Over 250 every day recipes using simple ingredients you already have on hand.
Better Homes & Gardens Everyday Cooking
make it easy everyday • Making your life easier, more beautiful, and more delicious—in a word, better—has always been a part our mission at Better Homes & Gardens®. One of the things you need to do every day is eat—and most days, you have to cook. That’s where this book comes in.
COOKING BASICS • Everything you need to know for fast, efficient, and successful meal prep every time you step into the kitchen.
MEASURING • How you measure ingredients matters. This is especially true in baking, where there’s quite a bit of chemistry involved. Take the time to measure each ingredient correctly and you’ll see (and taste) the results.
CUTTING • To keep it concise, our recipes often include in the ingredient list the way a fruit or vegetable should be cut (chopped, bias-sliced, etc.). Here are our tips for prepping some common fruits and veggies.
COOKING & COOKWARE • These are the most frequently used cooking techniques, plus a guide to the cookware that’s often used in this book.
GRILLING • Controlling the fire is the key to perfect, flame-seared meats and veggies. Get a handle on the terminology, techniques, and safety tips. Then fire up the grill to get your backyard party started.
KEY INGREDIENTS • These common ingredients appear often in our recipes. Here are the specifics about how each ingredient is prepped in our Test Kitchen during testing.
CHILI PEPPERS • We love chile peppers for the big flavor boost they add to foods and for that kick of spicy heat. Learn which ones are milder and which are flaming hot so you always pick the right variety for the job.
GARLIC & SPICES • We all could use more spice in our lives, so here’s the ultimate guide to perking up yours. Keep a collection of some or all of these essential spices (plus bulbs of garlic) on hand to flavor your recipes.
HERBS • Although summer heralds the season for fresh herbs (either from your own garden or from the farmers market), most supermarkets offer a selection in the produce department year-round. When fresh isn’t available, dried is a flavorful option.
SAUCES • Chop, puree, and pulse your way to high-flavor sauces made from fresh ingredients. We refer to these recipes throughout the book, but you can also make a batch to flavor fish, burgers, pasta, veggies, dips, and eggs.
MARINADES & RUBS • Before grilling or cooking, give meat and poultry a slow soak in a marinade or generously rub on a spice mix. That extra boost of savory flavor makes all the difference.
CASSEROLES • Yes, this comfort-food favorite can be quick to fix. These recipes have short prep times—then you can relax while they bubble and bake.
MEAT, FISH & POULTRY • Pick your protein from an array of options, flavor-loaded with fresh vegetables, herbs, and seasonings.
MEATLESS • Whether you’re simply eating less meat or cooking regularly for a vegetarian or two, you’ll find plenty of fresh ideas here.
PASTA & NOODLES • For those days when you’re craving the comfort only carbs can offer, take your pick from a range of flavor profiles—from Spaghetti Alla Carbonara to Korean-Style Steak and Noodles.
SANDWICHES & PIZZA • From deep-dish Italian-style pie to pick-your-meat sliders, these handheld favorites are perfect for casual meals.
MAIN-DISH SALADS • Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor, these beautiful bowls are perfect for warm days—and for getting your veggies.
FAST OR SLOW • Busy days call for efficient ways to get a meal on the table without compromising taste or nutrition. Pull out the slow cooker—or pressure cooker—to make mealtime stress-free.
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