To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure about the concept behind this book...I generally enjoy cooking and if I'm going to cook something I like to take time and care over it, if I don't feel like it I cook beans on toast or order a chinese, I wondered if this book might be a bit of a half-hearted compromise.

But, in places, it did surprise me. My favourite recipe is the prawn and mango thai curry (delicious), it's certainly quicker than most thai curry recipes, but I do find she depends a lot on ready-prepared items (i.e. chopped butternut squash) which are usually expensive to buy and did make me think that you may aswell pay for a ready-prepared meal or have dinner at the pub...But maybe I'm just being cynical!

Some recipes don't work as well, I wasn't impressed with the coq au riesling, I don't really think you can compromise with some dishes, particularly not casseroles, I think good ones require time and effort.

The recipes themselves are very clear and, as usual, Nigella provides lots of helpful tips and insights. I also think it's refreshing that she's very honest about what makes a dish taste extra special (and it's usually half a pack of butter, or half a tub of cream!). That brings me to another point, if you're on a diet, this book probably isn't ideal! There are plenty of healthy recipes, but they're interspersed with indulgent high-fat recipes (nutella crepes, anyone?) and I don't think anyone has that much self-control!

The design and layout of the book is also very attractive and the photography is stylish and modern.

Overall, it's a helpful book with some tasty and easy to prepare recipes, but I can't help but think she should stick to what she does best, puddings!...'How to be a domestic goddess' is still my firm favourite!