A James Beard Award–winning collection of elegant, healthful meals that can be ready in 45 minutes or less—from the popular syndicated food columnist.

There is plenty of inspiration to rescue weekday fare from the doldrums in this eclectic collection of more than 250 recipes and 80 dinner menus, each one featuring an entrée and one or two simple side dishes. Though recipes like Hot and Spicy Stir-Fried Shrimp and Pickled Carrot Salad and ethnic specialties like Chinese Garlic Steak and Oriental Peanut Noodles don’t sound like fast food, each one can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Linda Gassenheimer provides complete shopping lists for each menu and a simple timetable for preparation—along with meal planning strategies, helpful cooking tips, and wine recommendations.

“What so many books promote (and often fall short of) this book delivers. ” —The Arizona Daily Star