Books for Cooks – stand a chance to win with F&HE
Digesting the latest on the culinary shelves…..by Tryn Das Neves
The Nordic Cookbook
(Phaidon R679)
Looking to get stuck into a new cuisine this year, and one which has brought many of the world’s greatest chefs and restaurants to the forefront? Look no further than this compendium. Beautifully illustrated with scenic images scattered throughout, it offers more than 700 traditional recipes from the region. With a rich narrative on the culinary history woven in as well, you’ll soon know your gravlax from your glogg.
V is for Vegan
(Quadrille, R459)
Kerstin Rodgers, msmarmitelover.com, is a London-based foodie and writer. This is her third book and is an absolute must if you are a vegetarian looking to make that final leap to veganism. With a very handy intra, she talks you through the essential ingredients for your pantry, how to make nut milk and -cream, and even nut ‘cheez’, which will allow you to cook almost anything, including egg-free bakes.
Primrose Bakery Everyday
(Square Peg, R544)
This cookbook should definitely come with a warning label: ‘Do not read when hungry’, or you’ll be trying to lick the buttercream off the perfectly frosted cupcakes in this ninth title to come out of the popular London-based bakery. Baked beauties abound in here, with some really eye-catching and unusual ones – like the strawberry basil cake, gluten-free avocado chocolate cookies and chiffon pumpkin ginger pie.
Win Food52 Baking
(Ten Speed Press, R360)
If baking from a bygone era is what you crave, then the latest showstopper from the renowned online foodie site, Food52, will get your whisk in a whirl. You can almost smell the freshly baked pound cakes and golden- crumbed biscuits wafting off the pages! The recipes have been selected to offer ease and minimum time input, making them ideal for midweek baking when your evening just needs a touch of something sweet. Venture into the unusual by trying out the black-sesame cupcakes with matcha buttercream, brown- butter cupcake brownies and tomato soup spice cake with cream cheese frosting.
Fried Chicken and Friends
(Murdoch Books, R611)
Set this one aside for when the winter months creep in and all you want is comfort food! Jam-packed with recipes – from drinks and nibbles, to sauces and sides – this is the perfect cookbook for lovers of American southern food with recipes for the ultimate fried chicken, waffles, fried green tomatoes, smoked pork, mac ‘n’ cheese and even the Canadian favourite, poutine.
The simple Secrets to Cooking Everything Better
(Pan McMillan Australia, R459)
Matt Preston once again has us hanging on the edge of his culinary tailcoat with this amusing rendition of his top tips when making anything from salads and bakes to roasts, pasta, seafood and so much more. We love his handy hint on cutting gooey cakes with unwaxed dental floss – pure genius!
Posh Toast
(Quadrille, R297)
Take this popular snack to the next level and make it a meal with this cornucopia of toppings to sprinkle, dollop, spread or slather over your next slice of rye or sourdough. Start the day with a smoked-salmon breakfast cup (for the sweet-toothed, try the coconut cream, bananas and maple pecans), stave off lunchtime hunger with a slice of blue cheese, figs and Parma ham, or wow party guests with tagliata crostini.
Exclusive Books’ top 10 cookery titles
- The Real Meal revolution, Prof. Tim Noakes et al
- Everyday Super Food, Jamie Oliver
- Nopi, Yotam Ottolenghi
- Low Carb is Lekker (English), Ine Reynierse
- Simply Nigella: Feel Good Food, Nigella Lawson
- The Low Carb Solution for Diabetes, Vickie de Beer & Kath Megaw
- The democratic Republic of Braai, Jan braai
- Die Huis van Rye, Nataniel
- All sorts of Salads, Chantal Lascaris
- The Real Meal Revolution: Raising Superherroes, Prof. Tim Noakes et al
Win! Five F&He readers can each win a copy of Food52 Baking from Exclusive books. To enter email your Name, Contact number, ID number and Postal address to foodhome@caxton.co.za with “Baking” in the subject line.
Competition closes on 15 February 2016.