It’s an understatement to say that the way Americans think about food has changed. In the last decade, dramatic shifts in food production and distribution have raised countless new issues (in terms of the environment and consumption) resulting in numerous well-intentioned organizations and people with just as many agendas. What is the implication of all these changes? What you choose to consume says a great deal about who you are, as well as what you believe. Pretty heady stuff, yet the fact remains: Everyone eats, and whether the food choices you make are politically motivated or not, eating is intensely personal.
The reality is that if you’re trying to eat in a more healthful way, you are making a statement given that the foods that will help you lose weight—fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and whole grains—are often at the very heart of the food discussion. Wholesome foods, such as these, with minimal processing also often require a bit more effort and TLC—in terms of choosing, as well as preparing or cooking. Think about it: A tomato is something to toss into a salad, unless you know that choosing a fully ripe beauty and seasoning it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil can transform it into something truly delicious.
If this is how you want to (or do!) think about food, this cookbook will help. Guiding you through all the steps of preparing healthy fare that is satisfying without being labor-intensive is the goal and modern approach of What to Cook Now. This complete guide provides you with all the tools you need for getting flavorful meals on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s an all-encompassing compendium that includes more than 300 recipes—everything from the basics like stocks and sauces made easier, speedy weeknight dinners, meals and menus ideal for entertaining, and luscious sweets for every season. Also, each dish includes complete nutrition information and clever tips to boost your kitchen and cooking prowess.
In addition to recipes, there are sections on the new, user-friendly kitchen tools (like an immersion blender) and must-have pantry basics (such as intensely flavored pastes or condiments borrowing from cuisines around the globe); the latest thinking on food safety; new information on mastering basic cooking techniques; fresh ideas on amping up the forgotten meals, breakfast and lunch; choosing the best cuts of meat; plus a complete produce primer for helping the health-conscious cook choose and prepare veggie-and-fruit based dishes; and much more.
With everything in one place, What to Cook Now is destined to become your go-to cookbook, a classic you’ll reference again and again.
—Nancy Gagliardi VP,
Editorial Director