Relaxed Cooking with Curtis Stone: Recipes to Put You in My Favorite Mood Hardcover – April 7, 2009

I'm a guy, I'm unmarried, and I'm not a chef. Despite this, I tire quickly of the usual bachelor fare - i.e. microwavables, takeout and dining out - and like to cook for myself occasionally. I find a lot of cookbooks intimidating, either in terms of ingredients or prep time.This book came as quite the relief. Most of the ingredients were things I recognized, and most of the stuff that wasn't was explained by the author, usually with an alternate ingredient if the listed one isn't available.All of the recipes are printed in large font, and none take up more than a page. Also, pictures are included with virtually all of recipes to give you an idea of what you're shooting for. A brief introduction to each recipe gives helpful suggestions (I especially loved the "When serving this to kids, make sure to pass out napkins").The book is neatly divided into breakfast, brunch, everyday dinners, dinners for entertaining, couch food and desserts. Every section includes staples (French toast or rack of lamb, for example) as well as an "ooo let's try this" exotic (like "Corn and Bacon Muffins" or "Rhubarb Ripple Ice Cream").A side note after reaading other reviews: this is "Relaxed Cooking." If you are looking for exotic, complicated or sophisticated recipes, look elsewhere. This is the kind of cooking you would do on an everyday basis.All in all, this is a great cookbook with simple recipes - most take about 20 minutes by my watch. A must for anyone who wants to cook great food but doesn't want it to be a chore.

Love the recipes. The photographic illustrations are amazing. Curtis is an amazing chef… his love of cooking and food is evident throughout the book.

It’s a nice cookbook but it doesn’t have many recipes that I would use. But may be great for others.

This is a wonderful book , it totally represents Curtis style ,fresh and clean and happy . There are pictures of almost all the recipesand the photography is exceptional . The recipes are well organized on the page and due able . The print is easy to read , this bookhas it all . I just cook and collect cookbooks mainly to read , but I used one recipe right away and can't wait to used more , you canalmost taste the food just by looking at it . I highly recommend it you will enjoy it , charming as Curtis himself .

I'm an experienced cook. My partner and I cook from scratch, what most people would call gourmet meals, about 70 percent of the time. But, when I read this book I knew I had to try some of the recipes. I have made about 2 dozen of various types. I haven't found a bad one yet and except for one would make them over many times. The chicken and leek pie is simple and fabulous. When I need something fast this is my go-to book now

A beautiful book which was used by the cookbook club that I belong to. Members reported that every dish prepared from this book was a winner which, normally, doesn't happen. Wild Mushroom, Spinach, and Goat Cheese tarts YUM. Arugula Salad with pomegranate, persimmon and toasted hazelnuts - YUM. This is a light, colorful, delicious salad that would be perfect forany time of the year and especially for the holidays. Pan-fried halibut with black beans and cilantro-chile salsa, Creamy mascarpone and parsley polenta, Marinated Skirt steaks etc etc. Enticing?? You won't miss using the recipes in this cookbook.

It is my most favorite of cookbooks thus far!The dishes I have made out of this book have been really relaxing to make compared to other recipes/cookbooks I have encountered.The approach is just like Curtis. Refreshing, fun, relaxed, and delicious! (:

The title of the cookbook is perfect: I felt relaxed and comfortable browsing the recipes and menus. I loved the photos and format of the book, and I felt that I could knock any of these recipes out of the ballpark because the directions are so easy to follow. I don't like complicated foods or recipes, so this book is perfect for me.