Barbara Swain manages to capture in 200 photo-filled pages what many comprehensive cookbooks fail to route in 1000 pages; how to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner in America. The recipes are simple, easy-to-follow, and use common ingredients. There are many classics (such as Steak Diane and Monte Cristo Sandwiches) and many home-style dishes like pepper steak, goulash and homemade burger stroganoff. Yes the recipes are scaled down for 1-2 people, but they are easy to double. Over the years I've come back to this book time and time again. It would make a lovely addition to a Wedding shower gift basket- even an 'old' copy.