“There are two kinds of people in this world: the ones who don’t cook out of and have NEVER cooked out of THE I HATE TO COOK BOOK, and the other kind…The I HATE TO COOK people consist mainly of those who find other things more interesting and less fattening, and so they do it as seldom as possible. Today there is an Annual Culinary Olympics, with hundreds of cooks from many countries ardently competing. But we who hate to cook have had our own Olympics for years, seeing who can get out of the kitchen the fastest and stay out the longest.” – Peg Bracken
Philosopher’s Chowder. Skinny Meatloaf. Fat Man’s Shrimp. Immediate Fudge Cake. These are just a few of the beloved recipes from Peg Bracken’s classic I HATE TO COOK BOOK. Written in a time when women were expected to have full, delicious meals on the table for their families every night, Peg Bracken offered women who didn’t revel in this obligation an alternative: quick, simple meals that took minimal effort but would still satisfy.
50 years later, times have certainly changed – but the appeal of THE I HATE TO COOK BOOK hasn’t.
This book is for everyone, men and women alike, who wants to get from cooking hour to cocktail hour in as little time as possible.
* * * * * * *
I remember hearing buzz about The I Hate To Cook Book when I was a teen. At the time I wondered why a cookbook would be titled as such but fast-forward a couple of decades and I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner for my family on a daily basis. Looking back I wish I had Peg Bracken’s book in those days.
When I had a chance to review the 50th Anniversary edition of The I Hate To Cook Book I grabbed it. Author Peg Bracken died in 2007 so her daughter Jo wrote the forward that tells about her mom and the book. Following the forward is Peg’s introduction where she explained how and why the book came about. Bracken’s wit is apparent throughout the book making it an enjoyable read as well as a go-to reference.
Many of the recipes seemed familiar to me (maybe my mom had this book?). They use ingredients found in most pantries such as cream of mushroom soup, canned vegetables, fruits, tuna, etc. The recipe directions are easy to follow. Saturday Chicken (p.20-21) earned a thumbs up at my house. (I added a small can of mushrooms to the recipe)
Saturday Chicken
- 1 cut-up fryer (or any 6 good-sized pieces of chicken)
- salt and garlic salt
- paprika
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
- 1 cup heavy cream (don’t cheat and use milk; the cream makes a lot of difference)
- chopped parsley
Take your chicken and salt and garlic salt it a bit, then paprika it thoroughly. Next, spread it out, in one layer, in a shallow baking pan. Dilute the soup with the cream, pour it over the chicken, and sprinkle the chopped parsley prettily on top. Bake it, uncovered, at 350 for one and a half hours.
Saturday Chicken (right) with baked potato and green beans
The chapters cover pretty much any type of dinner situation: Potluck Suppers; Company’s Coming; Luncheon for the Girls; Little Kids’ Parties. Also included are helpful hints, equivalents, and substitutions. I think The I Hate to Cook Book would be a great addition to any cookbook collection.
Review copy from Hachette Book Group
Would love this one, I honestly hate cookbooks, even when I find one that is like normal every day food it is still filled with roasted lamb with red wine filled caviare whatever
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I agree!
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Oh, sure, tease us with the gorgeous looking chicken and then there’s no recipe? Meanie!!
Lol, just kidding. Now I suppose I have to go find that cookbook.
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I’ll send it to you. I’m out of town and didn’t bring the book with me so you’ll have to wait a few days 🙂
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I still have my tattered, stained paperback from when I was first married. I’ve made nearly everything in it, and now you’ve made me want to dig it out again.
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That’s so cool that you have the original! Yes, dig it out and make Saturday Chicken 🙂 There’s a chocolate cake recipe that I plan to try soon.
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Mary, I had never heard of that book but that Saturday Chicken looks so good-yummy! I’ll have to check it out!
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Sherri, it’s a neat little cookbook!
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I think I need a copy of this cookbook. That looks delicious and easy too. I love easy to make meals. I don’t have time to hunt down strange ingredients and spend hours fixing something. This book sounds like it is right up my alley. Great review!
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It’s a keeper. I think it would make a great gift for anyone.
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I had no idea that this book was 50 years old…that recipe looks great. I know my son and husband would devour that in a heartbeat!
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Staci, my kids are all out of the nest but my husband loved the recipe and I know my son would too.
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I have heard so many good things about this book, but had not realized that it was from back in the day…it looks even better now.
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A disaster in the kitchen, I should hate cook books for how inadaquate they make me feel but don’t.
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That chicken looks delicious! I bet this would make a great bridal shower gift.
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This sounds like a great cookbook. While I love to cook, I still like fast and easy recipes especially these days. Your meal looks fantastic!
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My mom had this book and I remember paging through it when I was a kid! I remember it having some funny drawings! I think she also had the I Hate To Clean book … or some version of Housework. Nice to see these being reissued. If my mom doesn’t have her copy anymore, I should look for my own copy!!
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that is the greatest cookbook i’ve NEVER heard of! how could i miss it, especially considering i detest cooking. 🙂 i’m off to track down a copy–the chicken looks delish, but i have to admit that i’m suspect of chicken cooked in cream soup. my mom tried a recipe like that once when i was a kid and it scarred me for life. lol.
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The chicken looks fabulous!
My mom actually owned this cookbook (and she liked to cook!). I am reading this book for review and have found that it has held up through the years surprisingly well.
Great review!
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I am ashamed to say that I do not have a copy of this, even though I love vintage cookbooks and Bracken was a fellow Oregonian.
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That chicken looks delish! Great job Mary!
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Glad to hear that you liked this cookbook. I have it to review and can’t wait to try some recipes. The chicken looks great!
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