I'd recommend purchasing either the Better Homes and Gardens 3-ring cookbook (used of course, so it's not $90) or the Betty Crocker one. Lots of easy recipes that I return to time and again: Banana bread, pastas, how to cook and use certain parts of meat, etc. Good luck!
The Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. I have literally dozens of cookbooks and this one (and the internet) are all I ever use. It is great for "classic" recipes that never fail.
http://www.amazon.com/Better-Homes-Gardens-Three-Binder/dp/0696201887