Restaurant Books

A gem! I loved eating at the Loaf & Ladle in Exeter, NH and am so glad to have found these recipes of much beloved dishes.

I've used this cookbook since the 80's. I don't even know if the restaurant is still open, but she has great recipes for soups, breads and desserts. Plain, simple, easy to make and delicious. The very definition of homemade. I used to use the recipes for my own sandwich shop over 20 years ago. I lost my original copy and just bought it again, used. It has a divine recipe for chocolate sheet cake with cream cheese icing ever. Highly recommend. My other favorite cookbook for easy homemade is Woodbine Cottage, another New Hampshire restaurant.

I am one of those fortunate souls who received the book as a gift from reviewer John Stone about eight years ago. Imagine my delight when finding his words here as I contemplated buying the Loaf and Ladle Cookbook as Christmas gifts for several friends. He's right, it's wonderful - a classic of simplicity and a trusted friend. What fun to find Martha's Company Casserole, which I received from my sister in our 1960s newlywed days and thought was a treasured family recipe from her in-laws. Here it is called Bob's Casserole, but it has stood the test of time. And who but Joan Harlow could inspire me to combine apples and cabbage for an Apple Slaw that has been the hit of numerous potlucks?
I heartily recommend this book for all cooks, whether skilled or rank beginners.

An easy to follow book of bread, soup and casserole recipes. Many useable recipes. I have been to the restaurant several times and would go more often if it were closer to home. I was suprised to see that they don't sell the book in the restaurant.

I went to prep school in the town that this restaurant "lives in" - and live, it does. I've given this book to many people - having eaten there every Saturday from age 14 to 18, and having loved the food. Whenever I get back there, I go there, and always get Joan's hearty and yummy food. These recipes are easy to execute for someone who's not the most professional of chefs, and never fail to taste good. I love any cookbook that's not afraid to call for Real-lemon - when that will do just fine..... or, one that starts a recipe out with "catch a good fish". The soups are wonderful and easy - and the breads are also great - I use a bread machine to knead the dough, raise the bread and then bake it in pans or free form....comes out wonderfully. Stews, soups and breads - what more could one want? A big test of how well I like a cookbook is how many stains it has on the pages (lots) and how many people I've shared it with/given it to (also lots).

What a delightful story and amazing illustrations!! The story flows and is easy to follow for the young ones. The characters are all well developed for a children's book, each with its own distinct personality. I gave this book to my nephew who is taking French at 5 years old. He loves the idea that he gets to learn a little French and gets a good story at the same time. I only hope that there are more to follow.

Written And Illustrated by Marie LeTourneau with assistance by Danielle Reed Baty, The Mice Of Bistrot/Des Sept Freres (Bistro of Seven Brothers) is a delightful children's picturebook about a family of Parisian mice who want to win the prize for the best cheese soup in France - and their sister, who wants to help out too! French words are skillfully spliced into this culinary tale of gathering and preparing ingredients for the love of the cooking arts, so that young readers can begin to absorb the beautiful language as they would sumptuous flavors in a meal. A pronunciation guide to the French words rounds out this whimsical and extravagantly illustrated storybook.

The Mice of Bistro is a funny, heart warming story. It captures the attention of its audience and keeps them anxious to see what will happen next. The basis of the book is unique and refreshing and the illustrations are wonderful.

I bought this book for my 2.5 year old but she is way too young for it... BUT I keep reading it when she loses interest because it is just so cute. The illustrations are beautiful; the story is great; and the French is fun. Thanks Marie. I hope to see more adventures.

Marie Letourneau's The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Freres is a delight in so many ways. She has captured the charm of Paris, the suspense of competition, and most of all, the importance of family. Her drawings are fresh and lively. The story is warm and satisfying. Readers will enjoy finding out who saves the day. Congratulations, Ms. Letourneau and thanks for giving us a treat for both our eyes and our hearts.

Book was delivered in exact condition as described. Would not hesitate to buy from this seller again. Deliverly time was quicker than originally told. A definite plus.

Let me qualify this by saying for a number of years I taught Garde Manger at a Le Cordon Bleu school. I probably own every text book on the subject as it has remained near and dear to my heart as I moved back to the restaurant world.

