Jun Tanaka presented a TV series called 'Cooking It' in which he took on complete novices and taught them how to cook. This inspired him to write Simple to Spectacular to provide recipes for inexperienced cooks that will build their confidence and teach them basic skills. He shows how simple recipes can then be transformed into spectacular versions with a few simple steps. As Jun says "I want to show that cooking, even to a refined level, is something anyone can do. It's all about building confidence."
 
So once a SIMPLE Butternut Squash Soup is mastered this can be turned into SENSATIONAL Butternut Squash Soup with Caramelised Scallops, Wild Mushrooms and Parmesan or SIMPLE Duck Breast with Caramelised Chicory and Lentils can become SENSATIONAL Home Smoked Duck Breast with Chicory and Lentil Salsa while SIMPLE Bread and Butter Pudding becomes SENSATIONAL Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding glazed with Apricot and served with Spiced Custard …