Betty Crocker The Big Book of Weeknight Dinners

Betty Crocker The Big Book of Weeknight Dinners, Wiley Publishing, $19.99 list price, paperback

This is my kind of cookbook with the focus on main meal entrees for dinner.  There are lots of color photographs which always makes a good cookbook even better.  The chapters include Hearty Supper Sandwiches and Pizzas; Soups, Chilies, and Stews; Simple Skillet Meals, Satisfying Casseroles, and Main Dish Salads (which I will use more frequently with summer approaching).

So far I've made two recipes from this cookbook: Chunky Tomato-Bean Soup and Tuna and Broccoli Bake.  Both turned out well and I'll make them again. I've tagged many recipes to try such as Toasted Philly Turkey Sandwiches, Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, Cheesy Chicken and Artichoke Pizza, Greek Split Pea Soup, Onion Topped Turkey Divan, and Loaded Baked Potato Casserole. 

The recipes aren't necessarily "health food" fare and some may be higher in fat and calories that what is preferable, but any of the ingredients can be substituted with low-fat, lower sodium versions and whole grain pastas can be used.  Since I need to watch carbs I can use more meat and less pasta in many of the recipes and add more veggies, or I can make an open-face sandwich using one slice of bread instead of two, etc.   I also like that the recipes use regular ingredients that can be found in any grocery store.

The focus is on dinner entrees so breakfasts, side dishes, and desserts are not included but does feature a menu planner with suggested side dishes for the recipes, as well as a metric conversion chart.  Each recipe has a suggested variation and has the nutritional information per serving, including exchanges for those following a weight loss or diabetic program using that method.

This would be a great cookbook for a new bride or anyone of any level of cooking expertise who wants plenty of variety for supper menus.