5 Ingredient Fix: Easy, Elegant, and Irresistible Recipes

Robinson, host of two TV shows on the Food Network, 5 Ingredient Fix and Food Network Challenge, has written her first book, a collection of recipes composed of five ingredients or fewer. Robinson was influenced by her grandmother, "a classic entertainer," and her mother, "a do-it-from-scratch, all natural bohemian," and describes her own cooking style as combining the best of both worlds: she creates easy-to-prepare yet elegant meals by using just a handful of fresh, seasonal ingredients and letting them shine. The recipes are immensely appealing, familiar yet intriguing, and nearly every one is accompanied by a full-color, mouthwatering photograph. There are classic combinations, like maple-candied bacon, pork roast with cider gravy, bourbon baked beans, and bananas foster, as well as some intriguing ensembles, such as roast chicken with fennel and ginger, mushroom carpaccio, Indian corn with curry yogurt, and smoky roasted peaches. Particularly appealing are the little morsels that go along with each recipe detailing how the flavors and textures work together and the suggestions of "what to toss in if you have it." A list of menu ideas in the back groups recipes by theme. A great book for beginners as well as more seasoned cooks looking to both streamline and augment their routines. (Oct.)