This is probably the BEST text on this subject I have seen; so much so that I plan to look into their other books. Running the gamut from cold appetizers to a primer on ice sculpting to a discussion of centerpiece carving, this book provides clear concise examples of each process. The full color pictures are fantastic and a welcome addition to the instructions provided. If I was teaching again, this would be my textbook of choice.

I am a current culinary student & at last I have found a book that is a perfect learning tool for my studies. This book is perfect, it has it all, great illustrations, good lay out & very clear instruction. Modern Garde Manger was obviously written by guys that know how to teach their subject. The chapters on meats, game, poultry & fish are the best I have ever seen. This book is truly five star material & I know I will learn so much from it.

Finally someone has written a cooking instruction book that is suitable for the professional and home chef. This book is a must have for anyone serious about learning to cook. It fills in all the holes that will allow you to interpret and adjust recipes from other sources by providing you written and visual instruction along with interesting recipes from around the world. While it was written for the culinary education market this is really the first book any new cook should own. Great wedding or housewarming gift, a valuable reference for years.

I've wanted to be a professional chef long before Iron Chef and Emeril live hit the airwaves. This book will help me to learn what I need to know if I want to make it on to the big time. It's full of expert level information I've never seen before. The authors that wrote the book really know their stuff. The chapters on meat, fish and poultry fabrication have the best step by step photos i've seen in a text book..and I should know. My family has been giving me cookbooks since I could remember, finally I've got a book with new ideas and information I've not seen before. Buy this book for your personal library. It's in a class by itself.

This book not only gives history of barbecue, but also gives political and other historical notes.

bob garner is the man. no other person in history has captured the true spirit of n. carolina bbq. it is a must for anyone who enjoy's bbq. it is something that can be passed down to generations.

Though I only lived there two years, I've often yearned to go back to Carolina. This book made that yearning into a painful ache! How many cooking books do you read with the intensity of interest as a thrilling novel? I did this one. Warning: This is not a recipe book. Yes, of course it has recipes, from both eastern Carolina and western Carolina barbecue traditions, as well as some variations of both. But the stories and history of this book make it a treasure in my collection. This one is going into my library, far more worthy than to be consigned to the kitchen to collect dust under the microwave (a fate deservedly given to a certain book by Martha Stewart).

This book makes me more homesick than ever for my adopted home. If you have any glimmer of passion for Carolina style barbecue, you MUST get this book.

All native sons of the Tar Heel State, and those who wish they were, who love pork barbecue and always wondered about the history of that flavorful dish should check out "North Carolina Barbecue: Flavored by Time." Funny, insightful, and well-researched, author Bob Garner takes you first on a history lesson back to 17th Century Jamaica to the roots of barbecue, then covers the importance of barbecue to political and religious life in the state. His own life growing up is filled with barbecue-related stories, which he tells herein with wit and style. He also imparts two excellent barbecue recipes, one for pork shoulder, one for the "whole hog."

The last half of the book contains reviews of the state's better- and lesser-known barbecue establishments, and could serve as a good starting point for a state travel guide. Photographic coverage leaves something to be desired, varying from wonderful historic photos to those that are barely legible.

Although the book would likely appeal only to those readers from the South for whom barbecue in all its forms is a tradition, it is an excellent read nonetheless. The down side is that reading this book makes you hungry

A superb piece of work by a wonderful writer, this book gives you the history and background of NC bbq, plus all the information you need to either produce your own or get out and find it in NC. The man knows what he's talking about -- and he talks it so well.

I have long searched for this book/story, it was one of many in a children's book I use to read to my son from many years ago. The book featured such stories as "Eleanor Rigby",which I would read then sing much to his delight, "Why Spider has a Skinny Waist", and of course "Once Upon A Blue Moose". I would animate many of the stories I read from this children's book, "Once Upon A Blue Moose" was no exception. He's twenty-six now, we are very close, wish I could find that book again all of the stories have and still do mean very much to me. I can't tell you how pleasing it was to see this story here, thank you for posting this story on Amazon

Every once in a great while I find a book or film that truly engages me and transports me to a unique and fascinating place. It's hard to put this feeling into words except to say that the Blue Moose books have this special, wonderful quality. Please, Mr. Pinkwater, write ten more moose books!

