5 Responses to “Betty Crocker Cookbook: Everything You Need to Know to Cook Today, 10th Edition”

1. 
   Lisa Shea
   Aug 12th, 2010 at 6:37 am

   I have always had a Betty Crocker cookbook around. It was the first cookbook I took with me when I moved away from home, and it still remains the first book I grab for if I have *any* questions about a recipe I’m making.

   The book is great for cooks of all levels. It has a lot of great introductory information – how do you boil an egg? What are the different cuts of meat? It provides a lot of easy recipes that taste delicious and are nutritious as well.

   In addition, the book also eases you into many advanced recipes. Looking to cook a Thanksgiving dinner for the relatives? Trying to make a birthday dinner really special? This cookbook has the recipes for you, all easy to understand and with gorgeous photos.

   This version is definitely an improvement on previous versions as well. There is information on grilling and vegetarian meals, something lacking in the last versions. They’ve also added in a number of ethnic dishes that are quite tasty.

   If this book isn’t on your kitchen shelf, be sure to buy a copy!
   Rating: 5 / 5

2. 
   Stephanie Manley
   Aug 12th, 2010 at 7:18 am

   You will be pleasantly surprised by this book. This book has a lot of information that goes along with the recipes. You will be amazed at all of the supplimental information that goes into this book. The way to buy fresh vegetables, how to look for good cuts of meat, ways to stretch meat, and a host of ideas with each recipe. The book is clearly written, and it makes it very easy to read. There are pictures for many recipes as well, this pictures aren’t of just the finished product either. I think you will find this book covers the basics, and goes well beyond that. If you know someone that is just starting out, or perhaps learning to cook this would be a great choice for them.
   Rating: 5 / 5

3. 
   Tom Anderson
   Aug 12th, 2010 at 9:51 am

   Time was when the words Betty Crocker actually stood for the best in general-purpose cookbooks, although the recipes, for better or for worse, were always a product of their times. The very first “Betty Crocker Picture Cook Book” was published in 1950 (still available), revolutionized how cookbooks were produced, and was an enormous best-seller. The recipes were the result of much thorough testing in the company’s kitchens and in homes across America. This was cooking from scratch with very little reliance on convenience foods in its pages. This gradually changed as Betty and her books became more and more of a shill for General Mills’ products and her name got plastered on one mix after another to the detriment of good cooking.

   The 1956 edition was an expanded version of the original 1950 book, with many more recipes and clearer photographic reproduction. It contains the most recipes of the entire series and is, in my opinion, the best cookbook Betty ever made. The next two editions came out in 1961 and 1969 and were both loaded with recipes and wonderful tips/helps, although you could see the beginnings of sacrificing quality for convenience–especially in the 1969 edition, which has some horrendous shortcut recipes that border on parody–but this was still relatively minor in proportion to the majority of the recipes. If you have these books, treasure and keep them; you’ll never see their likes again.

   The current 10th edition looks good but, like the past several editions, the number of recipes has been drastically reduced. Gone are the many variations, which are especially missed in baked goods. It was wonderful having recipes of many cakes that were sized for two people or small families and having different mixing methods to choose from. Now way too many recipes are of the “dump and stir” method instead of choosing methods that would insure the best results. Also gone is the very friendly, assuring, conversational voice of yesteryear. Yes, there are recipes covering a wider range of ingredients and styles, but they are mostly stripped-down versions.

   It’s obvious that the folks at Betty Crocker now seem to think that no one really cooks these days and can’t be bothered with proper preparation of dishes, which begs the question of why General Mills even bothers to publish new editions. The “Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook” is a better bet for those looking for an all-purpose, everyday guide. It has a better layout, the recipes and ingredients are generally of a higher quality, and there are more recipes and variations than Betty Crocker’s had in some time. Even better, if you care at all about the quality of the food you eat and serve your family, I highly recommend the cookbooks of Cooks’ Illustrated/America’s Test Kitchen. Their comparable general-purpose cookbook is called “The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.” The recipes are tested and reworked–dozens of times, if necessary–to be the best their staff can make them and you get precise directions and brand recommendations to ensure quality results. It’s a shame that Betty Crocker has tarnished her reputation for excellent advice and recipes, but there’s even better stuff out there now. Go for it!!
   Rating: 2 / 5

4. 
   Anonymous
   Aug 12th, 2010 at 11:30 am

   I only had to take one look at this book and I knew it was going to be great. It truly has everything you need to know to cook today. Betty teaches you step by step all the basics in breads, cakes, cookies, meats and so much more. From how to knead your bread dough to when your meat is done. Complete with reasons for when things go wrong, to teach you what not to do next time. Besides giving you the basics this cookbook contains many great recipes 90% of which contain everyday items. Recipes you will want to make for your family regularly. I know I will come back to this cookbook time and again for all my questions and to find great meals.
   Rating: 5 / 5

5. 
   Jennifer Lee
   Aug 12th, 2010 at 12:26 pm

   I bought this cookbook recently after buying my sister a copy for Christmas. I found that I was using her cookbook more than several of my own. She is not quite as advanced as I am at cooking and so she was enjoying the simplicity of the recipes and ingredients. I was going to it for basic ideas which I could create and alter towards my tastes.

   This book was extremely easy to use and follow, with clear, decisive instructions. The ingredients needed in most of the recipes are very common as well. The print and picture ratio is good, so it’s not overly stocked with words or graphics.

   Betty Crocker has always released good cookbooks. I have one from my parents that dates back to the 1970s that is still a wonderful book.

   I have only had one recipe that I have tried from this book that I have not liked, and that’s probably because I realized too late what the flavor combinations would taste like. All the other recipes I have used (which is about 5 in the past month) have been splendid in result, especially the rice pudding.

   As I said before, this was very very easy to use and follow, with great graphs and information and would be very helpful to the beginning or amateur cook. For more experienced cooks, though simple, this would be a great basic cookbook to have around when one wants to make something intricate, but needs the basics first. For example, if you wanted to make a pesto alfredo sauce, you could start by reading about Betty Crocker’s simple cream sauce and from there, improvise to your palette.

   This is recommended for everyone with an interest in cooking; big or small. It is beautifully published and has great recipes.
   Rating: 5 / 5

Leave a Reply