Deseret News | Reader comments: Cook by the book: Recession puts novice cooks in kitchen

Reader comments
Cook by the book: Recession puts novice cooks in kitchen

Anonymous | 9:43 p.m. June 23, 2009

good story!

Good story | 6:43 a.m. June 24, 2009

This is one cultural change I am glad to see, more home cooking. Cooking in the home is a shared family experience that money can't buy and its healthier and cheaper.

One important thing this story did not touch on are the tools for cooking in the home. Pans, knives, cutting boards, and accessories are very important.

Knives should be of high quality and are an investment and they can cost several hundred dollars for a medium size set. A sharp knife is a safe knife and learn how to hand sharpen them from professionals. Also, never put any quality knives in a dishwasher, hand wash only and store them in a wood knife block. Cast iron fry pans should also be in every home. I also avoid all made in China or Mexico tools and pans. This is self explanatory if you compare them.

Most of the local restaurant supply stores and Spoons-n-Spice are the best source of knives and pans and are high quality. Try to avoid the myriad of the single tasker gadgets and cooking appliances.

Unfortunately there are no cooking shows that really explain cooks tools and how to use them.

Shawn Fan | 9:51 a.m. June 24, 2009

That Shawn Bucher is one good looking man. Is he available? I hope he puts out a Two-Timer's Cookbook.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 11:21 a.m. June 24, 2009

Good to see people going back to the basics.

Fred Jarvis | 2:17 p.m. June 24, 2009

Oh, this book is exactly what I need. I have recently decided I need to start eating healthier because I eat out too much.only problem is that I have no idea how to cook. I will be adding this book to my library shortly.

Karen Christoffersen | 2:45 p.m. June 24, 2009

I have this book and it is excellent. It is unique in that it actually shows HOW to cook. So I bought a bunch of them and give them as graduation and wedding gifts. Great presents to give and only $12.95.

Anonymous | 2:46 p.m. June 24, 2009

this is an amazing idea, I'm going to have to look more into this. I definitely want a copy of the book.

Frank Krause | 2:51 p.m. June 24, 2009

This book is definately what the public needs. By describing what basic cooking techniques truly are will allow the home cook to be successful and produce beautiful food each and every time.

Rich | 2:53 p.m. June 24, 2009

I've seen the book up close and it is fantastic. I'm planning to give it to all my nephews and niece. Great book, Shawn!

Joan Ripley | 2:55 p.m. June 24, 2009

Great idea!

Dave Lee | 2:58 p.m. June 24, 2009

Having known Bucher personally, I can say that he is a person of excellent character, very funny and his food is excellent.
Even his tastes in barbeque sauce are impeccible, and I still use the brand he once recommended.
His book very informative, and though I'm not slouch in the kitchen myself, I learned a few things myself.

Cora Lee | 3:00 p.m. June 24, 2009

Excellent idea. I love the idea of a first-timer's cookbook. A gift for any newlywed or college student! I love it!

Roger Nielsen | 3:03 p.m. June 24, 2009

This is will be a great beginner's book for old cooks as well as cooks just starting out. Basic information is never out of mode. Good work, Chef.

Buddy Do | 3:07 p.m. June 24, 2009

Those are some great cooking tips. I happened to get his book and have enjoyed all the instructions in there. Great job Shawn!

Karina | 3:19 p.m. June 24, 2009

My sister-in-law has this book and it's great! Very informative and the photos are so helpful. Perfect for someone just learning to cook.

Lisa E. Scott | 3:30 p.m. June 24, 2009

Great story! Congrats, Shawn!

Karen S | 3:38 p.m. June 24, 2009

Who doesn't need more tips, tricks in the kitchen? With this crazy economy, we need to keep more of our fast-food dollars and prepare food at home. I will be giving these as wedding gifts in the future. Good Job!

Cheri Chesley | 3:39 p.m. June 24, 2009

Great book--great idea! Even people who cook can use this book because there's always more to learn. Good work, Shawn!

Gary | 3:40 p.m. June 24, 2009

Chef Shawn's book is simple to use and very informative. It makes it easy and enjoyable to learn how to cook.

Rachel | 3:58 p.m. June 24, 2009

My eight year old daughter loves to read and loves to cook, but a lot of the kid cookbooks out there weren't "real" recipes. I got this cookbook for her for Christmas last year and she loves the pictures and the way it teaches actual techniques--not just recipes. Good job Shawn!

Diane Murray | 4:19 p.m. June 24, 2009

What a great idea for a book. I can't wait to get several copies for gifts.I am always (hungry) for more cooking tips. Congratulations Shawn!!

Lori Conger | 4:25 p.m. June 24, 2009

Love it! This is exactly the kind of book I've needed. Thanks, Shawn!

Peg & Paul | 5:04 p.m. June 24, 2009

It's about time our American society got back to the basics! I can see families together in the kitchen again, bonding and making great meals using Chef Shawn's cookbook as their guide to preparing and creating healthy and delicious recipes. This trend might even lead us back to having family dinners and conversation! Who knows what impact this one book may have!!
BTW-note to "Shawn Fan"...he's taken. Keep looking.

Rhonda Greenwood | 5:09 p.m. June 24, 2009

This book should be very helpful for missionaries or students who are having to cook for themselves for the first time. Way to go Shawn!

