Cited Celebrity Masterchef, GBBO winners and by millions of ordinary cooks as the book that inspired them to cook, this is THE cookbook that should appear on a kitchen shelf in every home. With basics, such as white sauce, gravy and Victoria sponge, as well as indispensable recipes including sausage rolls, Chelsea buns and even new classics, like pesto and paella, you'll wonder how you survived without it! Even if you have the original, treat yourself (and your friends) to a new copy of this very special anniversary edition. Divided into 17 chapters from nibbles through to vegetarian meals, sauces, baking and even confectionery, it features over 950 recipes. There's a handy information section at the front, which gives tips on food storage, preparation and the best ways to cook different food types, such as rice, meat and veg. In this special 50th anniversary edition - with gorgeous gold-foiled cover - there are 50 new recipes to try along with the much-loved classics from previous editions. A must-buy book!

Photographs by: Steve Lee
Designed by: Graham Meigh
Contributions by: Pat Alburey, Kathryn Hawkins, Lucy Knox, Sue McMahon, Sara Lewis, Kate Moseley