Sandra Lee: Weeknight Wonders

Food Network's Sandra Lee has done it again with her compilation of recipes designed for the home cook. Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Weeknight Wonders: 139 Easy Fast Fix Dishes is a perfect complement to every busy cook's kitchen. Lee's mantra is that creative cooks can make delicious quick meals using 70% pre-made convenience products and 30% fresh ingredients.

Weeknight Wonders details 139 tasty recipes like Bacon-Blessed Meatloaf, Creole Chicken and Creamy Shrimp Fettucine. Most of the recipes are for beef, pork, pasta, poultry and seafood main dishes, although some sides and desserts are included as well.
Several regional and ethnic cuisines are covered including Southern, Asian-American, Mexican, Italian and classic American dishes.

PROS:

• Full-page color photographs accompany each recipe. 
• Perfect for the busy Mom or Dad cooking for a family that enjoys good food but does not have a very adventurous palate.
• Recipes are well-suited for beginning cooks, but more advanced cooks can substitute homemade items, like chicken stock, for store-bought ingredients.

CONS:

• With the naming conventions and categories used, it can be difficult to find recipes. For instance, lobster rolls are called "Maine Hottie Dogs," barbecued pork is located in the Comfort Foods section and "Beer Brat Bake" is classified as an American Favorite. 
• Do not confuse this cookbook with one focused on a healthy diet. While some recipes are indeed health-conscious, the book does not go out of its way to detail low-fat dishes.

CHAPTERS:

•  Dinner Delights
• Coast to Coast
• Asian American
• Desserts
• Sassy Southern Style
• American Classics
• Family Snacks and Finger Foods
• Taste of Italy
• Amazing Mexican
• Comfort Food Favorites

BONUS SECTIONS: (1 to 2 pages each section)

• Simple Sides
• Great Ingredients
• Pantry Essentials
• Baking Basics
• Chocolate Creations
• Quick Nibbles and Sippers
• Easy Entertaining

=====================================================================================

Date Published: 2009
No. of Recipes: 139

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

ISBN: 978-O-470-54024-4

Amazon Consumer Rating: 3 out of 5 stars (based on 5 ratings)