Wonderful story book with delightful pics. Although the point of the story is obscure to little ones, it gives a chance for a little visit with kids about expressing appreciation to those who mean so much to us. Highly recommended.

You've never seen a blue moose? Well, you are about to meet a handsome, shade of Blue Moose in author Daniel Pinkwater's 'Once Upon A Blue Moose'. Blue Moose is the headwaiter at Mr. Breton's restaurant, which is set by the edge of a northern forest. People came from all over the territories to meet Blue Moose, and savor Mr. Breton's delicious cooking. Customers are charmed with Moose's service, and suggestions of menu specialties, and among them are game warden Mr. Bobowich, and hermit David. Blue Moose makes an exemplary partner for 'Chef'(the moniker which moose gave Mr. Breton.)

Blue Moose decides to work in his room, using Chef's old typewriter, to transfer to type what he had written in 'longhoof'. When moose becomes discouraged, his sigh rattles windows, and for a period of five-weeks, Blue Moose has the 'blues', and seeks seclusion in his room. Blue Moose was writing a "...great book, the most wonderful book ever written by man or moose". The masterpiece entitled 'The True Story of a Wild Moose by D. Moosus Moosewater' is mailed to publishers Klotz, Yold & Company, Inc. It includes Blue Moose's encounter with a fifty-foot high Space Moose from the galaxy of Betelmoose. The raging, bully threatens Blue, "...before I trample you into a moose-flavored pizza, I'll tell you exactly what I'm doing here...".

Among many of Blue's adventures are his efforts to find the North American vampire moose--'Deadly Eric, the Moosepire', at the request of geographer Sir Charles Pacamac. Blue meets 'Nathan of the North', mountain man, scout, and a conservative Jewish rabbi, who shares his 'matzohs'. In Blue's boxcar living quarters, they ponder over the existence of the 'Moosepire'. Clues lead to the discovery of something magical.

Daniel Pinkwater's book is Wunderbar, an enjoyable lot of moose-sense and gift for all readers, especially to yourself. Included are 'Moose Questions and Antlers', information such as, female moose give birth to twins or triplets; moose have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell; they can run at 50 mph, and are the largest of the deer family, found in Alaska, Canada, and northern parts of the United States, Europe, Asia, and sometimes wandering moose visit New York City! Hopefully, there will be future Blue Moose adventures in Pinkwater's repertoire of young readers writings.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: PLEASE BURY ME IN THE LIBRARY by J. Patrick Lewis Illustrated by Kyle M. Stone; ALIENS ARE COMING The True Account of the 1938 -- War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast by Meghan McCarthy; ANDREW LOST #13 IN THE GARBAGE by J. C. Greenburg

Here is the Blue Moose trilogy, back in print and all in one volume. This format is smaller than the old books were, but the illustrations still look really great. There are a few sections of moose facts [with a humorous slant], and there's even a letter from the moose himself!
Blue Moose is my favorite Pinkwater book, the first one I remember reading. I love the tale of Mr. Breton's restaurant in the woods. I love reading about the difference the moose made in Mr. Breton's life, and I will never forget the impact the line "I AM NOT A TAME MOOSE!" had when my mom read it aloud.
In kindergarten, I took Blue Moose to school so my teacher could read it to the whole class. I remember her asking, "Does anyone know what a game warden is?"
I raised my hand and answered, "It's the person in charge of all the video games."
My teacher was so nice--she didn't embarrass me by correcting me!
I didn't read Return of the Moose and The Moosepire till much later. While I was happy to read about the moose's continuing adventures (writing a book and solving a mystery), the sequels didn't have quite the effect on me that the original did. I think they lacked the cozy ambience of the first book--but what CAN compare to Blue Moose? It's great to have all three books, and you can't go wrong at this price! These books are must-haves, and I'm so glad to be able to pass them on to the next generation!

My sister and I recently returned from 2 weeks in France. While in Paris we visited several of the recommended patisseries and totally enjoyed the wonderful offerings. We actually planned some of our sightseeing and shopping around the location of a few of these. Good idea for Paris!

I love that this book is devoted to Paris' Patisseries, chocolate shops, and tea shops. When you go to Paris, these are special treats for the eyes and taste buds. Even if you are not traveling, it's a luxury to read the description of each shop's specialty and salivate at the photos.

