Rarely use a book for recipes unless I'm baking. Use them more for inspiration. I have to second culinary artistry. I also like The French Laundry and Trotter's books for inspiration.
A cook is one who has basic knoledge and fundamentals of cooking. A Chef is the person that writes the menus, writes recipes, costs menus and recipes, does the scheduling, controls labor costs, controls food costs, Orders the product,...
I don't know many here, but I'm going to open myself up....... I was one of those that alcohol and drugs nearly destroyed. I got my sh*t together, got help and went on to a very successful career as a chef in some of Atlanta's finest...
For something last minute I usually put together a cheese board. 4 types of eclectic cheeses and some carrs crackers. As I said though, this is for spur of the moment or last minute.
First off, not nearly enough sugar. I use 3 cups per pound. secondly, you need to cook your cranberry sauce longer. For 1 pound I cook mine at a low simmer for roughly 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
