Solo Easy Everyday Food

SOLO FOOD is a delightful, small-sized hardback crammed full of triple-tested recipes for everyday use. The recipes cover breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.

Each recipe, from apple crumble to zabaglione, has its own page and is accompanied by a colourful, appetising photo.

Most of the recipes use everyday ingredients, and if they are not already in your pantry, they are easy to source from your local supermarket.

All the business is at the back of this book, under the heading "Basics". There is a comprehensive list of all the utensils, ovenware and kitchen equipment you might need, plus it covers grocery storage with a helpful list of food products and how long each will keep in the fridge and/or freezer, with explanations on using thawed and frozen foods. There are also handy tips for grocery shopping with recommendations to visit your local farmers’ markets for the best fresh fruit and vegetables.

There is also an excellent glossary of cookery terms and a section dedicated to the basics of pasta. Finally, an index of recipes is right at the back.

The recipes are easy to follow and would suit students flatting or an adult living on their own. They could easily be converted to feed two or three servings. Some of my favourites were: steamed rice noodle rolls, sweet and sour pork, mushroom omelette with chorizo and the creme caramel.

Reviewer: Carole Brungar

Murdoch Books