This book is a joy to look at with stylish, mouthwatering pictures accompanying every recipe. But it is also a joy to use with simple, clear instructions and lots of hints and tips. For novice cooks, it gives you the confidence to try dishes which look impressive but are really quite simple. For those who are more confident in the kitchen, there are lots of ideas here that can be adapted depending on what you happen to have in your cupboard at the time. I often turn to it for inspiration for quick supper dishes as well as for more special meals. Recipes are grouped by common ingredients, with chapters on pasta, pulses, salads etc, and by regions, with chapters on mediterranean and asian cooking. The premise of the book is that it gives a modern twist on traditional old favourites. Donna Hay certainly achieves this - and gives heaps of inspiring new ideas as well, which will have you itching to get cooking and eating!