Easy does it! That's the mantra of today's busy cook. And what could be easier than quick loaves -- no-fuss, no-muss starters, main dishes, sides, breads, and desserts?

When it comes to quick loaves, it's time to think outside the box. And that's exactly what award-winning cookbook author Jean Anderson has done here. She offers up tips for trimming prep time, such as recipes for make-ahead bread, cake, herb, and spice mixes, as well as tricks for speedy cooking, such as making mini meatloaves in muffin pans.

The 150 recipes include everything from exotic new quick loaves to familiar classics. On the savory side there's Little Thai Turkey Loaves, Bobotie (a mildly curried South African lamb loaf), Quick-Mix Five-Ingredient Meatloaf, and Blonde Lasagna. For something sweet, try Frangelico Torte, Key Lime Mousse, or Shenandoah Blackberry Cake with Browned Butter Frosting.

Ever the teacher, Anderson shows you how to cook on fast-forward without dirtying every pan in the kitchen. Indeed, many of her recipes require one bowl, one measuring cup, and one loaf pan.Talk about easy!