Review: Delicious, informative and money saving
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 23, 2014
The cheapest of the cheap generic non-brand mixes, such as for meatloaf, cost at least around $1 at the grocery store. Double that if you buy a name brand.If you don't ordinarily stock a small to medium variety of spices and herbs, plus stuff like flour, etc., you will need to make a bit of an investment for the proper materials -  also a little time to concoct these mixes. However, you can start slow, buy one or two items per shopping trip and build a little stash. Believe me, you won't be sorry! If you're a seasoning mix junkie (and don't get me wrong - store bought mixes are sometimes worth it if it's a dish you make once a year and you know the taste of the pre-packaged stuff is good) you will save a TON.I'm not a store bought mix junkie myself except for meatloaf and only the $1 stuff. Seems ridiculous to pay more. I season by the seat of my pants with pretty good results. However, this book has helped me because first, the right seasonings are already mixed and I like knowing what goes into my food.  Great when I'm not in a Martha Stewart mood. Second, there have been mixes in this book that add a spice or herb I was unaware would enhance the dish so it's made me a better cook (also I can recruit someone else to make dinner and not be afraid they will put in too much or too little of anything).Third, I may not always have the mix ready; and as I mention above, mixes from the store are not something I buy. After all, they cost too much and it would be too risky to spoil all the basic food items for what I'm preparing with some unknown mix - branded or generic which may not be to my liking. But as a seat of my pants seasoner, I consult the book anyway and add as much as I have from the author's mix list to make sure I get it as close to right as possible.This book is a gem and would recommend to any cook of any age or skill. If you're a gourmet cook, you'll save time. If you're a new or intermediate cook, you'll learn what seasonings go with what.  If you're a seasoning packet junkie, you'll save money and your food will taste great (usually better). For what you spend on this book, you'll make it back with your first mix or two.