I have reviewed a couple of Robin Miller’s cookbooks in the last couple of years, Robin to the Rescue and Robin Miller Quick Fix Meals. What I love about Miller’s books is that she makes cooking seem SO easy. And really, it can be.

Even better, this book packs a great punch: 500 recipes, 5 ingredients or less, 500 calories or less (per serving) at 5:00 p.m. for 5 nights a week, all of which add up to fast and easy meals your family will love. I’ll be honest, I’m always a little skeptical of those 5 ingredient recipes. How can something so simple taste good? Miller has got it figured out.

Tops on my list of favorites were the Caramelized Onion Soup with Melted Swiss Croutons, the Roasted Chicken with Warm Tomatillo Salsa, the Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers (served in pita bread!). One of my biggest challenges at dinnertime is coming up with side dishes. Miller has a great selection of side dishes that are quick and easy, just like the rest. And don’t forget the desserts. If you’re looking for a sweet treat to end your meal that won’t break the scale with calories, the Cinnamon-Pear or Apple-Walnut Strudel are tops on my list.

Visually, I like this book too. It has all the elements I look for in a recipe: serving size, prep AND cooking times, nutrients and a little blurb about what makes that recipe unique. Of course the basic ingredient list and preparation instructions are there too. Not every recipe has a photo but there are plenty of pictures sprinkled throughout the book to make your mouth water!

If you’re someone who’s just starting to cook, looking to branch out a bit without a lot of experimenting or love to cook but want to be in and out of the kitchen quickly, this is a great book to start with.

Disclaimer:  A copy was provided for review by the publisher. All opinions are my own.