Book Information

Book ID Asin: 158816070X
Book Title: The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook: America's Bestselling Step-by-Step Cookbook, with More Than 1,400 Recipes
Book Author: Good Housekeeping
Book Format and Price:
Book Format Name: Hardcover
Book Format Price: $45.00
Book Price: unknown
Book Category: Books, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, unknown and unknown
Book Rating: 321 ratings

Book Product Detail

• Customer Reviews:
  4.7 out of 5 stars 321 ratings

unknown

Book Review

Name: Andrew
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: The Best Cookbook, Hands Down
Date: Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2014
Review: Recently, I purchased the 1980 edition of this cookbook on eBay because I considered it to be the family cookbook and wanted my own copy. It used to sit on top of our refrigerator when I was a kid. On those days and nights when my dad would take it down and open it up, I knew we were going to have something special.

I've only had the 1980 edition for a short time, but stumbled upon this "Revised and Expanded" edition from 2001. I was curious as to what would be different, if anything, and I thought it would be nice to have a newer version in case something happened to the original.

If you are on the fence about whether you should purchase this edition to replace or update an older edition, such as the one from 1980, hopefully the following information will help:

This edition of the book is 528 pages compared to the 1980 edition (512 pages).

There are 3 pages (pgs 14-16) at the front of this edition pertaining to microwave cooking techniques.

Some of the color photographs that separate the book into categories have been updated.

The "Food equivalents" chart on page 14 of the 1980 edition has been moved to the back of this edition, on page 499.
The "Herbs and Spices" chart (pgs 484-485) of the 1980 edition has been moved to the front of this edition (pgs 11-13) and updated with color photographs (just pictures of the spices/herbs and their uses, it is no longer a chart).
The "Calorie Guide" (pgs 484-492 in the 1980 edition) has been removed. Instead, the newer edition includes the "Calories per serving" for each recipe (listed with prep and cook time / serving size).
This edition includes a "Microwave Cooking" section (pgs 476-495) at the back of the book, under "Useful Information," which comprises most of the "Revised & Expanded" content. There is also a new, one-page blurb on "Healthy Eating." (page 498)
The new edition does retain the "Wines," "Eating Outdoors," "Menu planning and Entertaining," "Storage Guide," and "Glossary of Food and Cooking Terms" sections from the 1980 edition.
Additionally, the coloring and contrast of the illustrations have been tweaked in this new edition. Compared to the 1980 edition, the illustrations are brighter and a light orange (instead of the dull, light brown tint used in the older version). The color change helps the illustrations pop off the page and stand out (I think it looks better, personally).
Lastly, it comes with a dust jacket and is the same height and width as the 1980 edition).

With all that said, it's worth noting that - as far as I can tell - NONE of the recipes from the 1980 edition have been altered or removed in this new edition. They're all here.

So, if you don't feel like purchasing an older edition on eBay like I did, the good news is: You don't have to. Nearly everything from the original 1980 edition, except for the minimal differences stated above, is included in this edition.

However, I do think the "Expanded" content that is the "Microwave Cooking" section is rather arbitrary since most people use microwaves for popcorn and reheating only these days, but: The information is there for you if you ever need it, which surely isn't a bad thing. Also, the one page about "Healthy Eating" seems like an afterthought.

Still, I'm happy with my purchase and just might retire my original 1980 copy in favor of this one. I highly recommend this cookbook for both seasoned cooks and beginners. With step-by-step illustrations and triple-tested recipes, you cannot go wrong!

I hope this helps.

Name: KN
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Great for anyone or even beginners
Date: Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2022
Review: Bought this for a wedding gift. I loved the one bought for my wedding back in the 80's. This cookbook is a must have for all cooks. All the steps are explained in detail, even things like how to cut up a Mango the right way. My husband loves it too because he says it can be used by anyone that doesn't know much about cooking. I still use my often to this day. Highly recommended.

Name: Bobbi
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Wonderful cookbook!
Date: Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2020
Review: My ex-husband had this book when we got married and it's how I learned to become a good cook. After we split up, I bought my own updated version. Now my adult daughter has taken an interest in cooking but mentioned that she likes recipes with pictures. I bought this for her for Christmas and I can't wait for her to open it.

Name: Amazon Customer
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: The inside is just like older versions, just slightly updated
Date: Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2020
Review: Based on reviews that this newer edition is almost just like the cookbook my mother had and I grew up with, I purchased this book for my grandson who is just learning to cook. It does appear to have all the old recipes and instructions, my only complaint is the binding seems more fragile than on the older versions I've purchased from second hand stores to give to friends. My first book arrived with the spine broken probably from being bounced around in a too big box so I returned it. The second book that came was intact and shiny but the binding seems weak and I'm afraid the book is going to fall apart with too much handling. I kinda wished I had gone for another used copy.

Name: Life is Good
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Best Cookbook Ever!
Date: Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2019
Review: My mother bought this cookbook for me when I graduated college. Since then it has become a kitchen staple in my home. Now I've purchased the newly updated edition for my young adult kids. Chock full of great information. Recipes, which range from super easy to more challenging, are highly detailed and easy to follow. I have a library of cookbooks but I always go back to the Good Housekeeping! Highly recommend!! A must for every home cook.

Name: Just Letting U Know
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: I Love this Book
Date: Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2019
Review: I had this book before and someone took it. It took me years to find it again. It has nice pictures and detailed info on cooking. I use it with multiple cooking methods. It's great with basic information. ( I used it today for cooking the X-mas ham). also just look through it find something that looks good and go to the directions and have fun. Try page 178 Fillets of Sole Thermidor.

Name: Robin Hunt
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Excellent cookbook! Only one flaw.
Date: Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2019
Review: I love the book. My mother has used this book for at least 2 decades and i finally thought i would buy one for myself. The only reason this isnt getting 5 stars is due to my book cover being upside down. The outside slip makes it bareablr but the hardback portion is backwords.

Name: Shauna
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Good Recipes / Excellent Photos
Date: Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2019
Review: This book has really good recipes and details and also has photos of every recipe so you know what the end result 'should' look like.

I have made several items in this book with no problem and also got a copy for a friend for christmas who loves it as well. Would definitely recommend as a staple cookbook in anyones house.

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