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Precious stones
How Not to Cook: Cheat and eat
Simply buy a brilliant ready-made ingredient, add a few flourishes of your own and conjure up something special in next to no time. No one will guess how little time it took you – and we won't tell a soul!
Gnocchi Carbonara
My first ever cookery book was published in 1971. Called How To Cheat At Cooking, it was a book for people who didn't want, or didn't have time, to cook. Three decades later, there are still such people – you want to eat well, you want more than a straight ready meal, yet you would like your friends and family to think you spend some time on the meals you prepare.
Gratin of Dover Sole with Broccoli, Leek and Gruyère Sauce
If you like the idea of a brilliant supper for two in about 20 minutes flat look no further than this princely fish cooked with vegetables in a creamy sauce.
Chicken Paprika
Whilst there is the minimum of cooking here, because of the sauce and the ready-roasted peppers, it's all a real doddle – it won't take more than about 15 minutes of your time then leaves you free whilst it cooks happily all on its own.
Bloody Mary Soup
More of a Virgin Mary really, but there's nothing to stop you adding a shot of vodka if you have the mind to. Honestly, though, it won't need it because it has a lovely spicy kick of its own, and the very best news is it must easily be the fastest soup on record, although it tastes as though it took hours!
A Fricassee of Eggs with Spinach and Fiorentina Sauce
This is so special it's hard to believe it's so easy. If you don't live near a Sainsbury's you can use any fresh cheese sauce for this and heat it gently with some chopped spinach leaves first.
Grilled Polenta with Sage, Ham and Melted Fontina Cheese
Ready-made polenta is a great product and now widely available. In this recipe you will be able to create a supremely good first course for six or light lunch for two in what seems like only moments.
Spinach and Egg Kari with Fresh Tomato and Red Onion Chutney
Bengali hot and sour kari sauce is a new curry sauce in Sainsbury's which everyone here has given the thumbs up to. You can if you like use cooked chicken or large prawns but I like it best with eggs.
A Summer Trifle with Raspberries and Raspberry Purée
There is positively no cooking involved here, it's just a quick assembly job – but then when you come to eat it you won't believe it could be that easy.
