TOTALLY love this cookbook! When I first purchased it, I read it cover to cover like a novel! It was SO fascinating to learn in great detail about SO many ingredients! This is a MUST for every home cook - I plan to give it to my daughter (only 10 now) when she moves out on her own! A true American treasure of a cook book!

The very first cookbook my mom taught me to cook from, the first cookbook she gave me when I moved out, and my favorite housewarming gift to give! Classic recipes, plus loads of information.

How do you begin to review what is, essentially, the quintessential cookbook? This is a perfect gift for the beginning cook and a cornerstone of kitchen life for anyone who would consider themself a "foodie." Detailed explainatinos of gadgets, meat, veg, foul, tools, methods; you name it, and it's bound to be in this book. Before there was Google, there was the Joy of Cooking. I still find myself reaching for the index pages before I hit "search."

My daughter still chuckles at the inscription I put in the Joy of Cooking that I gave her about seven years ago. She got a kick out of me referring to it as "the bible of cooking". But to me, this is true! It is the standard for cookbooks in my viewpoint, has every kind of recipe one could want, and gives you detailed info and directions on different methods of cooking, baking, canning, etc., information on cookware and tools......the list is endless. Everything you need to know about how to cook is in this book. Other cookbooks might have great recipes, but this is the "blueprint" for cooking. Since I bought my first copy nearly thirty years ago, I have worn out one hardback Joy of Cooking, one paperback copy, and my second hardback is well worn also at this time. What does that tell you? This is the cookbook I have given to both my neices when they got married and several other young brides. I recommend this to everyone as their first cookbook to buy, and can just about guarantee this is the one book they will go to over and over again for all the answers. Plus the authors have updated the cookbook from time to time to keep it current, no worries about it ever being obsolete for your needs......it is THE cookbook to have!

I have had this book since i was married 12 years ago. Although I have ventured into other cookbooks more frequently, like Ina Garten's, I use this as a reference mainly. The recipes are classic and the advice is invaluable. Not all cookbooks provide you with the background of meats, necessary cooking temps etc. This makes a great cook book for a wedding gift or beginner cook. I hope this lasts another 12 years:)

A must have for every kitchen!

Great basic cookbook. This is my standard go to when I am searching for a recipe or idea. It is easy to read and follow. I usually have most of the ingredients in my pantry so I don't have to run around and look for ingredients in many stores. I like to also give this cookbook as a gift for someone moving into a new apartment or for a bridal shower. I would highy recommend this book to a new cook that wants to learn the basics.

I learned to cook by watching my mother starting at the age of 6, I could make any kind of breakfast food. As I grew up, I learned more and more from Mother. I married at 17 and left home. No cookbooks. On my 18th birthday, my Father-in-law presented me with the Joy Of Cooking and I read it from cover to cover! I absolutely loved this book. I call it a book because to me it was filled with all kinds of information other than recipes and that information was invaluable to me ~ everytime I had a question, this cookbook had the answer. Years have gone by and I am not 50. The Joy of Cooking is STILL the book I go to when I need a question answered or a recipe idea. I have given this book out as a wedding gift many times over the years and I always feel good about it. I always inscribe it as follows: I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS COOKBOOK AS MUCH AS I HAVE !!

Just as my mother told me as a little girl, "everyone should have the 'Joy of Cooking'". We have always referred to this cookbook in the kitchen--it covers everything, from the most basic recipes to the most exquisite desserts to information on obscure foods and cooking tools! This is the ultimate GO-TO and everyone should have it! The three authors for this book are: Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, & Ethan Becker