Fix it and Forget it Cookbook, Revised and Updated by Phyllis Good, Reviewed

You all know how much I love my crockpot. I have sung the praises of both it and slow cooker cookbooks for years. But, stop the presses! The mother of all slow cooker cookbooks is here! This weighty tome of 700 (that's right 700!) is the must-have book this season for you, and anyone else you know who is pressed, stressed, or otherwise frazzled in their daily life, and deeply in need of the comfort and ease of slow cooked cooking.

You will be amazed at all that you find in this book. From appetizers and snacks, to breakfast foods, soups and stews, main dishes, vegetables, desserts, and even breads and beverages, not to mention those favorite seasonal beverages. (How does Minty Hot Chocolate made with peppermint patties and chocolate malt mix sound?) There are loads of pictures to get your mouth watering, simple and concise instructions, information as to how many servings each dish makes, the prep time, the cooking time, as well as the recommended slow cooker size.

Whether you are serving picky or adventurous eaters, there's something here for you. From simple Barbecued Hamburger Steaks to African Chicken, this book covers all of the cuisines. As for me, I'm going to try the Chianti-braised Short Ribs, having had a similar dish years ago at Olive Garden, and, to date, been unable to satisfactorily replicate it. I'll report.

The end of the book features charts of equivalent measurements, metric equivalent measurements, a list of substitute ingredients, as well as kitchen tools and equipment you really need to have in your kitchen. Consider these tools as possible gifts for the novice cook along with this book, or use one of the kitchen tools as a package tie. How cute would that be?

Whether you're a seasoned veteran, or just learning to cook, this book is for you. There is literally something for everyone in here from simple dishes with very few ingredients, to things that are more complex. From the quintessential comfort dish to the more exotic company meal, you will find it here. I can't express enough how much I love this cookbook. There is one downside, however, which is why it only gets four stars from me. This book is heavy, in fact a bit too heavy for its binding. When I received mine the binding connecting the back cover had broken. That may have been because it was tossed on my porch by a harried FedEx driver, who knows, but it's something to consider. Still, it's not enough for me to not give this the heartiest recommendation. For more information or to make a purchase, click here.