I'm a cookbook collector and cooking science junkie, and every kitchen in America should have "The Best Recipe" if only for the instructions on brining and roasting a holiday turkey. I bought the original edition when it first came out for just that very purpose - and my Thanksgiving bird is so perfect and succulent every single year that I'm always stuck with the job.Since then, I've made just about every recipe in the book at least once with nary a mistake. Always perfect, always a great base to take off and make a recipe your own. This is a standard issue gift for kids moving out for the first time, newly married, guys who need to learn to cook (the science aspect is very manly), getting a marginal home cook up to speed, and anyone who must turn out a tasty meal on a regular basis. Simply the finest basic cookbook on the planet.