Review: GREAT for novice cooks!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 24, 2013
Title: Tried and Tested - 101 RecipesGenre: CookbooksPages: 181Publisher: AmazonCheck it out: AmazonRating: 4 StarsBritish author and chef Carol Jones has written an e-book entitled "Tried and Tested - 101 Recipes" in which she asks, "Would you like recipes that are EASY and that WORK?" Being a novice cook very interested in improving my craft, I am interested in simple recipes that don't require a significant investment of time and generate good results in a timely fashion. Because of my minimal abilities, I am a good candidate to measure the "tried and tested" focus of the book.Let me start with a few comments on the structure and layout of the book. The table of contents is a simple listing of the recipes to be found within the book. I would prefer to see page numbers included to allow for more efficient searching for specific selections. I would also like an additional layer of classification for each recipe, i.e., meat, vegetables, dessert, etc., but this is a minor quibble.I chose two seafood recipes to prepare for my review and analysis; Salmon Filets with Tarragon Sauce and Cod with Sauce Vierge. Preparation for both recipes was simple with just a few ingredients to deal with and minimal steps to completion.  Essentially, with chopping vegetables and herbs, searing (or frying as the Brits say!) the fish and cooking time, I had two complete dinner ready entrees in about a 1/2 hours' time.I was thrilled with the results! The Tarragon sauce which complimented the Salmon is a cream based sauce which is flavored with spring onions and fresh tarragon. This sauce added a rich flavor to the salmon which I had not experienced before. The olive oil based vierge sauce works very well with the mild flavored cod because of the tomatoes infused with fresh basil and coriander. Two very different sauces (and very simple!) which both add a wonderful flavor layer to the fish. Having never utilized fresh herbs before in my cooking, I was delighted to discover their unique flavors and qualities and look forward to using them more and more in the future.I would recommend "Tried and Tested 101 Recipes" for its simple, easy to follow recipes and excellent results. I look forward to trying other recipes in the e-book and discovering new ingredients and delicious foods.