This was on my daughter's 'essential' book list for university. I thought yeah right, like when have you ever cooked? Know where the saucepans are kept at home? Nope. Another wasted exercise in buying books that will never be opened - hmmm no. In fact I have to eat humble pie (vegetarian of course!). This book actually has easy to follow, sensible (not full of expensive ingredients from Islington type delis)recipes that taste good. I can only hope she has a go at cooking the meals suggested, if not bring the book back home to me - I'll certainly use it! The lemon and leek risotto, in particular, is very good.