FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COOKING CAN BE EASY!
Sharon Glass's simple dishes for starting out.

Johannesburg, 6 August 2008. Does the thought of cooking leave you running for the hills? If so, Starting from Scratch is the book for you, an essential guide that was created to encourage everyone to get into the kitchen! Sharon Glass's latest recipe book is the first in a series of four exciting new books. Whether you're a new homemaker fearful of burning the rice, or a seasoned chef looking for new ideas, Sharon Glass says, "This book will show you that the process of cooking can be as nourishing and satisfying as the food itself."

No recipe is too daunting and most are simple enough for a child to follow. At last, a book that is not only a beginner's manual, but also an invaluable reference guide, perfect for any kitchen! Whether it's "Grilled Balsamic Chicken Breasts" or "Classic Apple Tart", Sharon's recipes are uncomplicated, yet delicious. Delightful childhood stories and personal anecdotes add an insightful touch to the author and the recipes she's chosen to include. This book will help you accomplish even the simplest of cooking tasks from frying an egg to more intricate preparations like baking the perfect marble sponge cake. Sharon Glass's guide is a must-have for anyone who already cooks, or who wants to learn.

As with all of Sharon's books, her suggested ingredients are easily accessible from all well-stocked supermarkets. This means no more agonising over where to find a Japanese health shop in your neighbourhood, or fretting about how to find strange ingredients, like dried sarsaparilla root! Mealtime planning will become trouble free as each recipe includes an estimate on both preparation and cooking time. And the good news for time-pressured individuals is that all the recipes can be prepared in 20 minutes or less!

Sharon Glass believes that, "Starting from Scratch will become your new kitchen handbook." That's because itcontains 78 easy-to-follow recipes, with most being accompanied by magnificent, full-colour photographs, and helpful chef's tips. There is even a cooking-term reference guide and an oven temperature conversion chart to make sure your dishes turn out perfectly. The sections on pantry essentials provide lists of both perishable and non-perishable items that should form the basis of anyone's kitchen. And if you follow Sharon's suggested kitchen equipment list, you'll have a well-appointed kitchen before you even begin.

So there just aren't any more excuses, it's time to get cooking!

Starting from Scratch (ISBN: 978-0-620-41203-2) is published by ATV CC and is available at all leading bookstores.

Meals To Save You Time Without Losing Any Taste

Sharon Glass is back with a modern spin on weekday meals

Johannesburg, 6 August 2008. Are you the sort of person who simply has no time to make dinner? Is your idea of cooking putting a ready-made meal in the microwave? Then this is the book for you. Sharon Glass, celebrity cook and South African household name, returns with yet another scrumptious creation, her new cookbook, Meals in Minutes, releasing in September 2008. It's packed full of innovative, easy and practical recipes that call for the freshest ingredients to help you create a quick yet healthy meal.

No matter whether you're just beginning your cooking journey or whether you've travelled this road before, Meals in Minutes will both delight and intrigue you. Designed to be easy to follow, each one of the 75 recipes provides readers with details on both preparation and cooking time. With 71 intricately detailed photographs in full colour, it's a feast for the tummy and the eyes too. Even better, the chef's tip under each recipe offers that bit of extra practical advice to ensure your meal turns out tops.

With personal anecdotes and stories from Sharon's childhood, Meals in Minutes will touch each person on an individual level, you will feel as though you can relate to her. And that is Sharon's aim: to inspire you to enjoy cooking, to see it as an art rather than a chore. Says Sharon, "Meals in Minutes is a cookbook that every cook needs to have in the kitchen."

It is filled with fast, fresh and fabulous recipes designed to make everyday meals a breeze. Its compact size and user-friendly recipe layout will make life much simpler for anyone in the kitchen. Each recipe makes use of the tastiest ingredients and sound nutritional principles to create a dish that's delicious yet light. These are recipes that when followed and prepared with passion and love, will guarantee you magical meals for family and friends.

This is the second in a series of four books, which are all set to be must-have collectibles. From "Roasted salmon with Dijon butter" to succulent "Strawberry fruccini", Meals in Minutes doesn't disappoint. Perfect for gifts of any nature, whether it's a religious holiday or a birthday treat, Meals in Minutes provides a much needed fresh perspective on everyday meals.

Sharon adds, "Whether you're a businessperson who works long hours or a busy housewife, you'll be able to whip up a flavoursome meal in just 20 minutes, using easily accessible ingredients."

Meals in Minutes (ISBN: 978-0-620-41203-9) is published by ATV CC and is available at all leading bookstores.