Learn to Cook, Step-by-Step, by the Book What to Cook and How to Cook It, the Book

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If you want a clear, precise, step-by-step cookbook with basic recipes—from pad thai to apple pie—then pick up What to Cook and How to Cook It.

Each of the book's 100 recipes is illustrated with a series of sequential photographs (similar in style to the Ikea cookbook but much more practical). The accompanying text explains each ingredient and each step of the cooking process. It's a well-designed book that really shows novice cooks exactly what to do and I think that's a recipe other cookbooks could follow.

All images courtesy of Phaidon Press.