Six out of seven days of the week, my cooking modus operandi is simple, simple, simple. (On the seventh day, I attempt feats like homemade gnocchi, and remember why I like simple). So when I discovered Kim McCosker’s 4 Ingredients cookbooks, I couldn’t help but smile in agreement.

I use her ideas as inspiration, and usually I’ll add some spices or garnishes that I have on hand. (I have a suspicion Kim herself would have added them if not for the ingredient limit.) But the recipes work perfectly with just four ingredients each, which is great for anyone who’s on a budget, learning to cook, or in a time rush. For example, her White Christmas cheesecake uses cream cheese, condensed milk, gelatin, and white chocolate. She makes a soup out of vegetable stock, arugula, blue cheese, and cream. Just think: You can memorize the recipe!

Here’s a favorite from her new, holiday-themed cookbook:

Grilled Fruit & Ricotta Stacks

• 2 pears or apples, cut into long slices
• 2 bananas, sliced on the diagonal
• 4 tbs. fresh ricotta
• 2 tbs. honey

Heat the broiler or a grill pan to high.  Cook the pear slices for 3 minutes, flipping once, until lightly browned.  Layer the pear and banana slices on four plates.  Top each with a dollop of ricotta and drizzle with honey.

Copyright © 2012 by Kim McCosker from 4 Ingredients Christmas published by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.