Steaks, Chops, Roasts & Ribs, Cookbook of the Day

by Nicole Weston, Posted May 30th 2006 @ 8:04AM

The name Steaks, Chops, Roasts & Ribs just about says it all when it comes to this cookbook. It's a book from the editors of Cook's Illustrated and, true to form, it is a book that cuts right through any fluff and tells you what you want - and need - to know about cooking these cuts of meat. The detailed instructions will walk you through buying, prepping and cooking meat, even if it's your first time, and they will shed light on questions that plague even experienced cooks, such as how long and appropriate resting time is and which type of cut is the best for pan-searing. The recipes have been tested until they are virtually fool-proof, a standard that Cook's Illustrated's exhaustive recipe testing strives to guarantee. There are no show-stopping illustrations and, though some variety is given, you would do best to look into one of their other cookbooks to diversify your cooking; there is no question that this is a great primer on meats that will allow you to cook any cut with confidence.