Good Mood Food by Donal Skehan

'Good Mood Food' is one of those books that you'll refer to again and again. It's educational, it looks good and you don't have to be a total foody to understand and enjoy it.

You can tell instantly that Donal Skehan has grown up with a real appreciation for food and respect for its role in human health - for the purposes of energy, immunity and that all important feel-good-factor. His enthusiasm for the process of putting a meal together is infectious from first read and will, no doubt, inspire many readers to find their inner-chef.

As a tool, the book is easy to use - always important. There are sections that deal with cleansing foods, calming meals, healing dishes and treats. Each recipe is clearly laid out, with minimum fuss and just the right amount of detail. What's more, the pictures will absolutely force you to try cooking even the more difficult-looking dishes. And the book isn't too specialised either. There's everything from Cookies and Cream Chocolate Chip Oreo Cupcakes to Homemade Paprika Roast Potato Chips, with plenty of options in between.

Skehan shows a great understanding for the workings of food as a fuel here, focusing in on health, well-being and mood with his varied creations. The key to the overall appeal of this book is that he seems to genuinely believe that cooking should be fun. He knows the tricks of the trade and he's willing to share them!

Everyone can learn something from this book, which oozes with the charisma of its author - perhaps Ireland's answer to Jamie Oliver!

Linda McGee