WHAT'S FOR DINNER. Review on Home Cooking Magazine

I just began scanning the latest issue of Home Cooking magazine and I can’t begin to describe all the fantastic recipes I found. But before I get to the recipes, let me tell you a bit about the magazine. This magazine filled with many various mouth-watering recipes is published about six times a year. No, I’m not a subscriber but do purchase the book frequently. There are many features to the book that come in handy for many different occasions. For instance, in one section, you can swap recipes with other readers. If you think you’re a good cook, you can join one of their contests and keep your fingers crossed for the winning prize. Every month hosts a different theme and every recipe is delicious. Should the “theme for the month” be desserts, you’ll find many recipes – each with the simple instructions on how to make them. If you’re the kind of cook (like me) who really likes simple meals, this is the book for you. Each recipe is for the kind of food we’d eat every day – not the elegant, posh, “Julia Child” kind of recipe. Want a scrumptious burger? Home Cooking will give you a recipe that will make you the envy of your barbequing buddies. Prefer casseroles? No problem! You’ll find them in here, too.

Each recipe is written, prepared and eaten by women (and men) just like you and me – real people with hungry families. Every issue displays photos the various recipes and the talented women who prepare them. Each year, just the before the holidays (ALL the holidays), Home Cooking presents you with treats specifically designed and decorated for that upcoming holiday. Want to learn how to make candy? You’re sure to find some candy recipe in one of the issues – like the September issue. This one features Caramel. (Oh.. my sweet tooth is beginning to ache.) You’ll learn different ways to cook your homegrown vegetables, a tasty way to make bread and how to spice up your side dishes. Can you imagine a book - a magazine - that gives you close to 100 recipes in one issue?! HOME COOKING does! What makes this cook book so unique is that just about 99% (if not the full 100%)of the ingredients you'd need for one dish can probably be found in your pantry already! For instance, a ''to-die-for'' PISTACHIO SOUR CREAM CAKE can be made simply by using a package of yellow cake mix, one box of instant pistachio pudding mix, a few eggs, sour cream and water. Just mix all the ingredients in one bowl in no particular order, beat for 2 minutes and pour into pan. Let it bake for about 45 minutes and voila! A fantastic, unique dessert that will earn rave upon rave. Now! How simple is that!?

Every recipe is easy and simple.... after all, HOME COOKING has a motto and that motto is K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple, Stupid! By NO means does it imply that its readers are stupid but their implication is that it's a stupid idea to make the simple things more complicated. The recipes are no-nonsense, down-to-earth recipes that you can make in a hurry for a hungry husband or whip up for last minute company. One of my favorites is something I served when company ''dropped in'' and made it obvious they weren't leaving before dinner. I grabbed the MEATLOAF IN WINE SAUCE recipe. This one is so easy it's almost sinful. All you need is ground beef, red wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion, parmesan cheese, parsley, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. These ingredients were either in my pantry or my refrigerator and the entire meal, from the beginning of the preparation to the ''done'' bell timer on the oven took a total of 60 minutes - 50 of which were the times used to bake the meal. I made some minute rice and poured the juiced-up stock from the meat over it to spice it up a bit. How's that for a quick and easy supper. It was definitely a hit with everyone! Including my fussy husband! It's was great just mixing everything up, popping it in the oven and forgetting it. This magazine isn't just about recipes, though. In it you'll also find cookbook reviews and tips for busy cooks. You'll also find stories written by the many readers who are eager to share their experiences with you. Should you care to share your story and/or a favorite recipe, HOME COOKING does offer payment upon publication for submissions. If you've had a favorite recipe and either can't remember it or you've misplaced it, just write a letter to HOME COOKING. They'll print your letter and then you just site back and wait for other readers to respond - and respond they do!! I have to admit that this is one magazine I really enjoy – in fact, I enjoy it so much, I’m mailing in the postcard to subscribe – and I’m buying a gift subscription for my oldest son and his wife. He loves to cook and is always looking for new recipes. This book was made for him!