Encouragement should be as important as the wages. People need money to live, and motivation to build a life. There is one step further that must not be forgotten, and that concerns the recognition of your worth. If there is true devotion, then make sure the member of your team knows that you, the boss, have noticed.
Who would I recommend to the home cook? Nigel Slater, without a doubt. His stuff is personal. He's not a chef, he's a cook. He's never come into fashion and he'll never go out of fashion, he has a timeless quality. Simon Hopkinson's Roast Chicken and Other Stories was voted most useful cookbook of all time last year, but I'm not convinced. No, it's Nigel Slater for me, every time. Good beyond belief.
I used to think that diamonds were a girl's best friend, but now I realize it is carbohydrates. Seriously, I have a French baguette at home sporting a matching friendship bracelet.