The Instant Cook

I adore this cookbook. Not only because it's beautiful and the dishes tasty, but because Donna Hay gives alternatives to the recipe to change them up. Our favorite dish is on the cover. In fact, I bought this book as a gift for my 25 year old nephew who loves that recipe so much, I thought he should have it.

I own three Donna Hay cookbooks, all of which are excellent, but this one is my favorite. I really appreciate her approach to cooking: sophisticated food with easy-to-find ingredients on a short list. This book is particularly good with variations on many of the recipes. The styling of this book is gorgeous with photos of each recipe so you know what you are making. Being someone who likes good food, but doesn't necessarily love spending hours in the kitchen, I appreciate her real life approach in this book. It's okay to cheat and use store bought pastry dough. Really, it is. Seldom do such short cuts appear, but they do crop up occasionally. Readers should know that in case it's a put off to their style of cooking.This book has really opened me up to some new flavor combinations that I wouldn't have thought to do. Delish!

My husband and I received this cook book as a wedding present in 2005. I ordered it this Christmas for my sister-in-law because I still use it all the time, and my husband and two boys (2 and 4) love the food it makes. There is truly something for everyone in this cook book (meat, fish, poultry, soups, noodles, salads, desserts, etc). I also love the fact that there are relatively few ingredients and no ingredients too specialized that you wonder what you are going to do with the remainder after you use the 1 teaspoon that you needed for the recipe. I have used this for dinner parties, bunko, and every day meals. The portions are true to description. Our favorite recipes are the risotto and the pizza. This book will truly make you an instant cook. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!

I can't understand why Marianne Hagan hated this book. Nowhere in the introduction does it say it's for beginners. The recipes are simple and easy, but you DO have to have be able to do more than boil water. I tried around a dozen recipes and had no problems whatsoever. All the ingrediaents are listed and what's especially helpful is the fact that the author lists different variations for some of the recipes. For example: her recipe for Carmelized Lime Fish suggest using scallops, or salmon, or even shrimp; four for the price of one!The recipes are simple and the pictures are yummy. Buy this book without hesitation.

I have two other Donna Hay cookbooks, and recently added this one. It has a lot of products that have to be deciphered as the terms are a bit different, but the overall look and fee of the book is pure Donna. Lovely cook and lots of explanation for how to do. I want to find some of the ingredients and enjoy trying to make my finished meal look like the great photos.

Who wants to spend a lot of time shopping and slaving in the kitchen after a hard day's work when there are other things that need to be done in the evening? On the other other hand, who wants to serve something that looks and tastes completely loveless and is made of nothing but calories and factory chemicals? Donna Hay seems to know exactly what is reasonable for a quick solution. It isn't necessary to write a long shopping list, or go from shop to shop to find the ingredients for the dishes and the cooking methods are easy and practical. Best of all are the photos. They inspire! Just by glancing through the book you will be able to open the fridge and improvise. The book is a treat for all the senses even if you never get off the couch.

everything I have cooked from this book has been delicious so far. One caveat - the recipe may COOK instantly but the PREP can take serious time (like 90 minutes on the last recipe).

there are so many cookbooks out there but this one has 2 important qualities. The content is easy and there are no long processes in my busy life to deal with. The recipes are very well tested and the book is lovely to look at too.I have not tried her other books yet but intend to do so. BA. NYC NY

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT FAST FRESH AND SIMPLE DO NOT BOTHER WITH THIS BOOK. TO BE HONEST IT IS BORING AND NOT INSPIATIONAL IN ANY WAY. BUY "FAST FRESH & SIMPLE" YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT.

Good recipes.

Brilliant value great service

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