THIS book is a family affair.
Suzanne Gibbs is the daughter of the legendary culinary expert, Margaret Fulton, while Kate Gibbs is Suzanne's daughter.
- The Thrifty Kitchen, by Suzanne Gibbs and Kate Gibbs. Penguin, rrp $49.95
The message is clear: anyone on a budget can make appetising and impressive meals.
But the book is not just about cooking, with advice as to what to buy and where to shop.
Moreover, there are suggestions and practical kitchen wisdom.
These include how to get smooth sauces and just what is necessary to get rice just perfect for frying.
There is also much material on dietary care, with an emphasis on nutrition and getting the best from ingredients.
The table of contents is clearly organised around the kinds of food issues families face, such as Work lunches and lunchbox foods, Meals from leftovers and Weekend meals to cook and keep.
The book is lavishly illustrated throughout with clear panels of information and guidance.
In preparation for this review, I cooked from the section Weeknight meals.
It is a winner on all counts.
The crunchy tuna and egg mornay, which amply serves four, is simple and nourishing.
So too is the Thai green chicken curry.
Whereas the lamb chops with anchovy sauce and bean puree is something different and would easily double for a meal when entertaining.
With the stone-fruit season ahead, the section of how to preserve fruits, let alone the best ways to cook them, is timely.
There are recipes here for the accomplished cook and those new to tying on an apron.
It's a feast of a book so roll up your sleeves and tuck in.
