The Haven's Kitchen Cooking School

Anyone who has known me for any length of time knows one thing about me: I don't cook.  I remember my mom making me help her in the kitchen when I was growing up and it was pure torture.  As I've grown up, and now have a family of my own, I do try to cook as much as I can stand but it's still a daily struggle.

I'm sure you're asking yourself, "OK, if you hate to cook so much then why are you reviewing a cook book?"  Well, I'm glad you asked!

When it all comes down to it, I truly believe that the reason I "hate" cooking is because I've never been properly trained.  That's where The Haven's Kitchen Cooking School by Alison Cayne comes in.

Each of the nine chapters centers on a key cooking lesson and takes you step by step through a cooking process that leaves you with no questions about that particular lesson.  You learn everything from making one of the most "intimidating egg dishes" the Cheese Souffle to how to make A Bowl of White Rice.  There is even a party about how to read a recipe and how to stay clean and organized while you cook.

For those, like me, who have always been fascinated with chef's and their knife skills The Haven's Kitchen Cooking School shows you the different types of cuts and how to hold and use a chef's knife!  Amazing!!

Some of the lessons in the book are very basic, almost childlike, but I find that refreshing.  I could see me and my ten-year-old diving in together to learn the basics of the culinary arts.  The pictures are eye-catching and the entire book is very well laid out.  I'm sad to say that as I write this review I have yet to try a recipe (though I have already started practicing the knife skills - I just had to!) but it's very high on my to do list.

I highly recommend this book for anyone, including the cooking haters like myself.  For the first time in my life I'm actually excited about cooking!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review