Real Simple Easy, Delicious Home Cooking: 250 Recipes for Every Season and Occasion

Having made use of several recipes out of their magazines, I decided to purchase one of Real Simple's cookbooks. Many of their recipes are unconventional in the way they incorporate different seasonal veggies and whole grains into more "traditional" American meals, which I love (although if you're not the type who enjoys a little experimentation in their meals, this is likely not the book for you). The best part is that, as suggested by its title, these recipes are truly simple. Not microwave-Easy-Mac simple, but they look and taste like meals that took hours and a good deal of skill to prepare. Most of the recipes only take 20-30 minutes to prepare, and don't assume you have more than the basics in terms of tools and appliances (although several call for a Dutch oven). They even include great tips for leftovers, storage, and how to pick out your produce and meats at the store for maximum flavor.I will say I wish I'd known for certain that many of these recipes came from their magazines, although I did buy their oldest cookbook in hopes that the recipes I already had weren't in it. I've only seen one so far that's a duplicate, so it's not really issue, but it might help long-time subscribers to know this before purchase; I've only bought two issues of RS myself, but I'm sure many who've read the magazine for years will see duplicates of recipes they already have.My only other disappointment is the space taken up by desserts. While a handful would likely be useful, many cooks don't bake, so having an arsenal of cake icing recipes is, for me, largely useless. It would be nice if they offered a separate dessert cookbook for people interested in that sort of thing and included a few more meals instead.

l am not much of a cook and, when I have made recipes in the past, they ranged from so-so to occasionally good. This recipe book has changed it all for me. Not only are the recipes easy but all of the recipes I have tried taste amazing--as good as restaurant quality. Two of my favorites are the shrimp with pasta and the pork with the balsamic vinegar. This past Christmas I gifted my niece, who is just starting out, with a copy of this book and she too loves it!Now, while I love the book, there are some caveats. Some of the recipes seem to be missing minor steps (or maybe it appears that way since I am a novice cook) and I have to guess on the next step. It's not a deal-killer because the recipes are tasty and impressive...which is better than I was getting before!I also like that this book is separated into seasons. Many nutritionists argue that people would be healthier if they eat what is in season. Since I get boxes from a local CSA, I like knowing how to cook some of this stuff. Otherwise, the stuff would go to waste.While I love that this book has easy recipes with not many ingredients, I realize that more advanced cooks may feel the recipes are too easy. But, it's perfect for me!

I bought this book because I love to cook but am a very busy person. A co worker of mine showed it to me and suggested a couple of recipes, which I tried. I immediately bought the book. It not only has good recipes that are truly easy, but the pictures are beautiful. I am not much of a cookbook person but this one is going to be a regular for me.Update 9/27/2014:I wrote the review above a long time ago. Last night my sink overflowed and flooded the kitchen counter. This cookbook got drenched and as it dried it wrinkled up badly. I like this cookbook so much I reordered it a few minutes ago. I have never done that before. Love this cookbook. The recipes on page 97 and 179 are wonderful. But you'll have to buy the book to try them. Neener, neener, neener.

Item arrived early and in great condition.

This is the best cookbook I have every used. I have made many of the recipes and EVERY SINGLE one is easy and delicious REALLY. They have unique ideas without being too weird. I stick to the recipe and it always turns out GREAT, very well seasoned and the number of servings that it states! Very tasty and easy. I have bought over 10 copies and give them to everyone I know as wedding gifts, birthday gifts, and Christmas gifts. You should buy this cookbook FOR SURE!

This is my favorite cookbook. I pretty much hate cooking but this book has changed that. The ingredients are simple and easy to find at the grocery store. I am a vegetarian and can adapt most of the meals to be veggie friendly. I also like that it is divided by season. It takes me about the whole season to get through that season's recipes. So miraculously I have been through the whole book once and am now on the second round. My fiance and I enjoy all the food and its not too much of a chore to cook now! Buy it!!

I have a couple Real Simple cookbooks and I love how easy they are and how little ingredients they require. None of the recipes take very long and most all of them have been delicious. I am not crazy about how this particular book is set up by seasons and prefer the layout of their most recent one.

We were bored with our meals and looking for some new recipes. Real simple has the best recipes. I have used many of the recipes from the magazine but a real cookbook is better. We have made 6 or 7 recipes since the book arrived. And there are plenty more to made. I'm looking forward to making more.I recommend this cookbook and I would give it as a gift.

The book does not lie flat and must be weighted down on either side when pages are open for reading/following recipes. The recipes themselves are very much like those I have already tried/tested/use. The first Real Simple cookbook I purchased a few years ago is great - this one is a disappointment.

Great cook book!