Tasty: Get Great Food on the Table Every Day

Flipping through Finamore's book, a reader might get the idea that the food the longtime cookbook editor offers is fine, just fine—but that's about it. Cook one of the dishes, though, and the assessment goes from fine to fantastic. The 200 recipes are for the type of fare that's become familiar to many modern home cooks: American cuisine with Italian and French accents, using fresh ingredients and simple preparations. The foods may be recognizable, but they're rarely tired: who, for instance, could argue with the quick and juicy braise that is Pork Chops with Fennel and Tomato, served over Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes, or Chicken Milanese hidden under a tart arugula salad? The author, who has molded texts written by such cookbook legends as Martha Stewart, Ina Garten and Lee Bailey, has a carefree approach to cooking, urging readers to continually taste what they're making and correct seasonings and cooking times, and most of all, not to stress. With weekday and weekend dinner suggestions as well as ideas for breakfasts, lunches, "nibbles," salads and desserts, this cookbook is destined for frequent use. Photos. (Apr.)