I have all of Anna Jones’ cookbooks, and this might just be my favourite. The book focuses on 12 different ingredients, most of which you’ll likely already have in your cupboard. This approach makes it incredibly easy to choose a recipe – which in itself feels like an easy win.
What kind of cookbook is Easy Wins?
Anna’s previous books were organised by things like cooking time, season, or kitchen equipment. Easy Wins is divided into 12 sections, each centred around a single ingredient with a distinct flavour profile. From lemon to garlic, from peanut butter to mustard.
Each ingredient features around 10 to 12 recipes, adding up to a total of 125 recipes. The focus is mainly on main dishes, but there are also a few snacks and desserts. Think spring onion dip with olive oil, or caper chocolate ice cream. As with all of Anna’s cookbooks, there are also extra sections. This one includes chapters on salt and seasoning, vegetarian flavour swaps, and layering flavour. You really get excellent value for money with her books.
You know what to expect with Easy Wins
The biggest advantage of working with 12 flavour-led sections is that you already have a good idea of what to expect from a recipe. You know roughly which direction the flavour will go. In many other cookbooks, you’re left with vague categories like “chicken dishes” or “soups.” But because Anna highlights the main flavour-builder, you immediately have a clearer picture. That makes choosing a recipe much easier.
How accessible is Easy Wins?
Some of the flavour heroes are surprisingly basic, such as olive oil, onion, and chilli. Others are a bit more exotic, like miso and tahini. That said, these ingredients are now widely available in most supermarkets and keep well. The supporting ingredients are also easy to find. The cooking methods are approachable for the average home cook. And one of the nicest things about Anna Jones’ writing style is this: there’s no preaching, no over-the-top styling – just a simplicity that makes you (or at least me) think, I can do this!
Who will enjoy Easy Wins?
I personally knew I would buy Easy Wins before I had even seen it – Anna Jones’ cookbooks are always a joy. But honestly, you only need to look at the cover to know what you’re getting: all the key ingredients are right there. So if you already love flavours like tomato, capers, or vinegar, this book will give you plenty of fresh inspiration for ingredients you already enjoy!
Other sources of information
- Anna Jones on Instagram and on her website
- 3 recipes from Easy Wins on the Vogue website
- Access a lot of Anna Jones’ recipes for free on the Guardian website
- Check out Anna Jones’ recipe video’s
