This is one of my favorite cook books ever. I love the concept of seasonal ingredients. I had expected the recipes to take the typical 'top chef' approach - really hard, complex with tough to find ingredients. I was surprised by how easy the recipes are - and the outcome is extraordinary. Everything I have tried, from roasted apples, to the arugula and pomegranate salad, to braised short-ribs, has been outstanding. I found the directions crystal clear. And, the few times the ingredients were not readily at hand, the substitution was obvious (vanilla ice cream that I bought at the store instead of home-made cinnamon was just fine with the roasted apples). Well written, beautifully illustrated and photographed - this is a must have for even a semi-serious cook.