Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I wanted my almost-18 year old son to be able to survive on something more than Ramen and mac 'n cheese. This book is amazing for any beginner cooks. It's not just recipes. It starts off with a description of basic kitchen utensils that is needed and pantry basics. Keeping in mind that it is geared for college students (but helpful information for ANYONE), it also highlights foods that are good for the brain (cramming for a test?) and recovery foods (sports?). There's even a section on buying groceries from saving money to how to pick out produce. Right before the recipes, the books covers essential tasks like how to properly cut up some of those ingredients you will be using. The recipes are broken down into the following categories: Breakfasts, Snacks & Small Bites, Salads & Sandwiches, Soups & Stews, Vegetarian and Vegan Mains, Seafood & Poultry Mains, Pork & Beef Mains, Sweet Treats, and finishes with Kitchen Staples. The recipes have very few ingredients (says 5 but then there's also spices/seasonings of course) and are easy to prepare. The ones I had my son try out were also very tasty. I especially like that there were optional variations for some of the recipes and in case you are cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, each recipe has details in the margin for tips such as gluten-free, vegetarian, etc. It evens mentions which ones can be made in the microwave in case you are in a hurry or the ones that are great for sharing in case you have study buddies coming over. I highly recommend this for every college student BUT also for any beginner cook or someone moving out on their own for the first time.