Mary Berry is Cordon Bleu trained and has a reputation as one of the best bakers in Britain.
Her cookbooks are ideal for beginners as they include step by step instructions and foolproof recipes, with very helpful photographs to guide you through each meal.
You will learn the best techniques for perfect results every time.
Pros
Photographs - There are plenty of photographs to guide you
Simple - The step by step instructions are easy to follow
Recipes - There are over 100 recipes in the book
Cons
Traditional - Most of the recipes are very traditional so there isn’t much modern cuisine
This book is perfect for a beginner who wants to learn how to cook economically and practically.
It has lots of recipes that you can batch-cook and make ahead of time, so you can fill your freezer with nourishing meals. This is perfect for families or people with busy lives.
Pros
Useful - This book teaches you a very useful skill of make ahead cooking
Advice - It also has advice on how to stock your pantry along with cooking techniques and tips on how to freeze food safely
Recipes - The recipes are very tasty and nourishing
Cons
Freezer space - If you are learning to cook using this method then you will need a big freezer with plenty of space
Nadiya Hussain is a British chef and television presenter. Her book is geared towards people who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen but still want to eat well.
The recipes are simple and easy to make, with lots of tips on preparation and how to use up leftovers. This makes it a great choice for beginners.
Pros
Simple - The recipes are simple and easy to follow
Advice - There is lots of useful advice for beginners
Photographs - The photos help to guide you through the recipes
Cons
Measurements - It is quite tricky to convert the recipes into US measurements
How To Choose The Best Cookbook For Beginners
There is something for everyone on this list, but how do you know which cookbook is right for you?
Here are some things you should consider when choosing your beginners cookbook.
Cuisine
Do you want to learn how to make a particular type of cuisine? Or would you prefer a book that contains a range of different recipes so that you can learn how to cook a variety of different meals?
Make sure you think about this before you buy a cookbook.
Instructions
Beginners need step by step instructions that are worded simply. Images are helpful to demonstrate cooking techniques.
The instructions should be easy to follow, but with enough detail for someone who hasn’t cooked before to understand what they need to do.
Recipes
Cookbooks come in various different lengths. Some have over 100 recipes and others have less than 50.
If you want to get value for money then you might want to choose a cookbook that has more recipes in it.
Alternatively, you may prefer to buy several smaller cookbooks to get more variety.
Photography
Some cookbooks have more photography in them than others. It is helpful to see a photo of what the finished meal is supposed to look like, and it can also entice you into cooking the recipe.
On the other hand, some people find it easier to have more written instructions than photographs.
Whichever one you choose, you will be able to develop your cooking skills and make impressive recipes in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about cooking as a beginner.
What Type Of Cookbooks Are Suitable For Beginners?
Beginner cookbooks need to have step by step instructions that are simple to follow. They should also include photographs to help you know that you are doing things correctly.
What Type Of Cuisines Should Beginners Learn To Cook?
A beginner chef can learn to cook any type of cuisine as long as they have the right instructions and guidance.
It is best to start off with simple recipes and build up to more complex ones.
How Can You Build Up Confidence As A Beginner?
The best way to build up your confidence as a beginner is to practice. Keep cooking regularly and don’t be disheartened if something doesn’t turn out the way you expected it to.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
