging it in every time she wanted to clean wasn’t exactly appealing.

“You have to plug it in like a vacuum. Like, that’s not fun, I don’t want to do that.”

After trying the Vileda, she says she’s no longer convinced she needs one.

“Why do you need a steam mop when you can get this one?”

For Katrina, the combination of being lightweight, easy to wring, simple to manoeuvre and able to get into those awkward corners has made mopping feel much less frustrating. And despite going into the trial with low expectations, she’s now very happy to recommend it.

“I’m not trying to sell you a product, but I’m just saying that I’m very impressed with it. It’s really good.”

Her final verdict?

“It’s been really, really good. Recommend!”

This Real Story was provided as part of a paid sponsorship opportunity. Katrina was chosen to share her story because she was sent out and tried the Vileda Easy Wring & Clean TURBO Mop & Bucket Set, and genuinely loved it! And Vileda is so confident they’ve made the best spin mop ever, they’re backing the new & improved Easy Wring & Clean TURBO with a 5 Year Guarantee. 

  • This mop so good and the views all are positive so I just purchased one on milkrun through Woolworths and it come with 2 mop head refills. Can’t wait to use it.

    Reply

  • Yes, I couldn’t agree more. The Vileda spin mop is by far my favourite mop for a good thorough clean at home. I even got the landlords to purchase one for the holiday house I clean to make cleaning a breeze and get the job done properly. I always grab a spare when they’re out for half price.

    Reply

  • Ah, I received a ‘you’re a finalist’ email from MoM for this fantastic mop but didn’t receive anything beyond that. I was looking forward to giving this a try to compare the three existing options I have but alas. Looks good, fingers crossed I can try it in the near future!

    Reply

  • Omg! Yes! With 4 dogs and 4 teens AND the guests they bring home with them LOL our timber floors and tiles don’t stand a chance! I would love to see them add some wheels to the bottom of the bucket so that you don’t have to carry the bucket around with you.

    Reply

  • I feel like I really need to try out this mop now!!

    Reply

  • This sounds like an excellent mop that makes cleaning so easy! I love a product that not only is as effective as advertised but makes a job less grueling. I gotta say though, a steam mop that plugs in sounds like an awful idea. I have a tineco floor mop, which is cordless and charges at a base, and it’s incredible on my white tiles.

    Reply

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