From Italy to Indiana, Japan to Louisiana, one-pot cooking has been the basis of many cuisines around the world. Before the advent of electric stoves and central heating, a pot would often be hung over the fireplace, and meat and vegetables added as required. This was the hearth, the center of the home, and it was here that families gathered to eat and talk. Many of those same dishes-updated for today's palates-are featured here.

Arranged in chapters by type of pot used-from soup pots to slow cookers to Dutch ovens, Just One Pot includes more than 300 classic recipes, compiled by chefs from around the world. Hundreds of color photos showcase the recipes, and historical anecdotes about the culinary traditions from which they sprung are sprinkled throughout.

Soups. Stir-frys. Casseroles. Curries. What is more satisfying than combining foods cooked together in a single vessel, providing an array of wonderful aromas, textures, and colors?

Whether you're a gourmet chef exploring new methods or a busy mom concerned about easy nutritious meals, Just One Pot offers something for all tastes and every occasion.