‘Cheap and Easy: A Cookbook for Girls on the Go’

“Easy” is one of those cookbook words that can mean just about anything. Happily, the authors of “Cheap and Easy: A Cookbook for Girls on the Go” seem to really understand what “easy” means to the average Jane Doe standing in her kitchen staring at a half-empty pantry. This is a book geared toward young women who like good, healthy, interesting food but don’t have the time, energy or money to spend hours preparing it … and simply need a break from too many regular dates with the delivery guy.

The ingredients stick to things that are usually easy to find, and the instructions rarely involve anything more complicated than a hearty sauté. It’s a relatively slim volume, but there’s nary a “What were they thinking?” dish in the bunch.

Included are updated versions of old favorites (mini-omelets, French onion soup) as well as new, thoughtful combinations of flavors (apple-barbecue chicken, peachy gingerbread). Asian, Middle Eastern and other world-cuisine flavors are sprinkled here and there, reflecting the worldly tastes of many a modern gal, but the dishes contain ingredients common and friendly enough that you might even induce that meat-and-potatoes-lovin’ pal of yours to give them a try.

Whether it’s hot chocolate and chai tea mixes or a cool, fruity mango lassi, a vegetarian Bloody Mary or vodka-spiked watermelon lemonade, there’s something here to quench nearly any thirst without having to stock up on seven different kinds of triple sec.

And despite the title, the recipes are equally suited for hungry guys too — though they may not get as much out of the book’s cute teen-magazine style illustrations.

Books reviewed in this column are available at your local bookstore.