Ideal for novice cooks, this handy cookbook begins by detailing the essential keys to home cooking, including the fundamental hardware, herbs, and ingredients that are must-haves for any kitchen. It then details ten basic recipes featuring ten different foods--eggs, soups, pasta, rice, chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, green salad, and sorbet--and provides step-by-step photographs for making each dish. General cooking hints are also provided, including how to best store food in the freezer and how to avoid "onion tears," making this the perfect first step towards becoming an expert at-home chef.