Archive for the 'Books' Category

Reviewed by Corby-Sue

Having long been a fan of Sharon Glass’s  ‘simply delicious’ recipes, I was somewhat sceptical as to whether she could improve on her first three-book series.  Fortunately, Sharon hasn’t attempted to do this.  Instead, in these two new books she shares with the home cook everything they really want to know. In Starting from Scratch she serves up a skill set for the kitchen, and in Meals in Minutes the demands of a time-poor world are addressed.

Starting from Scratch is an invaluable, easy-to-read guide into the various elements that make up a successful meal.  From classic recipes such as hearty minestrone, to the more daunting task of making a Béarnaise sauce, Sharon’s methods and tips are clear and helpful.  I have already seen a client give this book to her young teenage daughter with the words, “Here my darling, let Sharon show you what mummy couldn’t!”

At first glance, Meals in Minutes seems almost too simple. But when I asked a friend to have a look and test a couple of the recipes we discovered that this little gem really does deliver!  Dinner was made for me (for a change), and we found that the recipes do work and that the prep and cooking times are spot on too. Despite their enticing colour photos these compact little books aren’t designed for the coffee table. Instead, like any good, well-used cookbooks, they should end up in your kitchen with a dusting of flour and buttery thumbprints. Enjoy!

By Michele Cranston

These guys have always done a great job of producing cookbooks with fast-to-prepare, fresh tasting recipes. So it seems only natural that the next book in their ever popular, and useful, series coin the words. Fresh + Fast however, ups the ante on some of their previous titles with a specific focus on fresh ingredients and photography to match. Indeed, decked out in tones of green and filled with images of leaves and veggies at each turn, it would be hard to look at this cookbook and not want to run to your backyard garden and gig up a fresh spud or carrot… or at least head to your local farmers’ market in search of one. Fast + Fresh is a must-have for salad lovers and healthy eaters who like a bit of flavour with their food, with some solid, along with creative, recipes on show. But it’s also a great option for just about anyone who likes to cook to the seasons and enjoys light, fresh food as an accompaniment to Australia’s warm weather.  And for the guys, there’s some nice pictures of pretty girls too…

Murdoch Books, RRP $39.95

Lived by Lucio Galletto, Written by David Gale

It all begins with a love story, and a meal, the two of which bind this family and this tale, for generations to come. Returning to his homeland in Liguria in the north of Italy, Lucio Galleto, of revered Lucio’s Italian Restaurant, embarks on a journey to find his ‘soffritto’. For Italians, the word refers to a cook’s starter kit of core ingredients, but for Lucio, it is an understanding of the family, food and culture that shaped him into the chef he is today.

A heartfelt saga, an eating guide, a travel memoir and of course, a cookbook, Soffritto begins in 1938 when a young Anna Galleto runs away with a charming gelato maker Mauro. 37 years later, the son of this happy two arrives to work at his parents’ restaurant only to fall in love with a beautiful girl sitting in the bar. Like his mother before him, Lucio too runs away, but this time his journey will take 17,000 kilometers away to the unknown world of Australia.

Filled with beautiful imagery of northern Italy’s landscape and the secrets of the farmers, fisherman, war heroes, winemakers, waiters, hunters, cooks, shepards and aunts who inspired this story, Soffritto is a flavoursome taste of life from this oasis in the world with, of course, delicious Ligurian recipes to match.

Allen & Unwin, RRP $49.95

For generations of Australians, The Australian Women’s Weekly has been a trusted source in the home kitchen – the recipes tried, tested and perfect for the whole family. And while we can’t deny that the glamourisation of the food industry in recent years hasn’t brought with it its perks, there is definitely something to be said about a simpler, more straightforward approach. Bake, the third in a series of best-selling cookbooks produced The Australian Women’s Weekly Test Kitchen, is just such a book. Well, with over 500 recipes, it’s more like a compendium, housing recipes for all your childhood favourites, from cakes and muffins to biscuits and slices. Filled with beautiful photographs, and most importantly, clear instructions and triple-tested measurements, this comprehensive cookbook is a must-have for any home cook or baker. Just like your mum or grandma did.

ACP Books, RRP $74.95

By Barry Vera

In his first book, Feast Bazaar, English-born, Australian-loved chef Barry Vera takes us on a veritable journey of the senses through three of the world’s most vibrant and intriguing countries. Beginning in India, then heading to Morocco and ending in Syria, Vera captures the essence and diversity of each culture (not to mention over 90 spice-laden recipes), sharing along the way personal travel anecdotes and historical observations. No stranger to these magical realms, Feast Bazaar is in part an extension of Vera’s acclaimed food and travel series Feast, which has been screened on the SBS, Foxtel and in 17 territories around the world. Visually stunning, with a barrage of colours, sights and seemingly, smells and sounds, that appear to jump off the page, Feast Bazaar is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.

Murdoch Books, RRP $39.95