Today, many people find they dont know kitchen basics, much less know how to cook a meal. Betty Crocker comes to the rescue in Cooking Basics, covering all the information anyone needs to cook, whether they are just leaving home, or discovering a need to cook at any age. Using the 100 appealing recipes here, anyone can learn to cook a complete meal. Nothing is intimidating, and every technique, term and ingredient is clearly explained. Each recipe has its own two-page spread, complete with a photo of the finished food and how-to photos of techniques used in the recipe. Its never been simpler to create a great dish!

Betty Crocker interviewed inexperienced cooks, to get just the the right recipes for this book, the ones novice cooks really want: hamburgers three way broiled, grilled or fried; Quick Lasagna; Teriyaki Chicken Stir-fry; Quick Chicken Soup; Shrimp Scampi; Quesadillas; Mashed Potatoes; Strawberry Shortcakes, and other tempting treats. Anyone can cook a dinner -- even entertain -- with these sure-fire recipes.

Did you think only gourmets tackled Thanksgiving dinner? Not with Betty Crocker. Included is a complete Thanksgiving feast, with a timetable so everything comes out just right. Whether you want to host the show, or bring a dish to help out your host, this Thanksgiving meal is perfect for everyone.

Also covered is how to set up a kitchen, how to read a recipe, a glossary of ingredients and a complete explanation of food preparation terms. Learn about fresh herbs--what they look like and how to use them -- plus complete easy-to-read listings of pasta shapes and salad greens. Sections on grilling, entertaining, table setting, and refrigerator and freezer storage guides complete the book, and make new cooks feel confident on all fronts. No longer does anyone have to be afraid of the kitchen. With Betty Crocker know-how and experience, you can cook up a great dinner!