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Our Picks
Ottolenghi: The Cookbook
Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi
You know something good is afoot when the authors warn those who do not like lemon and garlic to skip to the end. However this book from the popular Nottinghill deli, bakery, patisserie, cafe is pure genius because these southern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern recipes are totally accessible to the home cook. The huge flavour and vibrant colour of these dishes is derived from readily available ingredients using the simplest of techniques. Perhaps best of all is the story of how a Jewish boy from West Jerusalem and an Arab boy from East Jerusalem found each other, and success, in London. Not to be missed are their wonderful, signature giant meringues! Hardcover, 304 pp, $65.00.
Big Green Cookbook
Jackie Newgent
A contributor to magazines such as Glamour and Prevention, Jackie Newgent serves up hundreds of ways to lessen your carbon footprint while eating deliciously. Tips range from slicing meat and veggies thinly so they require less cooking time, buying a narrow blender for quicker pureeing, to offering low carbon menus. Softcover, 386 pp. $29.95.
Grow and Cook
Brian Tucker
This is an excellent book for those wanting to grow and prepare their own fruits and vegetables from seed to plate. Tucker explains simple techniques and rules for the home vegetable gardener – sound advice from someone who has been growing his own vegetables from a time when it was an essential part of post-war austerity. Paper, 192 pp. $8.95.
Everywoman's Canning Book
Mary B. Hughes
The title of this slim no-nonsense book reminds us that in 1918 when it originally appeared, home freezing was not yet an option. However, even then, the author was warning against the use of preservatives. Besides shining a light on the reality of American domestic life during World War I, there are recipes which still appeal , especially those for relishes and jams. Softcover, 96 pp. $12.95.
The Acorn House Cookbook
Arthur Potts Dawson
Working with Jamie Oliver a decade ago at the River Café, Arthur Potts Dawson was already a committed environmentalist. Since then he co-founded Eat Green which has created several “sustainably-aware” restaurants. Leading his readers through the seasons, the author covers every aspect of getting produce from the earth to the table from creating compost to washing up after the meal with appealing and unusual recipes in between. No photos. Hardcover, 288 pp. $39.95.
Salumi
John Piccetti, Francois Vecchio with Joyce Goldtein
Salumi features more than fifty recipes and serving ideas for tantilizing cured meats written by John Piccetti, Francois Vecchio, and Joyce Goldstein - all experts on the subject. This heavily photographed book contains helpful information that is perfectly accessible for the home cook and professional chef. One look through this book and you'll be out shopping for your next antipasti and spuntini party in an instant. Hardcover, 144 pp. $32.50.
Cupcakes
Janet Smith
Cupcakes is a welcome addition to the beautiful series of books that includes Caramel, Salt & Pepper, Chocolate, Soup, Cakes & Loaves, and Curry. Wonderfully quirky photography accompanies a plethora of recipes for cupcakes and their decorative accompaniments. Unlike many cupcake-focused books, recipes incorporate different flavours for cake and icing, leaving you with so many options, you’ll never want to make the same cupcake twice. Softcover, 160 pp. $24.95.
The Irish Farmers Market Cookbook
Clodagh McKenna
Charming pictures and delicious recipes for simple and fresh food with an Irish twist makes this farmers market book truly special. Author, Clodaugh McKenna takes a tour of several Irish markets and shares traditional family recipes and food inspired by seasonal ingredients. With interesting information on meat, pasta, wild food, and cooking seasonally, it will inspire those looking for ways to use up all the ingredients they just brought home from their local market. Hardcover, 224 pp. $28.95.
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