A how-to culinary tour of over 40 countries, from the exotic (the Balkans) to the expected (France, Italy). It gives full weight to Asian cuisines as well. With over 1,000 recipes, many of which can be prepared in under 30 minutes. We love Mark Bittman's approach to food, which is unpretentious, practical and committed to deep flavor. This book joins Bittman's How to Cook Everything on our essential shelf.  (GEN116, $29.95)