The egg is one of the world's most basic and familiar of ingredients, yet it is one of the most versatile too. The book opens with a colourful and comprehensive identification guide to all the well-known types of eggs, such as hen, duck and quail, as well as exotic varieties, including ostrich and emu. Each type is examined in detail and accompanied by fascinating information on its origin and the history of its use. An invaluable techniques section provides information on nutrition, buying and storing and guides you through preparing every kind of egg dish. Detailed step-by-step instructions will help you master the art of cooking with eggs, from simple boiling and poaching to making meringues, souffles and sauces. The recipe section includes over 50 classic egg recipes from Poached Eggs Florentine to Cheese Tortilla and from Quiche Lorraine to Bitter Chocolate Mousses. Each dish is photographed beautifully and step-by-step instructions make the recipes easy to follow and ensure successful results every time. Alex Barker has worked in the Nestle test kitchens and the marketing department of Buitoni Foods. She then moved into women's magazines before she launched and edited Let's Cook. Alex now works freelance and runs a picture library, Food Features.