Learn to Cook!: The College Kid Cookbook

Boasting a four-hour running time, this comprehensive video cookbook geared toward the college-age set is comprised of instructional segments and extensive recipes. Combining demonstration clips and text, the five general sections are “The Economics of Cooking” (calculations of savings by making your own meals), “Basic Pantry Stuff” (a primer on stock goods such as spices, flour, sugar, and cleanup supplies), “Basic Kitchen Equipment” (tools), “How to Shop Smart” (what to look for in prices, texture, etc.) and “Basic Kitchen Techniques” (methods of cutting, peeling items, etc.). Sporting a hip, trendy soundtrack, the recipe section--divided into five categories (breakfast, lunch, dinner, “easy vegetables,” and snacks)--also uses illustrative footage, text, and commentary to turn out cuisine from the simple (grilled cheese sandwiches, microwave bacon and scrambled eggs, nachos, popcorn, and cheeseburgers) to the (comparatively) sophisticated (hash brown potatoes, creamed corn, pot roast, Chinese chicken, potatoes au gratin, and artichoke dip). The format is rather repetitive (ingredient list, directions, demo featurette), but this works well on DVD for quick-and-easy access to a specific dish, and while the cutesy narrator is a little condescending (“Don't bother asking why, just do it, ok?”), this thorough guide is sure to be a welcome find for cash-strapped students in the target age group. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams)