NIGELLA LAWSON has a new cookbook out, focusing on quick recipes. I’m a big fan of her laid-back cooking philosophy — er, and of her — and I’ll probably order it. I’m watching her on TV now, and I wish we could snag her for a podcast interview.

UPDATE: I’m bumping this to the top again, in light of the email below from reader Sarah Wells:

I picked up this cookbook lately, and made several of the dishes, which are so lusciously presented and easy to make that I can see dangerous curves ahead for my wardrobe.

Another danger: I already find all sorts of gorgeous, juicy “Nigella-isms” melding into my speech, and things in general are oozing welcomingly; offering succor. Indeed, my husband approves.

One note – the baking recipes, simple as they are, I find are more consistenly and satisfactorily prepared when the UK gram and ml measurements are used. So I got online and transcribed some measurements straight into my cookbook along side the converted-for-US measurements printed on the page. ( A UK version of the book is available on Amazon, too.)

I have a chill that’s going around, and last night retreated to my bedroom, closed the door, and gave myself succor from a spoon with a roly-poly pudding from the book. A step up from Nyquil, I think, and is the best rescue I’ve ever had from the glottal wodge.

P.S. The ginger pear muffins were all that was promised.

Sounds yummy.