Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain, North Africa and the Middle East are all lucky enough to have the shores of the sparkling Mediterranean as their backdrop. These countries conjure up images of olive groves and lemon trees, the aroma of wild oregano and warm evenings eating alfresco, sipping drinks and nibbling on delicious mouthfuls from meze, tapas or antipasto platters.
'The Essential Mediterranean Cookbook' features dishes as diverse as the rich bouillabaisse of France and the simple vegetable couscous from North Africa.