Simple food, well prepared, is one of life's great pleasures and when friends and family are part of the equation, cooking and sharing becomes all the more enjoyable.

In a series that spans everything from casual barbecues to the tagines of Morocco, from nutritious ways with vegetables to the classic dishes of Italy, the recipes capture the spirit of a cuisine and the spirit of an occasion.

There are feature spreads on specific ingredients and techniques, step-by-step photos and suggestions for variations to the recipes.