By Hugh Carpenter and Teri Sandison
323 pages
Quality Paperback
ISBN:1-58008-433-8
$17.95
Review by Cindy Sanchez
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When picking up this cookbook for review, I thought, okay here comes another one of those "Family On The Go" cookbooks. You know, the ones that tout "quick and easy meals in only 10 minutes." Not that there is anything wrong with these types of cookbooks, there just seems to be an over run of them as of late.

However, upon opening to the first page of Fast Entrées I was pleasantly surprised. The title The Essential Pantry was basic enough, but the pictured ingredients caught my eye -- anchovy paste? capers? coconut milk? These items certainly do not make up most basic kitchen pantries. This is where I first realized that it wasn't the authors' intention to teach "quick and easy meals in only 10 minutes." Instead I found myself thumbing through page after page of gourmet sounding, picture perfect recipes. The best part? These recipes don't require spending valuable time chopping, searching for rare ingredients, using fancy and expensive equipment, or even having gourmet culinary skills.

Hugh Carpenter and Teri Sandison do spend a little time going over Cooking Techniques -- The Basics, but the important thing is that they don't dwell on them. They quickly get to the heart of the book. Chapters include:

• Fast Fish
• Simple Shellfish Entrees
• Flavorful Chicken and Game Hens
• Great Pork and Veal Recipes
• From the Range: Beef and Lamb
• Pasta Entrees in Minutes
• Wraps:Tacos, Mu Shu, and More
• Side Dishes for Fast Entrees

Sample Recipe from Fast Entrées

• Pork Chops with Charred Tomatoes
• Pan-Fried Sole with Lemon and Capers
  
  

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Fast Entrées . Order now and save 30%. Regular price $17.95, Amazon.com price $12.57. Usually ships in 24 hours. (Amazon.com prices subject to change.)

Cindy Sanchez is the owner and editor of www.practicalkitchen.com, visit for lots of great recipes and cooking articles.