USVI-On-Line

I have a friend who has three kids. She loves to cook and try new recipes, but she can't do anything too elaborate because she's usually pressed for time in the kitchen.

She just had a birthday, and I wanted to get her a cookbook for her birthday (she mentioned that she loves cookbooks).

I know we have some great cooks here, and I wanted to see what people recommend as a "tried-and-true" cookbook with recipes that aren't overly complicated but have a good variety and some healthful options.

I'm leaning toward Betty Crocker's New Cookbook, because that is my "go-to" cookbook, but I want to hear if anyone else has any ideas.

This is my favorite..

http://www.amazon.com/River-Road-Recipe ... 0961302631

This one claims to have healthy selections.. http://www.amazon.com/River-Road-Recipe ... dpp_ttl_ex

Rachel Ray's "30 minute...." series

I have and love the Vegetarian version!

What about looking for a crockpot cookbook. There is one my friend has that she loves, I think it's called Slowcooker Suppers or something similar. I love to use my crockpot on busy days!

I recommend Barefoot Contessa: Family Style. The recipes are foolproof, easy, and tasty. There is even a chapter called "Kids" which has recipes for the types of foods kids like. I have made every recipe in the book (some desserts excepted) and there is not one clunker.

I am a HUGE fan of Jacques Pepin's cook books:

Fast Food My Way http://www.amazon.com/Fast-Food-Way-Jac ... 712&sr=1-1 ; and

More Fast Food My Way: http://www.amazon.com/Jacques-Pepin-Mor ... cc_b_img_b

These are easy basic recipes and usually use stuff that's in your kitchen anyway.

My other go to cook book is Mrs Wilkes Boarding House cookbook. http://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Wilkes-Boardi ... 1580082572

These recipes couldn't be easier and they are some down home cooking.

Another idea is to give her a subscription to Taste of Home Magazine. They print recipes tested by regular folks. Nothing fancy but again, pretty down home stuff.

My new fave though was inspired by a relatively recent trip to Florence. The Tuscans are big on SEASONAL cooking. If it's not in season they don't eat it. The book I love is called Twelve and gives you recipes for each month based on what's in season. Tuscan cooking is about straightforward simple ingredients but obviously Italian. http://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Tuscan-Coo ... 019&sr=1-5

When I was first out on my own, I had a subscription to Taste of Home (I think someone gave it to me as a gift), and it was awesome. That might not be a bad idea!

Lots of cookbooks to look at. I am sure I'll end up buying some by myself. I have a serious cookbook addiction.

Her crock pot had an unfortunate incident, but I haven't ruled out buying her a new one and a cookbook to go with it.

I second Barefoot Contessa.. her recipes are generally easy and delicious.

I third Barefoot Contessa.....all of her recipes are clear and if she says something will be done in 30 minutes, it is! And delicious! Also, Bon Appetit Fast, Easy, Fresh! cookbook would be a great choice.

America's Test Kitchen put out a Quick Recipe cookbook that we use often in our house and like.

Thanks for the other suggestions, too, we're a family with little ones so I'll have to check them out!