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- Verified Buyer
The reviewer before me was correct to note that this recipe book has a disproportionate number of cakes and desserts (for all kinds of seasons and occasions), but there are also sections on Soups; Appetizers; Fish & Seafood; Poultry & Game; Meat; Vegetarian Dishes; Pasta, Pizza & Grains; and Vegetables & Salads. They are all wonderful, and the book is really fun to go through. There is a lot of stuff in it.Initially, I had mixed feelings about seeing so many cakes because I am trying to watch my weight -- so I briefly contemplated returning the book to the store where I found it -- but after looking at the spectacular photographs, and seeing how well published and organized this book is, I've decided to keep it. I'm sure I will use it preparing weekend dinners, house parties, and holiday meals.I disagree with the previous reviewer that the print and photos are small (with all due respect, I think that some folks are possibly due for reading glasses, but may not realize it). The photos are very sharp, gorgeous to look at (some very pretty arrangements), and plenty big (3"x3.75") -- definitely NOT "a size of a cracker".It's a very hefty, hard-cover, big book (9"x12"x2.5") that has a 1000 (!) recipes. If the photos were any bigger, you could only fit one recipe per page, and the book would have to be twice as large and heavy.All photos are positioned at the top of the page (two per page), with recipe that corresponds with each photo directly underneath. The print is airy, and ingredients and cooking directions clearly and concisely stated (each prep/cooking step is numbered, and shown as a separate paragraph, so you can follow things easily).Also, the paper is of unusually high quality, like you would see in an elegant coffee-table book.I think this book makes an amazing, very impressive gift (it's built to last for a lifetime, and beyond). I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys cooking (naturally!), but especially to those who love to bake. There are some creative and super-delicious, yet easy to make things in there (and beautiful photos of those things will make you salivate and motivate you).
