Fay Maschler

This is a book well worth seeking out. A short explanation, background and general musings acccompany each recipe. The Dal with Crackling Eggs (eggs hard boiled and then quickly fried with spices) has been a regular with me since I got this book when first published in 1987. And, although the calorie count is just too crazy, it's really good to resurrect Cheese Fondue once every decade or so.

A book I have turned to again and again for over 20 years. Twenty chapters cover an inspiring range of situations : Diner a Deux, Ladies Lunch, Impressing People, Jane Grigson to Dinner, Greedy People, Shopping After 7pm, New Year's Eve, Picnics, Funeral Tea and many more. The narrative makes it a book for readers and the recipes are excellent. Dal (which I would spell 'daal') with fried onions and crackling eggs has become a staple.