Here you will find Alice's philosophy on everything from stocking your kitchen, to mastering fundamentals and preparing delicious, seasonal inspired meals all year long. Always true to her philosophy that a perfect meal is one that's balanced in texture, color, and flavor, Waters helps us embrace the seasons' bounty and make the best choices when selecting ingredients.

Starting from scratch : lessons & foundation recipes -- Getting started -- What to cook? -- Four essential sauces -- Salads -- Bread -- Broth and soup -- Beans, dried and fresh -- Pasta and polenta -- Rice -- Into the oven -- Out of the frying pan -- Slow cooking -- Simmering -- Over the coals -- Omelets and souffles -- Tarts, savory and sweet -- Fruit desserts -- Custard and ice cream -- Cookies and cake -- II: At the table : recipes for cooking every day -- A little something ... -- Sauces -- Salads -- Soup -- Pasta -- Breads and grains -- Eggs and cheese -- Vegetables -- Fish and shellfish -- Poultry -- Meat -- Dessert.