About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

I wish someone had given me this book when I was first married! Jamie Geller's Quick and Kosher Recipes from the Bride Who Knew Nothing is a quality Jewish cookbook with a refreshing twist. Geller writes for the novice and/or busy cook. All 160 kosher recipes in the book can be prepared to go into the oven, on to the stove top, or even directly on a plate in less than 15 minutes. And each recipe comes with clear step-by-step instructions that do not assume prior cooking experience.

This cookbook is a wonderful gift for a Jewish bride or a busy mother.



Pros

• 160 kosher recipes requiring no more than 15 minutes to prepare
• 120 beautiful full-page color photographs
• Clear step-by-step instructions and time-saving tips
• Helpful information about and menus for Jewish holidays
• Advice on pairing wines with various dishes

Cons

• Some time-saving techniques (bagged instead of fresh ingredients) can compromise recipe quality

Description

• 160 kosher recipes requiring no more than 15 minutes to prepare and including clear step-by-step instructions.
• 120 full-page color photographs that inspire and guide the cook.
• Non-dairy recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, fish, poultry, meat, sides, desserts and challah
• Separate section with dairy recipes
• Special sections include Setting Up Your Kitchen, Secrets of the 15-Minute Chef, and Shopping Like an Expert.
• Helpful information about and menus for Jewish holidays
• Advice on pairing wines with various dishes
• Yiddish Glossary

Guide Review - Quick and Kosher, by Jamie Geller

This is the perfect cookbook for anyone who likes to serve delicious food, but doesn't like spending all day in the kitchen preparing it.

Jamie Geller, a Manhattan TV exec, got married without any cooking experience. As she learned her way around the kitchen, she sought easy and quick recipes that were pretty and tasty enough to serve her Shabbos and holiday guests.

The result of Geller's journey is a quality Jewish cookbook with a refreshing twist. All 160 kosher recipes in the book can be prepared in under 15 minutes. Each recipe has clear step-by-step instructions so that even a novice in the kitchen can succeed. And the recipe collection - which varies from traditional to contemporary - can meet the menu needs of today's diverse Jewish homes.

In addition to recipes, the book offers time-saving tips and techniques, information about and menus for Jewish holidays, and advice on pairing wines with various dishes. There is also a Setting up Your Kitchen section which every new couple can use. The Secrets of the 15-Minute Chef section will speak to working mothers who seek time-saving ways to prepare family meals. And the Shopping Like an Expert section offers practical answers to the questions you've always wanted to ask: how do I buy meat, fish, produce, groceries, and wine?

While I was not fortunate enough to have received Geller's Quick and Kosher cookbook when I was first married, I'm glad that as a busy working parent today I have it in my kitchen repertoire.