Reinventing Mother? The Groove Book Report: Modern Classics by Simon Gault

'The dishes that made it into this book are quite simply the ones every cook should have in their repertoire.'  In Simon Gault Modern Classics you'll find a modern take on culinary favourites from around the world. Traditional dishes such as Italian risotto, roast leg of lamb and seafood paella are updated with Simon Gault's signature five percent magic. Favourite desserts such as crème brûlée, apple pie and cheesecake are reinterpreted with unexpected and irresistible fresh new flavours.
Learn to cook the perfect steak and soufflé, be inspired to try new recipes from different cuisines, and master an array of timeless dishes that promise to become your new go-to classics.

This is Master Chef, Euro owner, Food Emperor Gault reinventing classics with pretty much no fanciness - just a bit of nous.  He does the mushroom omelette - is that actually a recipe? - and Pizza Magarita, Croque-Monsieur, and naughty Macaroni Cheese Chips (big in Canada), Peach Melba (my Mum's dinner party show off dish), Cornbread (a movie staple), Spaghetti Carbonara, Potato Gnocchi, and a 'Japanese Rissoto' (is that a classic.  Anyways, there are all the faves here, even good ol' bread and butter pudding.  Can I say these appear better than the originals our mothers taught us?  Well that comes down to a number of things:  Did your mother teach you to cook?  If she (or your day) did, then you don't need this, save your money.  But if se/he didn't then you could pick up a few tips.  Or maybe there's the opportunity to re-educate yourself or be reminded how to make Spag Bog the proper way! Not like your flatmate john does.  On, the whole it's a good idea.  But is it worth forking out large sums of bread for what is a well photo's Edmonds Cookbook with a celebrity endorsement?  Mmmmm Juries out on that.  I'll head back to the kitchen and try a few more recipes before I can answer that one!