This book lists the vendors by Arrondissement; and there is an index by business type and alphabetical listing. There are beautiful photos and a description of each shop.

Since the book is small (pocket size), the prints are tiny, I wish they used a bolder font. Also, you have to read through the text to find out what the author liked the most about each shop. The reading is great, but if I'm in one Arrond. and trying to figure out which shop to visit, it would be great to have the special dishes highlighted under each shop, to make them easier to find. Maybe make more use of a sidebar to highlight that info?

This is a lovely little fairy tale of a book, and whether you are a foodie, an armchair traveler, a world traveler, or someone who needs romance, this book will supply it in spades. When you see the book, you will notice that it is small, designed to look like a box from a patisserie or chocolatier, and the colors are muted and soft, like a 21rst century impressionist painting seen through a layer of clouds. I loved the writing. It is intimate, honest, amusing, and charming, almost like having your best friend talking to you, and filling your head with incredible pictures. You will almost be able to smell, taste, and hear the sounds of the places you are reading about. I will probably never go to Paris, but I fell in love with France in high school when I studied the language, so I love reading about all things French. If you are lucky enough to go to Paris, a quick perusal of this book will tell you the best places to eat, see, and experience. I do not recommend a quick perusal, however, because this book at it's best, is like a fairy tale in food. It is charming, concise, anecdotal, and romantic, because hey! It is Paris. When your head is filled to bursting with wonderful imagery from the writing, take a moment or ten or twenty to enjoy the beautiful photographs. The really lovely thing about this book is that the writing and the photos go together so well. One does not detract from the other, but it enhances and completes the other. I must say again how much I loved the writing. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes aspect of some of the shops, and especially "A Day In The Life of a Patissier". I can not recommend this book highly enough. It is absolutely wonderful, and I feel as though I have just had a blissful experience and not gained an ounce! The word evocative comes to mind; I can almost see myself sitting at one of those darling little tables, looking chic, tragically beautiful, and sharing sweets with a devastating French actor. That may not be your dream, but it is mine, and I won't say what happens after he pays the bill, and looks soulfully into my eyes, and warns me not to touch the last croissant.

A fun guide I finally got to see at the British bookstore, W.H.Smith on rue de Rivoli. The luscious pictures and detailed descriptions make you want to run all over Paris and not miss a single patisserie. Sadly a few places have since closed like Carette. Why any pastry shop should ever close in Paris is beyond me!

This cocoa-dusted treasure hits that mythical sweet spot between practical, trusted travel guide and gorgeous, dreamy (if petite) coffee table book. Full of the kind of beautiful photos and evocative lyrical prose that you'll never find in any guide and jam-packed with all of the actionable, expert advice that's missing from all those exquisitely photographed gift books, this one has it all. Organized by arrondissements, you're meant to flip to the neighborhood you're visiting to find the author's recos for the best macarons, tartes or baguettes nearby. If I were visiting France soon, that's just what I'd be doing. Cramming bookmarks between the pages, grabbing a map and taking off before the sun came up. But for now, curled up on my couch in New Jersey, I'm literally reading this like a romantic novel. Cover to cover. Dreaming of Paris...

We have used this cookbook for years and continue to go back to it again and again for our favorite and new recipes alike. I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for not-too-complicated recipes that are delicious! Favorites are the Red Snapper with Black Bean Salsa and the French Pepper Steak - two recipes we have made dozens of times.

I am just now learning to cook, and must admit that every single recipe I have tried in both Main Line Classics I and II have been delicious. Now even I can cook for my in-laws!!

This is a wonderful cookbook for quick, easy, and DELICIOUS recipes. Great for company or family dinners. Ingredients are easy to find. I love this book.

This community cookbook has so many recipes that are easy, up-to-date, and ready for company. I have used this book, and it's companion...Main Line Classics many, many times. I love them both.

I have enjoyed preparing many of the recipes. Most are very easy to follow and the end results very tasty. The complete menus at the back of the book provide guidance when planning a dinner party. The fact that 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the cookbook is donated to the comunity makes this a favorite cookbook.