Dr. Debi Yohn | 5:11 p.m. June 24, 2009

I think Shawn's book is a great gift for college students, even high school students who are off on their own and lost in the kitchen. So, put it on your list for graduation presents and holiday gift giving. It really is a cookbook for dummies!

Shawn, one of these days, how about a Beginners Chinese Cookbook!

Debi
Shanghai, China

Michelle Chavez | 5:16 p.m. June 24, 2009

What a fabulous concept! Now my husband has no excuses for not having dinner on the table when I get home from work at least a couple days a week! Congrats Shawn! Happy to be a supporter of this great book :)

Janice | 5:37 p.m. June 24, 2009

Shawn is a great teacher with some great recipes.

Joshua | 6:02 p.m. June 24, 2009

Shawn is one of the best Chef's I know! What's better, his teaching skills are just as good as his cooking skills! I own the book and love it. It makes being a novice in the kitchen seem much less frustrating. The illustrations and step by step approach make cooking a joy instead of a headache!

Judi Venten | 6:03 p.m. June 24, 2009

Fantastic Shaun - such a need for this - especially for those starting out. I hope this will be on sale in Australia. Beautifully presented too. Where can I get a copy?

Lesli | 6:44 p.m. June 24, 2009

I have actually purchased several copies of this book (having found it very useful myself) to give as wedding gifts. I have had numerous people give me feedback (good description for a "cook" book)about how helpful it is. It's actually very interesting reading with lots of personality. Even experienced cooks may learn something from this.

Kathryn M | 7:21 p.m. June 24, 2009

This looks like it would be an excellent bridal shower or wedding gift....

Karen S. Talbot | 8:35 p.m. June 24, 2009

I read the article in the paper this morning, it was super. Good work!

Richard Borkowski | 8:46 p.m. June 24, 2009

Probably one of the most practical books for these times, when few people know how to cook and everyone is trying to cook at home to save money. Perfect timing for the times.

Dorothy De Mare | 10:17 p.m. June 24, 2009

What a nice article about Shawn and his enthusiasm for sharing his culinary expertise. It's a great contribution. Thanks, Shawn, for sharing your talents with us too!

David L | 11:37 p.m. June 24, 2009

Shawn is such a natural! and he makes it easy for everyone.

Milton | 11:47 p.m. June 24, 2009

The book is loaded with lots of excellent pictures which compliment the instructions.

Anne Orchard | 12:43 a.m. June 25, 2009

More people cooking at home is exactly what we need to improve health. Whole foods are what our systems need to stay healthy, and for most of us that means cooking instead of buying packaged foods. Well done, Shawn for reversing the trend.

Sharon | 9:35 a.m. June 25, 2009

This is a BEAUTIFUL book! The many pictures mkae it very easy to use and gain information on the 'how to' mysteries of cooking.

Curt Schaefermeyer | 10:57 a.m. June 25, 2009

Shaun is a very Knowledgeable person and I have had a lot of fun with him as we have cooked together. I get to have him as a personal trainer sometimes, but dont tell anyone.

Jan Campbell | 11:14 a.m. June 25, 2009

This is the most informative cook book I've seen. Shawn gives such great background information about all the processes involved in cooking. It is a must for anyone just learning to cook and fun for anyone no matter how long you've been cooking. You still learn so much! Thanks Shawn for such a great book!
Best of Luck,
Jan

Brookie Dickerson | 2:58 p.m. June 25, 2009

I would love to give this book to all of my children. My daughters have forgotten everything I ever taught them and would probably take the lessons better from a book than mom anyway!
Great idea!! Good for you Shawn!

Anonymous | 5:47 p.m. June 25, 2009

Great Book Shawn. I saw one of your presentations and was impressed with your clarity. No "vague directions". This would make a great wedding gift!
-Bonni Burrows,
Author: "Death? -It's a Journey to Life!"

Anonymous | 11:41 p.m. June 25, 2009

Excellent article. I will be buying the book soon.

Marilyn Harris | 5:33 a.m. June 26, 2009

I appreciated the tips on 'carry-over' cooking to prevent overcooking pasta and veges. Also, how to cook 'sticky' rice. Those kind of tips in the book, make cooking more fulfilling. He helps you to be a successful cook.

Anonymous | 1:31 p.m. June 26, 2009

This looks like an excellent book! I'm looking forward to receiving my own copy.

Heather Moore | 1:51 p.m. June 26, 2009

Great article. When I first started living on my own, I didn't know how long to boil an egg or other simple things.

Kacie | 7:55 p.m. June 26, 2009

What a non threatening way to teach my boys to cook!! Kudos Shawn!!!

Charles England | 8:26 p.m. June 27, 2009

I have not read Shawn's book, but I have personally eaten the food that Shawn has cooked and it is delicious and surprisingly not the usual everyday taste and is sometimes artfully sculpted that gives pleasure to even the sight of the tasty food set before me. I have watched Shawn on TV and think that he is very professional and takes great pride in his work.

Lynne Brown | 11:06 a.m. July 4, 2009

We have given several of these as wedding gifts. For a new homemaker, this is a jewel!

Jim Dunn | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 15, 2009

Amazing article, I want a copy right now, but the link to the website doesn't seem to work. I googled "Shawn Bucher" and got what I wanted. The book is sooooooo cooooollll!

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.