One Pot Wonders    by Conrad Gallagher Order:  USA  Can Kyle Books, 2005 (2000) Softcover     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Having always disliked scrubbing pots and pans, I find something very appealing about one-pot dinners (though I did notice a lot of 'wash out the pan' instructions scattered through the text). I was also surprised to find that the recipes here are not the simple family meals that one might expect from the title, but fancy dishes prepared in deep pots, shallow pans, frying pans, casserole dishes, roasting pans, woks, baking sheets and dishes, or a deep fryer. The color photos interspersed through One Pot Wonders had me salivating. Recipes begin with Asparagus with Poached Egg and Truffle Hollandaise (using quail eggs). There are a variety of appetizing Pastas (including a recipe for making Gnocchi from scratch) and Risottos. I like the sound of Pumpkin Risotto for Thanksgiving, and I was relieved to read that it's ok to substitute pork in the zesty Kangaroo Medallions. Not sure about Capuccino of Navy Beans soup, but maybe it's worth a try. I can almost taste the Seared Scallops with guacamole, cilantro, and chiles though, from its picture. A Thai Green Curry also appeals to my tastebuds, and I was intrigued by the Modern Irish Stew (having made my share of the old-fashioned kind over the years) - this one incorporates leeks, heavy cream and (optional) peas and beans. We do a lot of wok Stir-fries, and there's one here with Duck Breast (also fava beans, cranberries, and shiitake) that appeals. Offerings cooked on flats include Twice-baked Potatoes with crabmeat and walnuts, various Pizzas, Cookies and Muffins. The desserts (my downfall) all look elegant and delicious, especially Hazelnut Praline, Lemon Tart, and Mango Soufflé with lime sabayon. I found the organization (by pan type) unusual and a little disconcerting, but the dishes make up for it. This eclectic cookbook ends with recipes for salads, flavored oils, stocks, vinaigrettes, sauces and accompaniments. Enjoy One Pot Wonders. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews