Pasta, Risotto, and Rice

November 28, 2011
Food Network host Miller (Robin Rescues Dinner) takes on fellow Food Networkers Rachael Ray and Claire Robinson in this voluminous collection of 500 recipes each using five ingredients or less. Though she occasionally fudges on the ingredient count, Miller's collection of appetizers, sides, mains, and desserts is still a laudable effort. Miller offers an impressive selection sure to please practically all palates, from Butternut Squash Risotto with Smoked Mozzarella to Brown Ale-Battered Chicken and Meatballs with Wild Mushroom Gravy. Purists may scoff at Miller's inclusion of pre-made pizza dough and canned broth, but readers pressed for time or those new to cooking are likely to find this to be an invaluable source of easy recipes. Readers watching their sodium, fat, or caloric intake will appreciate the nutritional information that accompanies every recipe. Not everything's a hit; her five-ingredient rule reduces the depth of flavor for many dishes. But those looking for quick recipe ideas for dinner or an event will find this a useful resource.