cook's illustrated vs cook's country?

groovygrl

what is cook's country? I saw it in the store the other day for the first time & tend to love cook's illustrated products but just curious, if i were to do a subscription to one or the other, price aside, what's the difference?

jack&sam04

They are both from America's Test Kitchen.  I think CI is more technically written, has mostly illustrations and black and white pictures (although small colored pictures on the last page) and the recipes tend to be more involved, have higher difficulty and more ingredients- IMO.  Cook's Country has colored pictures, which I love, has more everyday, not too difficult recipes. I get both, but I prefer CC because my family is really picky and it fits more in line with their tastes.  But, most foodies I would say prefer CI.

stargirl0508

My main thought is that Cook's Country is more down-home kind of cooking.  Definitely homestyle home cooking, classic american recipes.  Cook's Illustrated will include recipes/dishes from many different cuisines/cultures in addition to some american stuff as well.  

You should be able to get a free issue of Cook's Country by signing up on their website.  Check out the shows on your local PBS station too, America's Test Kitchen is CI and Cook's Country is CC, obviously.  :-) 

BridgetMc

stargirl0508:

You should be able to get a free issue of Cook's Country by signing up on their website. 

I would definitely do this.  I love CI, and every so often, they'll send me a free CC sample.  I'm not nearly as excited about the recipes in CC.  

bmk112302

I get both magazines. I like the technical side of CI and the classics they put out but I have to say I probably make the most recipes out of CC.  Most everything I have made from both have been excellent.

groovygrl

Thanks all...that was sort of my impression. I have two 2 1/2 yr olds and limited cook time so I was thinking that while I also love the technical stuff in CI, that the recipes are not really conducive to my life (like I don't have a need for the instructions for roasting a whole duck or making super complex desserts or what have you), but I love love love ATK show & also their cookbooks. I will get the free copy & see how it is.

oct11bride03

CI is too technical for me. I just don't have the time to cook those types of meals. I've been getting CC since the inaugural issue years and years ago and love it. It's one of only a few magazines I still subscribe to and actually make things from regularly.