I often refer to myself as a "one-pot wonder" cook; as in, someone who prefers to make dishes that come together in one pot: soups, casseroles, chilis and their ilk. You won't find me keen to make a meal that requires stuffing, searing, reducing, grilling, etc. - too many dishes dirtied, too many steps. Thanks to Martha Stewart Living, my simple culinary inclinations are hereby validated with a recent cookbook release, "One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More" (Clarkson Potter). Each chapter in the book offers recipes for different one-pot vessels: Dutch oven, skillet & saute pan, slow cooker, roasting pan, stockpot & saucepan. My first mission will be the Gemelli with Pesto and Potatoes in the stockpot & saucepan section. Naturally, Martha advises ending any one-pot meal with a simple dessert, and the final chapter offers 10 "fuss-free favorites," including the intriguing Blender Chocolate Mousse.

- MARISA NADOLNY