cover image BON APPTIT EVERY-NIGHT COOKING: Fast and Fun—A Real-Life Guide to Getting Dinner on the Table

BON APPTIT EVERY-NIGHT COOKING: Fast and Fun—A Real-Life Guide to Getting Dinner on the Table

, . . Clarkson Potter, $29.95 (208pp) ISBN 978-0-609-60921-7

With their latest book, the editors of the popular food magazine set out to revamp the harried cook's approach to quick dinners, and they have come up with over 150 recipes (with suggested variations and do-ahead hints) they promise will be "fast" and "fun." Their attractive, well-illustrated collection is cleverly divided into sections focusing on different types of dinners—for example, Instant Stir-Fries, Big Salads, Sandwich Suppers, Kid Fare and even Breakfast for Dinner (featuring pancakes, quiches and huevos rancheros). A survival guide for stocking the pantry, planning menus, cleaning up, etc., kicks off the first chapter, and every-night extras (snacks and special sweets) gives an extra fillip to the last. Though straightforward, many of the recipes are not for beginners, and some have time-consuming directions lurking midtext. A few dishes veer off into the nonsensical, like Baked Potatoes Stuffed with Cheese and Taco Chips for an entree, and Lamb with Curry, Cumin and Peanut Butter for the kids; but most are delicious and practical. Homemade Vegetarian Tortilla Soup, Tuscan Pork and Rice Salad, Three-Cheese Spinach Calzones and Grilled Halibut with Tomato Compote all prove that, for streamlined suppers, there is life beyond rotisserie chicken and supermarket salad bars. 100 color photos. (Sept.)