Pasta. Italian cuisine summed up in one universally-known word. Whether freshly made or dried it is one of the easiest ingredients to cook. And quick too ensuring a fast after-work supper in less than half an hour. Young food writer Silvana Franco gives us both the classic sauces, the more unusual together with a variety of soups and baked pasta dishes in this attractive book. Herby pestos and tomato sauces mingle with meaty bologneses and exotic creamy vodkas. Steak sauce and herbed tagliatelle with prawn skewers offer a more unusual meal while vegetarians can have a veritable feast with roasted aubergine and tomato or sage, lemon and mozzarella butter with roasted pumpkin. Pasta e fagioli and minestrone offer soup alternatives while lasagne, cannelloni and three cheese baked penne would suit a supper party - easy to prepare ahead and simple to serve with a fresh salad or bread. So if you have yet to try Italian pasta you are in for a treat and if already hooked, the variety of recipes gives plenty of scope for new dishes. Lavishly illustrated by William Lingwood, this is a tasty addition to any chef's cookery shelf. - Lucy Watson Part of the aptly titled "Keep it Simple Series", DIY by Mark Preston is an excellent guide for the first-time DIYer. Highlighting disaster areas and with recommendations of when to definitely NOT try it yourself, it is packed with useful information. A veteran DIYer of 20 years, the author gives concise instructions for every conceivable situation: plumbing, decorating, electrical, outdoor projects and more. All well-presented in easy-to-understand language and accompanied by photographs, each article also includes tips or definitions to ensure complete understanding. With a keen eye on the pitfalls many prospective DIYers will experience, Preston firmly but gently underlines the potential dangers to ensure projects go according to plan. From putting up a shelf to re-pointing brickwork, the book covers every eventuality. Even if you are a beginner and the prospect of tiling the bathroom is daunting, this guide will give you the confidence to give it a go. More experienced but wary of certain tasks? Again, the guide's clear instructions will give the courage to do them. A perfect gift for a first-time homeowner or for those who think they can DIY but can't.. - Lucy Watson
