they actually tell you how to make things not try to make them more complecated than they need to be. easy to understand.great product.The America's Test Kitchen Cookbook

If you don't own "Cover & Bake," this a five-star book; skip down to "Here's What I Like ..."

I think this may be the lowest rating I've ever given to a CI book (I own seven in the Best series and a handful of others.) If you own "Cover & Bake," you have many of the recipes in this book, hence the low rating.

Some of the shared recipes include:
Slow Cooker Favorites (5 of the 17 are shared with C&B)
-Pot Roast
-Beef Stew
-Brisket
-Chili
-Beef & Barley Soup

Sides (There are two shared recipes)

Casseroles (There are more variations of the recipes in this book) both books share:
-Baked Ziti
-Lasagna
-Manicotti
-Mac & Cheese
-Chicken Enchiladas
-Chicken Pot Pie
-Beef Pot Pie
-Tamale Pie
-Shepherd's Pie
Lamb & Eggplant Moussaka
-Chicken & Rice Casserole

Breakfast & Breads (only the bread recipes are unique to this book. What irks me is that the same photo is used for the start of the breakfast chapters in each book.) Shared recipes are:
-24-Hour Omelet
-French Toast Casserole
-Breakfast Strata

Here is what I like about the book
-TOC in each chapter
-The Double-Duty Cooking Chapter is great -- cook a little extra now for tomorrow's dish that won't taste like leftovers
-All of the stews and the majority of the casseroles can be made ahead and frozen. Outside of those categories, you'll find maybe 10 additional recipes that can be frozen.
-Desserts
-Make-Ahead Holiday Menus

If you don't have "Cover & Bake" get this book. When reviewed in isolation, it is a five-star book. If you're deciding which to choose, this book has a range of recipes across appetizers, sides, main courses and desserts. If you're looking for a complete make-ahead meal, this book is the way to go.

Busy cooks who want to prepare meals ahead have plenty of cookbooks to choose from, but the advantage to The Best Make-Ahead Recipe is that all these dishes are fail-safe and have been tested by the professionals. Another advantage: chapters are divided by cooking method, from 'Open-Ready Entrees' to 'Slow-Cooker Favorites' and 'Baked Goods That Go From Freezer to Oven'. Some 300 recipes suitable for entertaining or daily meals are presented with accompanying color photos: all have been streamlined with the busy cook in mind. An exceptional purchase any public library or busy cook must have.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I have purchased other make-ahead cookbooks, such as Once a Meal Cooking and Frozen Assets. This cookbook is the best I've found. This cookbook teaches you how to prepare dishes so that they test fresh when reheated.

I have tried several recipes in this cookbook and they have been great. I was skeptical that it was possible to freeze pasta dishes and reheat them without the pasta tasting mushy. But to my pleasant surprise, the pasta dishes were very good.

Some of the recipes in this book are not recommended for freezing. They are considered "make ahead" since they can be stored in your refrigerator for a few days before cooking or baking.

These recipes are truly tried and tested. I made a few of the recipes and they really turned out good even though they were make-ahead. This book makes entertaining less stressful.

Though I have used the book a few times and had good to medium results, only 1 recipe I have connected with the freezer. I find it easier to cook once a week and freeze the meals, but most of the meals in this book don't lend easily to freezer cooking. Since freezer cooking was in the description when the book was available for pre order I expected a little more in that category.

Once a month I get together with a friend and we make 10-12 meals to freeze for future use. I purchased this book with the understanding that there would be lots of recipes that I could make ahead and freeze. This book was not helpful for this purpose. There just weren't enough recipes that fall into the true make ahead and freeze category.

This book is well-organized, has good details/descriptions and some good recipes (some may be repeats from other publications). If you are a person who likes pictures, this book is not for you. I am a big fan of the publisher's other books. Sad that this one was such a disappointment!

+++ It gives great reviews an products you can pick up at any grocery store.

--- It doesn't have the pictures on what the food looks like. Only a tiny section in the middle.

This cookbook was very informative! I love the fact that it teaches how to make simple meals that everyone can cook! And, it gives you directions on how to freeze it! This is great for me because I can make a meal and freeze the left overs for another night! I recommend this cookbook to anyone who can't be in the kitchen for hours but wants a home-cooked meal!

I was disappointed. As evidence, I've had the book for more than 4 weeks and haven't used it yet. The recipes are fairly mundane and it doesn't include many dishes I don't already know how to make ahead. I'm confident anything I do make will be good, but it won't be exciting.

I have not actually made anything yet, but I have read through it several times and it is nicely organized, has a nice selection of recipes, and has clear directions for advance cooking/baking.

My wife tells me she enjoyed this book and that it has good recipes.

This cookbook is a godsend to anyone with a large family that entertains a lot of extended family also. The Shepherd's Pie was yummy! I have a list of recipes I can't wait to make!

The cover recipe earned the wow rating and ravings. Truly amazing how easy it was to fix for the grand finale to the meal.

This is good cooking. Like other Test Kitchen cookbooks, these are tested and delicious. Good stuff

I have only had this book a few weeks and have made several recipes with amazing results. The Shepherd's Pie is the best I have ever had, and the freeze and cook directions are perfect. Cook's Illustrated does it again!

I thought it was extremely well written with a lot of helpful hints; well worth the price.

Who has time to cook these days?!? I know I don't - so we eat a lot of 'soup and sandwich' dinners - and not homemade soup - I'm talking canned!!!

So any time someone comes up with make-ahead recipes - that taste as good as the real thing - or better - then I am sold!!!

And if you are familiar with Cook's Illustrated - and the other 'Best Recipe Classics' you know you won't be disappointed!!!