30-Minute Meals by Rachael Ray (1999, Paperback)

This is a great recipe book for all Rachael Ray fans. Though her other books -- particularly 20-Minute Meals 2 -- are more accessible for beginner cooks, the original volume has a lot to offer. The meals in this book are all relatively easy to prepare, giving oneself an extra 10 minutes for prep work (a common critique of Rachael Ray is that her recipes aren't *really* "30-minute" meals). The meals are quite tasty to boot; I especially like Rachael Ray's pasta dishes -- truly her forte.
This book may be difficult to navigate for impatient cooks, as there's no index. But the chapter sub-headings are quite helpful (e.g., pizzas, tex-mex, etc.). And besides, part of the pleasure of cooking is diving into a new cookbook and skimming the collection of recipes in its entirety. This approach to reading a cookbook helps one get a "feel" for the author's approach, flavor, and overall cooking "philosophy."
Rachael Ray's philosophy is based on clear, simple directions and "classic" dishes with a homemade twist. Her recipes are at times challenging, but I personally think a cook doesn't get "better" if she doesn't encounter a challenge every now again. Highly recommended to all.

RACHAEL RAY LOVES TO COOK, AND LOVES TO SHARE HER COOKING EXPERIENCE WITH OTHERS. IN THIS WONDERFUL FIRST COLLECTION OF RECIPES,30-MINUTE MEALS,YOU WILL DISCOVER HOW TO MAKE IMAGINATIVE, NUTRITIOUS MEALS IN VERY LITTLE TIME, USING SHORT-CUT SECRETS,ON HAND INGREDIENTS, AND EASY-TO-FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS.AS HER TELEVISION FANS WILL TELL YOU, WHETHER IT'S A PASTA, SALAD, SANDWICH, MAKE-YOUR -OWN TAKE-OUT-WHATEVER RACHAEL'S RECEIPES ALWAYS WORK, AND THEY ARE UNFAILINGLY DELICIOUS,TOO.

I like the variety of recipes that Rachael Ray presents. There is something for everyone in this book and the book follows her "format" so--informal but yet interesting. Great cookbook!

I bought this book just because I like Rachael Ray's cooking on tv & was pleased to find that the recipes are timeless, even though it was written several years ago. Her folksy way of measuring is accompanied by actual measurements & there is something for everyone in this book.

RACHAEL RAY IS AWESOME!! SHE IS SO FUNNY AND VERY CAMEREA FRIENDLY. I WATCH ALL HER SHOWS ON THE FOOD NETWORK. THIS COOKBOOK IS GREAT. I ACTUALLY HAVE ALL OF HER COOKBOOKS AND THEY ARE ALL WONDERFUL. SHE IS ONE OF THE BEST COOKS ON THE FOOD NETWORK!!