Cooking without recipes is a kitchen skill, same as cutting vegetables into dice or flipping an omelet. Sifton makes improvisational cooking easy. Each recipe uses ingredients you have on hand or could pick up on a quick trip to the store. -- adapted from back cover and page 1.

Includes index.

You don't need a recipe -- You do need a pantry -- Always, a party board -- Breakfast, anytime -- Soup, sandwich, dinner -- The vegetable aisle -- The staples sisters: rice and pasta -- On the waterfront -- Chickens and a duck -- A number of meats -- Dessert, please.