Everyone likes a Cinderella story, and "The Kitchen Counter Cooking School" is very much a nonfiction fairy tale, complete with transformations and a happy ending. As fairytales do, some of the social implications are glossed over (for example, why is this so focused on women instead of both genders, especially when so many women are working full-time AND responsible for most of the house-work) but it is still a greatly enjoyable read. Kathleen is a breezy narrator, and it helps that she doesn't present herself as having all the answers. It was fun watching her learn along with her novices.

For someone whose culinary knowledge is pretty slap-dash, this is a VERY useful book. Like many of Kathleen's students, I didn't know what "braising" involved or what it meant. I didn't know that many chicken breasts are four serving sizes. Each chapter focuses on a certain technique or idea, and ends with recipes that are super easy to customize with what you have on hand. The focus on smart economy in the kitchen will be especially of interest to those of us who are facing smaller budgets but still want to eat well (without spending HOURS in the kitchen). -Sarah L.

The Kitchen Counter Cooking School: How a Few Simple Lessons Transformed Nine Culinary Novices into Fearless Home Cooks (Hardcover)

By Kathleen Flinn

$26.95

ISBN-13: 9780670023004
Availability: On Our Shelves Now - Call to Confirm
Published: Viking Adult, 9/2011

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