If you enjoy cooking for large groups of friends you'll know the hassle of scaling up recipes to ensure that 'serves 6' will actually serve eight.

Many recipes convert fine but when you're playing around with cakes, soups or casseroles it's easy to mess up the quantities.

Written by an awardwinning food writer, it covers everything from casual supper parties to comfort food and vegetarian ideas. A clever cookbook for those of us lucky enough to own big dining tables.

Any drawbacks?

The photography is gorgeous, but there isn't enough of it.

Signature recipes:

Guinea fowl a la montanesa, baked gnocchi with cream, sage and ham, New York-style baked cheesecake.