Not only is this a beautiful book but very informative about the Pacific Northwest's bounty of seafood. I work at an exclusive Country Club and took this book to our Chef; that week end he served a couple of recipes from it. Also I enjoyed reading the history of Ray's Boathouse.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to enjoy's Ray's Boathouse in Seattle knows what delicious food they serve! I was so excited to find that they had made a cookbook so that I could enjoy some of their dishes at home as well. From Dungeness Crab Cakes with Orange Tarragon Butter Sauce to Yakima Peach & Blackberry Crisp you will find making these Northwest treats easy and delicious for even the novice cook. The variety of seafood in the cookbook allows the rest of the country to experience the Northwest no matter where they live.

This is a rare find---a local cookbook which is first class, in both its layout and recipe accumen.

The photography here is breathtaking, as it would appear the views are from this Puget Sound restraurant. Their is early into this book a two-page sunset which is simply breathtaking. This is followed by nice history of the restaurant, which now includes as one of the owners Jack Sikma of Sonics fame.

Trying to find good Pacific Northwest recipes, this one certainly provides that in abundance. Especially seafood with its Ray's Cafe Seafood Margarita; Shrimp-Stuffed Artichokes with Herbed Cream Cheese; Dungeness Crab & Rock Shrimp Cakes with Ancho Chile Mayo; Grilled Copper River King Salmon with Pinot Noir Sauce; Ray's Cafe Salmon Burger with Basil Mayo and Wasabi Slaw; Parmesan Crusted Halibut with Roasted Tomato and Artichoke Ragout; Yakima Peach & Blackberry Crisp with Caramel Sauce;

Well thoughtout and balanced work with striking photos and accompanying prose to excite one to try these Seattle favorites. Meant to please and it delivers.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to enjoy's Ray's Boathouse in Seattle knows what delicious food they serve! I was so excited to find that they had made a cookbook so that I could enjoy some of their dishes at home as well. From Dungeness Crab Cakes with Orange Tarragon Butter Sauce to Yakima Peach & Blackberry Crisp you will find making these Northwest treats easy and delicious for even the novice cook. The variety of seafood in the cookbook allows the rest of the country to experience the Northwest no matter where they live.

Ray's Boathouse is a legendary restaurant at Seattle's Shilshole Bay. With an enviable panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, this has become a comforting location to enjoy a meal, watch boats sail by and enjoy entertaining conversations with friends and family.

My mother loves Coconut Prawns and I think that is why she purchased this cookbook. She has been so kind as to lend it to me for a few weeks. If you love seafood you will find recipes for everything from Black Pepper Dungeness Crab to Ray's Crab and Corn Chowder. You may enjoy trying recipes for the Parmesan-Crusted Halibut or the Pan Roasted Copper River Sockeye Salmon on a bed of sweet corn and fiddlehead ferns.

Tempting Recipes:

Spiced Peach-Currant Chutney
Shrimp Spring Rolls
Roasted Garlic Cheesecake
Boathouse Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
Dungeness Crab Cakes with Orange Tarragon Butter Sauce
Chardonnay Prawn Butter
Scharffen Berger Chocolate Indulgence - Chocolate Ganache with Chambord Sabayon
Deep-Dish Apple Pie
Lemon Mousse
Double Chocolate Walnut Brownies

The pictures in this cookbook make you want to run down to Pike Place Market to pick up fresh fish and other supplies. You might also want to visit Larry's Market to find a few of the produce items. Well, actually, if you are in Seattle, why not just visit this restaurant. We love Rays and I'm happy my mother bought this cookbook. She might not be seeing it for a few more months although she might be seeing me because I found a $10 off coupon for a lunch or dinner at Ray's Boathouse.

While many of the recipes look very gourmet in the pictures, they are not difficult to make and your only real concern will be where to find the freshest seafood possible in your local area. Amazon also has a gourmet food section so you can look for Scharffen Berger bittersweet chocolate for the chocolate indulgence recipe. You need at least three 9.7-ounce bars and the recipe serves 12.

