The Kitchen Counter Cooking School

How A Few Simple Lessons Transformed Nine Culinary Novices into Fearless Home Cooks

By: Kathleen Flinn

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, writer Kathleen Flinn returned with no idea what to do next, until one day at a supermarket she watched a woman loading her cart with ultraprocessed foods. Flinn's "chefternal" instinct kicked in: she persuaded the stranger to reload with fresh foods, offering her simple recipes for healthy, easy meals. The Kitchen Counter Cooking School includes practical, healthy tips that boost listeners' culinary self-confidence, strategies to get the most from their grocery dollars, and simple recipes that get listeners cooking.

©2011 Kathleen Flinn (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The author's humble approach is inviting and shows why her students were enthusiastic." (Kirkus)

So good I bought … twice!

I heard this book through my library several times then bought the paperback version. Because I continue to listen to it, I decided to buy the audio version. It inspires me to cook more and make better decisions on food for my family!

I'm still hungry.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

So so. It was a light enjoyable listen for the most part. But I sort of was hoping for it to be over at the same time. It wasn't a very compelling story nor very enlightening in the kitchen. I appreciated her desire to help America get back in the kitchen.

Would you ever listen to anything by Kathleen Flinn again?

Yes. Although her characters were not memorable I'd be interested if only for the kitchen tips. The characters were interesting enough just not well developed past their initial encounter. I couldn't remember who was who. I did like the relationship between her and her husband.

As far as the culinary aspect, which is why I chose the book, I felt a bit gipped. I want to learn more about putting it all together and this really wasn't all too helpful. It seemed more novel than kitchen info. I would have preferred the reverse.

What three words best describe Marguerite Gavin’s performance?

Was she drunk?

Do you think The Kitchen Counter Cooking School needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Sure. I think any of the cooking lessons could go into far more depth. But I sure hope she uses a different reader and gets some help in making it more interesting and followable.

Any additional comments?

A few PDF's of recipes and tips would be great.

Solving the mystery of the fridge

It seems that in today’s fast pase world the art of cooking is in many ways lost. To any people now a days seem scared in a weird way to take care of them selfs or better yet they seem scared to try. What the author does is in a very precise way show u in fact how some simple techniques will allow u to be way more self sufficient and in someways more adult in a fashion. The story is really lovely and there is so much u can learn from these techniques that u can take into everyday life.

The Class we ALL should have had in High School!

I hardly ever review, but this was exceptional. I learned a lot. It changed the way I think about cooking and food. It was simple enough to not be too complicated. I LOVED it!

Loved to hear about growing enthusiasm

I really enjoyed Kathleen Flinn's first book, about going to Le Cordon Bleu. This one is close to home - and is inspiring to see how those who don't usually cook at home can transform their grocery lists into something delicious. I only wish this book had been narrated by the woman who did the first book. This narrator felt kind of snooty - I think it's her diction, but the other woman had me believing it was the author herself, with a lot of heartfelt emotion. This was a good listen anyway.

Interesting content; poor narrator.

I have read all of Kathleen Flinn’s books: her sentimental family stories, her time at Le Cordon Bleu and now, her urgency to help box-buying home cooks.

Kathleen always tries to help, and that survives even this uneven, sometimes slurry, sometimes imperious narration.

I learned, which is the point. But the narration hurt the experience.

A great listen while learning a few tricks.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. It was well-thought out, in that the author gives recipes, reasons why we should take time to cook what we eat instead of eating our of cans and boxes. The narrator does not leave you bored, but wanting to listen to what is happening and coming next. I have gone through culinary school and still learned a few things while being reminded of some things that I had forgotten. This book is great for a beginner to a seasoned chef.

Great for the home cook!

What a great read. The author totally demystifies cooking and helps the reader embrace home cooking. After listening this book, I have increased my cooking skills and decreased the money I spend on food! I had no idea how easy cooking was! The only thing I wish is that they made a pdf of the recipes and cheat sheet for followup cooking!!!

Surprisingly Outstanding

I wish I could give this book extra stars. I feel bad for having him-hawed over whether or not to listen to this one. I love cooking from scratch and thought that perhaps there would be a few basics or tricks covered in here I wasn't already familiar with. And there were lots of things I learned. As a non-fiction lover though, generally a narrative is not my favorite form of delivery- I loved her voice in this! She found a balanced sweet spot of personal stories & anecdotes with quality content and structure. I adored every min of this one!!

Good Book! Narrator enunciation annoying/unnatural

Great book! Lots of great information on cooking as well as other tidbits on food and history along the way. Narrator's tone and enunciation sounds forced and inauthentic and is EXTREMELY grating. Hopefully Chef will narrate her next book herself.