<p>It's a myth that cooking is complicated or takes a lot of time to be good. Here is a cookbook that will teach you how to use fresh and readily available West Coast ingredients to make deliciously simple Mediterranean and Asian-influenced dishes. There are lots of ideas for quick everyday meals, plus easy yet impressive special-occasion recipes such as <i>Port Marinated Strawberries Wrapped in Prosciutto</i>, and <i>Almond Cranberry Biscotti</i>. Great appetizers such as <i>Zucchini Rounds Topped with Cambozola Cheese</i>, and <i>Japanese-Style Chicken Skewers with Ginger Sauce</i> won't keep you in the kitchen for long. From his popular newspaper recipe column, food writer Eric Akis gives us food with flavor and flair for cooks of all levels.</p>