I was in college when my mother presented me with a copy of Desperation Dinners. While I love to cook, my busy school schedule only rarely provided me with the time to prepare any sort of elaborate meal. The promise of home-cooked meals in twenty minutes flat was definitely an alluring one for me, particularly if "home-cooked" meant more than box macaroni and cheese or ramen noodles. Still, I'd seen plenty of "quick" cookbooks before that were really anything but. Happily, this book delivers on its promise.

Nearly every recipe found in this book will be ready within twenty minutes. The only exceptions are (clearly marked) recipes where you have to boil water; those can take up to ten minutes more in total preparation time. It should also be noted that the twenty minute preparation time is with one person doing the cooking, provided they remember to keep moving from step to step in the recipe. If you have someone else helping you then things can move along much faster.

This remains one of the go-to cookbooks in my family. I have enjoyed every meal prepared using this book, and I make it a point to keep the ingredients for several of my favorites on hand. The instructions are clear, and the authors give explanations for why they use certain ingredients and preparations. In general the ingredients used are easy to find, and the recipes themselves are easy to modify if needed.

I highly recommend this book as a starter cookbook for college students and new couples who want to do more in the kitchen but may not have the time for elaborate meals. ( )

I have used some of the recipes in this book over and over since I got it, and have given it as a wedding or shower present more than once. Excellent recipes for real food that can be got on the table quickly. ( )

The best "quick" cookbook I've ever seen. Nice range of recipes and easy-to-follow directions. Favorite recipes: creamy tuna melt, Jamaican macaroni, Southwestern chicken-on-the-spot casserole. ( )

funny ( )

Home cooked meals that fit in your budget while being easy and quick to make. Includes updated, healthier recipes as well as some quick-to-make gourmet choices. Most recipes are easy to make within the 20 minute time limit. Also has a suggestion list for things to keep in stock for a Desperation Dinner. The only thing I haven't liked in this book is using instant rice (it is vile), so I'd save those recipes for leftover rice. ( )