How do you clean an artichoke? What's the correct way to use a pastry bag? Cooking expert Mary Risley addresses these questions and more in an extraordinary collection of simple, mouthwatering recipes brimming with insightful, professional tips. Whether you're planning a dinner or cocktail party, or just a weeknight dinner, Risley provides essential information on how to master creative cooking for all occasions. Packed with kitchen-tested techniques, this irresistible collection covers every course--with easy-to-prepare dishes from hors d'oeuvres, soups, and salads, to pasta, fish, and desserts.

From enticing appetizers such as Fava Bean Toasts with Pecorino to delectable desserts such as Meyer Lemon Creme Brulee, this comprehensive guide emphasizes sophisticated yet accessible food. The author encourages readers to trust their own instincts, be inventive, and have fun cooking. For more than twenty-five years, Mary Risley has taught thousands of students the basics of classic cooking, establishing herself as a prominent culinary teacher. This wonderful book is like cooking right alongside the author.