~The Rebecca Review

The collaborative effort of Linda and Steve Bauer, "Recipes From Historic Louisiana" is a compilation of recipes drawn from the head chefs of forty-eight popular restaurants and dining establishments from Louisiana and ranging from Alexandria, through Evangeline Country, to venerable New Orleans. Embellished with fascinating stories combined with savory 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes that can transform ordinary meals into culinary delights, "Recipes From Historic Louisiana" showcases dishes that range from Bronzed Stake with a Gingersnap Gravy (K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen); to Barbecue Rib-Eye (Dickie Brennan's Stakehouse); to Trout Meuniere Amandine (Galatoire's); to Gumbo Ya-Ya (Commander's Palace); to Spiced Butternut Squash Soup (Mabry House). For a 'kitchen cook friendly' collection of authentic Louisiana cuisine, add Linda and Steve Bauer's "Recipes From Historic Louisiana" to your cookbook shelf! Also very highly recommended is the Bauer's companion collection, "Recipes From Historic America: Cooking & Traveling With America's Finest Hotels".

Linda and Steve Bauer cooked up a big 'ole gumbo pot of the best of Louisiana cuisine. Their timing was a divine appointment as they may have unknowingly preserved precious cultural treasures in the wake of Katrina. Bravo!

This is one of the best cookbooks that I have ever bought It is full a great recipes and beautiful pictures. Linda and Steve Bauer had done an excellent job on this book.

Fara Raines

I recently received a couple of books, and Ms. Bauer's was in the stack. After I skimmed it, I called a friend and started talking about the recipes as well as New Orleans in general. An hour later I realized we were STILL talking about her cookbook!

Bottom Line: I consider Top Ramen a food group and I was enthralled. Anyone with even a slight interest in cooking or New Orleans will be extremely pleased with this offering.

New Orleans has always, until Hurricane Katrina, been first and foremost famous for its food and restaurants. Recipes from Historic Louisiana is a collection of 120 favorite dishes from chefs at 48 of Louisiana's most famous restaurants. The history, stories and 130 full-color beautiful photographs combine with the recipes to enable you to recreate this incredible cuisine at home. The book is interesting in of itself for its historical content and the recipes are great.

I served the Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bananas and Vanilla from G. W. Fins restaurant at a recent dinner party and received several requests for the recipe.

The authors present easy-to-follow instructions for all the famous Creole and Cajun dishes that will bring back fond memories of New Orleans for those familiar with the Crescent City. And even if you've never been there, you'll have a hard time trying to decide which recipe to try first.

Some of my favorite recipes from the book are Bananas Foster French Toast, Pesto Cheesecake, Slow Roasted Brisket, and Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bananas and Vanilla. If you've ever been to Louisiana, or are familiar with its cuisine, you'll love this book. I haven't been there in over 20 years and Recipes from Historic Louisiana was a real stroll down memory lane, in addition to being a cookbook that you'll want to have. The book is beautiful, the recipes are sublime, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the National Trust for Historic Preservation Hurricane Relief Fund.

I was very pleased with the service and the book
came to me in excellant condition

If you're not in the neighborhood to enjoy the gourmet meals at the Red Cat resaurant, this cookbook is the next best alternative. Beautiful photographs and fresh writing make it a joy to peruse. The directions are clear and encouraging to even a novice cook like me. This is the only cookbook I own that I actually read from cover to cover. Try the green beans tempura--you'll be hooked forever. And if you're in NYC, the Red Cat is worth going out of your way for.

My first thought on seeing this book was 'where ever can I find some red cats to cook?' But of course that's not what the book is about. It turns out that The Red Cat is a restaurant in Manhattan. Yet this is not a typical restaurant menu cookbook.

This is a cookbook that takes a lot of food tastes, primarily from the Eastern seaboard (think clam chowder), and Europe (think France, Italy, Germany) and presents them is a clear and easy to understand manner. Although it is not that big a book, it is abook that covers all aspects of a meal from finger foods at the start to home made ice creams at the end.

While a lot of the recipies have a down home simple aspect about them, many of them add higher end ingredients (lobster) and some very tasty sauces.

Neighborhood restaurants are always a favorite! Warm, friendly, inviting, and great food! The Italian-American foods are delish! If you want more pesto recipes, add Mary El-Baz's "Simply Elegant and Easy Pesto" to your bookshelf. There's a fantastic pesto made with pepperoncini that's just scrumptious on roast-beef or salami sandwiches!

Wonderful book, and easy to use for an average cook. Great food.