KITCHEN COACH: WEEKNIGHT COOKING: Inspiration, Know-How, and Simple Recipes for Busy Cooks

Practical tips trump celebrity gloss in this handy first offering from Bushman, owner of a Nevada cooking school and a syndicated TV cook. Bushman swears "cooking even a couple of times a week will make you happier." Her formula for achieving domestic bliss—choosing simple, fresh ingredients that stimulate the senses while offering a healthful alternative to prepared food and takeout—isn't news, but the 150 recipes offer some pleasingly creative ways of transforming basic ingredients, seen in such recipes as Penne with Puttanesca Sauce, as well as "spa" recipes like Linguine with Tomato-Fennel Sauce, which offers a fancier alternative for only marginally more prep time. While the book's 23 chapters present an array of cuisines, with chapters on how to prepare simple Asian, Mexican and Mediterranean meals, Bushman also pays tribute to unfussy comfort foods like Quick Macaroni and Cheese. Bushman's casual, fun approach to dining (relax, let your senses guide you, eat breakfast at dinner time if it makes you happy) should appeal to busy cooks. Photo insert not seen by PW . Agent, Stacey Glick. (July)

Forecast: Bushman offers a great value, covering ethnic cuisine, vegetarian entrees, kids' snacks, sandwiches, etc. However, she's competing with many other books by TV cooks with higher profiles, so sales could prove challenging.