One Pan

Elena Silcock's collection contains more than 85 recipes, each cooked from start to finish in a single pan. You can use either a large saucepan or a non-stick frying pan, and the method stays simple: every step is written around high, medium or low heat, so no particular culinary training is needed. The same results should come from a gas, electric or induction hob.

Because the whole meal is made in one pan, there are no side dishes to prepare separately, which keeps the washing up to a minimum. The recipes rely on handy shortcuts and everyday supermarket ingredients, and they are inexpensive enough for a family on a tight budget. The book is aimed at busy households with limited kitchen space and offers something for every night of the week.

The lighter, quicker dishes include a beef pho that needs only water added and a vodka risotto made with fresh tomatoes. For heartier, more comforting meals there is sausage and broccoli gnocchi, along with a sweet potato, kale and cashew nut curry. Sweet cravings are covered too, with chocolate-centre French toast and baby doughnuts.

Throughout, the emphasis is on nourishing food that the whole family can sit down to eat together.