Sam the Cooking Guy

February 4, 2008
Zien, creator and host of the television show Sam the Cooking Guy
, is very clear from the onset that he is not a chef; he also believes that certain things, like measuring ingredients (unless baking), are a “waste of time” and that 350 degrees is the “universal temperature” at which to cook everything. A self-proclaimed “regular guy,” Zien thinks that people have “been wrecked by cooking shows with their millions of complicated steps and crazy ass ingredients.” His recipes are for people who want to cook, but want to spend as little time and effort in the kitchen as possible. Two of his favorite ingredients, which show up frequently, are prebaked pizza crust (used in his pesto pizza recipe, which also calls for ready-made pesto) and “ready bacon,” which simply needs to be microwaved. Other dishes include a Tomato and Potato Chip Sandwich and Stir Fry Noodles made with Styrofoam cup instant ramen. Some dishes, though lacking originality, call for fresh ingredients and explain simple techniques, like the Adobo Chicken or Ginger Scallops. Foodies won't be impressed, and even those with mild interest in putting together their own meals might want to be challenged a bit more.

April 12, 2010
The television host known as "Sam the Cooking Guy" returns with another compilation of simple recipes useful for getting a meal on the table in no time. Employing just a handful of key ingredients, Zien (Just a Bunch of Recipes) shows readers how to whip up Piña Colada Pancakes, Blue Cheese Gnocchi with Bacon, Thai Curry Noodle Soup, or Shepherd's Pie without spending all day in the kitchen. Gourmands and sticklers will likely be incensed at many of his methods for standards like tomato soup (throw chopped onion and fresh basil in a blender, add a can of roasted tomatoes with garlic, then puree), as well as his reliance on canned and prepared products, but anyone unsure in the kitchen (or who views cooking as a chore) will find a wealth of ideas. Multiple suggestions for repurposing leftovers like meat loaf, mashed potatoes and store-bought rotisserie chicken will help readers avoid palate fatigue while saving money. Even those who already know how to boil eggs (yes, Zien includes a recipe for "the more-often-than-not screwed up" Hard-Boiled Egg) will likely find a few guilty pleasures here, along with some new time and money-saving tricks.