Her debut cookbook is a joyful celebration of her accessible food philosophy and her Italian heritage, anchored by her expert focus on healthy eating. Inspired by the Italian peasant diet, cucina povera, the 101 recipes naturally fit with a busy lifestyle and set budget. There are:

One-pan wonders: Eggs in purgatory with white beans, Cheat's "risotto", Lemon and thyme fish with zucchini and potatoes Cozy classics: Pasta bake with roasted pumpkin and ricotta, Osso bucco, Classic lasagne, Eggplant parmigiana. Pantry-staple dinners: Tuscan tomato and bread soup, Spicy spaghetti aglio e olio, Creamy cauliflower pasta bake. 30-minute meals: Mussels in tomato and white-wine sauce, Garlic butter and lemon prawn pasta, Quick Florentine-style steak. Freezer-friendly soups, sauces and stocks: Bolognese (classic and blonde), Mushroom ragu, Caponata, Italian chicken broth. Throw-together salads and sides: Panzanella salad with jammy eggs, Cucumber and ricotta salata with basil bruschetta. Snacks and sweets: One-bowl loaf with ricotta and jam, Hazelnut tiramisu, Panettone pudding with coffee liquer (a nod to Melanie's famous panettone reviews).

Melanie champions vegetables, wholegrains and legumes in many of her dishes. All savory recipes have been nutritionally analyzed and costed, with eye-catching icons making it easy to choose meals that are high in protein, high in fibre and especially budget friendly. With its Med-inspired design and sun-kissed photos, this cookbook is your go-to for a tempting selection of easy, healthy and inexpensive Italian dinners to whip up in your own little kitchen.

Other cookbooks by this author

• Frugal Mediterranean Cooking: Easy, Affordable Recipes for Lifelong Health