The Home Cook

For Barry Véra, cooking at home is about enjoyment and sharing. And with a few tricks and tips from Barry, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to introduce five-star style into your home-cooked dishes.

'The Home Cook' is a personal selection of Barry's favourite recipes for no-fuss food that is well presented with maximum flavour. He uses easy-to-find ingredients, and his uncomplicated explanations mean that you spend less time at the stove and more at the table. Here is food for all occasions, from breakfast to picnics to parties, and ideas to stave off the midweek cooking blues.

Many of the dishes can be used as a base to build on and make into your own favourites. Included are homely favourites such as a good roast, bubble and squeak, steak with chips and a few nice tarts and puddings, interspersed with reinterpreted classics such as linguine with clams, chicken curry, seared salmon with caponata and so on.

Barry also offers valuable hints on what to stock in your cupboards, fridge and freezer. With a few simple basics to hand, a quick delicious meal is never very far away. There are also some terrific ideas to help you bring food and wine together.