Ok, you cookbook mavens, can you think of a cookbook that fits these criteria:
-geared toward producing dinner, either all in one dish or main dish plus sides.
-has lots of photos, ideally one for every recipe
-need not be specifically “low-fat” but has at least a acquaintance with modern healthy guidelines
-does not rely excessively on pasta for the carb portion of dinner
I’m not sure that looking for one single book to do everything is a good idea but…
Garry Rhodes’ Doring Kinsley ‘New Modern Classocs’ book seems to be doing the bargain bin rounds at book stores in Califorinia, if it is also going cheap in NC then that is a good source for U.K. inspired modern food ideas. A book on hot-pot cooking is good for one dish meals, but I don’t know a particularly good one.
The Minimalist Cooks Dinner by Mark Bittman (and a second volume, the Minimalist Cooks At Home) meet all your requirements except the one to have lots of pictures. I don’t think it has any pictures at all. But his instructions are really above average, I’ve never botched anything out of one of his books.
I’ve recommended it before, and I will again: Basic Cooking.
It’s the best cookbook I’ve ever had, and meets all of your criteria. Geared toward people who like to cook but aren’t experts, and who have informed tastebuds. I havent made a single thing out of this book that I didn’t like.
I live on two cookbooks: “New Joy of Cooking” and “Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook.” I own dozens, but these two get more use than any of the others. The latter is just great for one-dish meals.