Hejl, host of the television show Cooking with Marie, aims to give novice cooks confidence in this breezy and accessible collection of over 75 recipes. Organized by course, Hejl guides her readers through basic recipes for standards such as bruschetta, spinach and artichoke dip, broiled asparagus and bourbon pecan pie, including a photo-heavy crash course on pie crust for the timid. Most dishes require little preparation, especially salads, many of which call for only quick assembly and a dollop of premade dressing prior to serving. Hejl's fans are sure to enjoy this (she shows up in numerous photographs) and entry-level cooks will find her recipes satisfying and confidence-building. - Publisher's Weekly