Practical recipes based on convenience rather than compromise are pulled together by the author, based on her column in the London Evening Standard. Most of the recipes are quick to shop for, taking into account what is in season or plenty, what is quick to cook and includes inspiration from different countries. It is a guide intended for those who cook out of necessity, but is also suitable for more pleasurable occasions. There is advice on adventurous shopping and ways of approaching old standards to give them a taste lift. Restaurant chefs give tips and ideas throughout the book and there is also a chapter of chefs' recipes specially devised for the column. This is the complete collection of Fay Maschler's recipes collected together for the first time from her column in the London Evening Standard.