The Couple's Kitchen

Book excerpt: One of the pleasures of married life is enjoying time together at home, cooking good food for yourselves and for loved ones, whether it’s friends or members of your recently extended family. If you are both new to cooking, the idea of eating and entertaining together in your new life can be a little daunting. Here is the ultimate helping hand in the form of a truly comprehensive collection of essential recipes. Early Starts and Lazy Mornings provides breakfast and brunch options, while Light Bites and Appetizers are perfect for snacks or whetting appetites before a meal—try Mini Crab Cakes with Chile Lime Mayo. Just the Two of Us are meals to enjoy together, many of which are speedy to make and so perfect for weekday dinners, such as Beef Chow Mein. Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Deep-dish Meatball Pizza Pie are perfect for feeding a hungry group when you spend fun Weekends with Friends, while for less casual entertaining try recipes from Food to Impress such as Spiced Red Snapper with Chermoula or Fillet of Beef en Croute. Family Gatherings features more traditional dishes that will be enjoyed by all generations—from classic roasts to bites the kids will love. Happy Endings suggests ideas for perfect desserts—from New York Cheesecake to Rose Jelly with Vanilla Cream—while more delicious sweet treats can be found in Baking Days, along with recipes for essential savory bakes such as breads and scones. The perfect thirst quenchers can be found in Delicious Drinks, while Recipe Basics provides a reference section of essential recipes, such as simple sauces and pastry. Whatever the occasion, you will find everything you need in this one volume. It will prove to be an invaluable resource that will make cooking a true pleasure time and time again and, what’s more, its sumptuous production means it will adorn any coffee table or kitchen countertop for years to come.