Art of Cooking

A wealth of step-by-step directions and precise, detailed, color photographs distinguish this volume that teaches systematic cooking and artful preparation. Beginners will find numerous valuable tips and much basic information on herbs and spices, wine, coffee, food preservation, kitchen equipment, cooking and garnishing techniques, pasta, rice, vegetable and poultry varieties, dieting and cost cutting. Chapters, from soups to desserts, begin with basic dishes and elaborate gradually, introducing different cooking methods and recipe variations. For example, basic pancakes can become cherry, blueberry, bacon-and-onion, plum or apple pancakes with a few modifications. The book's shopping-list style is simple, organized and nonintimidating: 24 ways to serve scrambled eggs; 30 quick garnishes and additions to soup; 30 ways to decorate desserts. Zabert is a food photographer. 60,000 first printing; Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book Club main selection. (September 29)