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Biggest Book of 30-Minute Meals
(Better Homes and Gardens)
Meredith Books
ISBN 0-696-22438-0
Published September 2005 - Spiral/Softcover - 415 pages - $19.95

A really big book with over 450 recipes and more than 200 menus to choose from, plus great ideas on how to keep your fridge, freezer, and cupboards stocked with the essentials.  This saves you always having to run to the store - time is something we run short of, so by having an efficient kitchen in place, you have less to worry about.  We need all the help we can get in the kitchen and there are many time-saving tips you can implement in your own home.  You'll be amazed at just how much time is wasted looking for things you think you have in stock.  Great advice on these pages.  You can choose from the following courses: Meat; Poultry; Fish & Seafood; Meatless; Side Dishes, and Desserts.  There is also a section on Party Foods for something different to make for guests, like Feta-Stuffed Mushrooms or Hot Crab Spread or Cajun Peanuts.  I found these meals different and enticing: Maple-Bourbon Smoked Chops; Ham Curry Sauce for Pasta; Lemon Chicken with Asparagus; Skillet Eggplant Parmigiana; Spiced Cauliflower with Tomatoes; Glazed Parsnips & Apples (it's rare to find recipes that call for parsnips); Creamy Wine Sauce for Vegetables (an exotic twist!); Miniature Fruit Tarts (a great idea); Cannoli (my favorite Italian dessert but I like to add a little crystalized fruit), and all can be made in 30 minutes or less.  There are soup recipes scattered throughout and under Side Dishes too.  Of course all of these recipes have been tried and tested in the Better Homes and Gardens test kitchen so there's no guessing involved.  Not illustrated.  Nutritional guides are given as well as Menu Ideas for each recipe - very helpful.
Conclusion - An invaluable source of cooking ideas.