This is my new Bible. (Mark Bittman’s other books are part of the canon, too, but this is by far the best.) Finally, a cookbook that is comprehensive, well-written, and full of opinions. I want someone to tell me if canned tomatoes are acceptable in this dish and whether most restaurants serve that dish with too much raw garlic. Mark Bittman is not afraid to speak his mind.

I can’t say this book has changed my life for the better – I now try a new recipe every other night, sometimes with disastrous results – but it has made it far more interesting.

This is not only a good cookbook…it’s a good read.