"Joy of Cooking" is one of the best-known cookbooks ever published, and for good reason. Like the print version, this CD offers some terrific recipes and excellent cooking advice. Unfortunately, the similarities ultimately extend too far. There's simply not enough new material here to warrant a hearty recommendation, particularly to those who already own a copy of "Joy."A particular source of disappointment is the software's failure to tap the strengths of the form. For example, the box promises "100 illustrated, step-by-step techniques every cook should know." But these techniques rely far too heavily on written descriptions, wasting a perfect opportunity for helpful video files.
More irritatingly, many of the recipes do not even include pictures of the finished dishes. This is a genuine disappointment.
Overall, this product is fine for those who are looking for a searchable copy of "Joy of Cooking." And there a few other features some will find helpful. But don't expect many extras.