The “What’s for Dinner?” Solution: Quick, Easy and Affordable Meals Your Family Will Love

Kathi Lipp
Harvest House (2011)
ISBN 9780736938372
Reviewed by Tiffany Schlarman for Reader Views (12/11)

 

If you think this book is just another cookbook you’re in for a surprise!  Want proof?  Has any other cookbook encouraged you to have an accountability program for dinner making?  If you think about it, why not have an accountability group?  Everyone knows things are more fun when you’re not the only fish in the sea.  This book focuses on smart and affordable, attainable meal options.  It’s both interesting and different with inspiring recipes such as Pizza Fondue!  “The ‘What’s for Dinner?’ Solution” takes an honest and refreshing look at the aspirations and pitfalls that come along with cooking for a family or even just yourself.

In this book you can expect to find answers to questions like; why cook?  What is the benefit for my family?  How can I make cooking enjoyable?  How do I stay cost effective?  Time effective?  The author gives productive and helpful advice while encouraging you to avoid being a “short order cook” even though it’s necessary sometimes and for those with allergies it may be necessary on a regular basis.  Readers are encouraged to use dinner time to bring the family together.

I loved that this book gave me recipe ideas that were outside the box yet realistic in terms of lifestyle, time and my families eating habits.  I enjoyed the many helpful suggestions such as “Make and Freeze,” preparation techniques, slow cooker meal ideas, leftovers on purpose meal ideas and many others including a helpful web site.  The book even includes tips on organization of your recipes and cooking space.  These suggestions help maximize productivity while decreasing frustrations.  If that’s not helpful, the tips given to lower your food shopping bill will be.

I learned a lot from this book even though I cook on a regular basis.  I enjoyed the freezer cooking section which gave helpful tips on what to freeze and what not to freeze.  There were many delicious recipes included in this book.  Some of my favorites are: Chicken & Chips, Chicken Burritos, Chicken Cacciatore, Manicotti, Pizza roll-ups, Citrus Glazed Pork Roast, and Salsa Chicken.  The author gives great tips on how to make leftovers into wonderful meal options and includes recipes as well.

I really enjoyed this book and refer to it often.  It has plenty of recipes, ideas and tips for a variety of cooks.  I use it to refresh my memory, look up things I’m unsure of, find new recipes and remind myself I’m not alone in the hectic rush of trying to fix dinner for a busy family.  I enjoyed the wonderful tips to help me reduce stress when it comes to cooking and enjoy it instead.  I would recommend “The ‘What’s for Dinner?’ Solution” to others and will likely purchase it as a gift in the future for my friends!

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