Introduction.

Part I: Go On In — It’s Only the Kitchen.

Chapter 1: Cooking with Confidence.

Chapter 2: Gathering the Tools You Need.

Chapter 3: The Bare Necessities: Stocking Your Pantry.

Part II: Know Your Techniques.

Chapter 4: Boiling, Poaching, and Steaming.

Chapter 5: Sautéing.

Chapter 6: Braising and Stewing: Now That’s Home Cookin’.

Chapter 7: The House Sure Smells Good: Roasting.

Chapter 8: Coals and Coils: Grilling and Broiling.

Chapter 9: Creating Sensational Sauces.

Part III: Expand Your Repertoire.

Chapter 10: The Amazing Egg.

Chapter 11: Stirring Up Soup-er Homemade Soups.

Chapter 12: All Dressed Up: Salads and Dressings.

Chapter 13: Pastamania.

Chapter 14: One-Pot Meals.

Chapter 15: Sweet Somethings.

Part IV: Now You’re Cooking! Real Menus for Real Life.

Chapter 16: Champagne Dishes on a Beer Budget.

Chapter 17: Honey, I’m Bringing the Boss Home for Dinner . . . .

Chapter 18: Cook Once, Eat Thrice: Making the Most of Leftovers.

Part V: Special Occasions.

Chapter 19: Summertime Soiree.

Chapter 20: Super Bowl Buffet.

Chapter 21: Thanksgiving Dinner.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 22: Ten Common Cooking Disasters and How to Deal with Them.

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Think Like a Chef.

Appendix A: Glossary of 100 (Plus) Common Cooking Terms.

Appendix B: Common Substitutions, Abbreviations, and Equivalents.

Index.