Bestselling cookbook author and<i> New York Times </i>op-ed columnist Mark Bittman anthologizes his popular recipes from the Minimalist series in this easy-to-reference slipcase set of four miniature cookbooks: (1) Small Plates and Soups; (2) Pasta, Pizza, and Grains; (3) Meat, Fish, and Poultry; (4) Vegetables. <br> <br>This boxed set contains over 160 recipes ideal for the harried chef who is still interested in serving delicious meals. Mark Bittman, renowned for the quick and easy recipes featured in his weekly <i>New York Times </i>food column, prunes his collection in order to minimize the effort and ingredients required for each dish featured in this anthology. The ideal size and packaging for gift giving, this small slipcase set of cookbooks makes a thoughtful housewarming or holiday gift for the everyday gourmand or novice chef.