In Silvana Franco's (almost overly indulgently entitled) Really Useful Ultimate Student Cookbook she has created a cookbook for students that professes to be "a basic book with dishes that you will be able to master even if you've never boiled an egg before." (5) Now, I do not expect many of you to believe me when I say that I am in fact 'not to bad at cooking', like many a student I have stared into the back of an empty cupboard in hope that some tin of soup or baked beans would appear if I continue to rearrange all the useless OXO cubes and scattered shards of snapped off pasta around the empty cavern that is my food cupboard. Franco writes in her book that it is always important to keep a "well stocked" food cupboard and that by having a well stocked food cupboard I will be able to add to her suggested dishes and recipes in my own unique, signature way. Although when first reading this I thought to myself "How will I find the time to stock my cupboard, let alone add my own extra spice (no pun intended) to her dish?". Her sometimes condescending and patronising tone may well have forced me to think that this book would frustrate and confuse me, eventually leading to a completely disastrous event, probably concluding with a kitchen fire, however when actually reading and finally attempting her recipes I found that they were presented in a clear, easy and succinct fashion. When reading through the recipes ranging from "braised spinach and lemony mash" to "spanish tortilla" important information was presented in an easily accessible way; times, ingredients and the suggested serving amount are placed alongside my favourite part of this book, the small coloured circle at the bottom of each page telling the reader how easy these recipes are. Although I can't say I've come across a single recipe more difficult than easy, I like the fact that she has presented a series of recipes that are fast, easy and cheap. And although I haven't tried all the recipes, they don't taste too bad either!