Cooking Recent Picks

January 2009

The title-underlined links will take you directly to our catalogue.
Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.

The Get 'Em Girls' Guide to the Power of Cuisine: Perfect Recipes for Spicing Up Your Love Life, by Shakara Bridgers.
"You know a Get 'Em Girl when you see one. She's got it together: great job, nice friends, and plenty of style. But when it comes to love, not all Get 'Em Girls have it figured out. While some may think it's a cliché, maybe the way to a lover's heart is still through his stomach. But who has time to be chained to a stove? Just like having an extra job skill can help you get hired, someone willing to invest a little time and energy into a relationship definitely stands out in a crowded dating field. Cooking for a lover can be more meaningful (and cheaper) than dining out. But this is about more than just the food: it's about women investing in themselves and in their relationships. For all the women who aren't afraid to go after what they want, The Get 'Em Girls' Guide to the Power of Cuisine is a must-have in their kitchens" (Amazon)

The Bibendum Cookbook, by Terence Conran, Simon Hopkinson & Matthew Harris.
"Housed in the historic Michelin building, Bibendum restaurant has been an iconic part of the London restaurant scene for 25 years. Celebrated head chef Simon Hopkinson takes the ethos of Bibendum cooking-fine seasonal ingredients prepared simply-and brings it to the home with this unique volume. More than simply a classic cookbook, these 40 superb recipes are a gastronomic testament to an iconic landmark." (Amazon)

Make it Moroccan, by Hassan M'Souli.
"Morocco's compelling allure comes from its distinctive fusion of traditional and modern culture, exquisite art, remarkable architecture and stunning landmarks which offer rich and enlivening experiences to entice all the senses. Moroccan food has been enriched for over two thousand years by surrounding cultures to become a unique mix of sweet, salty and earthy spice flavors" (Amazon)

Better Homes and Gardens : so-easy slow cooker
"After a long, busy day, satisfy your family's hunger with this collection if 203 simple-to-prepare, great tasting recipes. From classic comfort foods to contemporary dishes, each recipe will go from the slow cooker to the table with ease." (Book Jacket)

The Vegeterranean: Italian Vegetarian Cooking, by Malu Simoes & Alberto Musacchio.
"This collection of the best vegetarian recipes from the kitchens of the Country House Montali is truly inspirational. Here, the Italian classics calzone, ravioli, gnocchi and lasagne are transformed into stylish, contemporary dishes, while Fagottini di Pasta Sfoglia Farcite con Couscous (Puff Pastry Envelopes Filled with Couscous) or Cappucini di Asparagi (Asparagus Cappuccino) reveal just how exciting vegetarian cuisine has become. Recipes are divided into chapters mainly corresponding to courses. The first chapter - Basics - encourages you to make your own sauces, stocks, pesto and other essentials. This is followed by Breakfast recipes that include wonderful fruit dishes and muesli. The 'Antipasti' section has a variety of dishes that stand alone or can be mixed together to make a fun platter. 'Primi', 'Secondi' and 'Dolci' chapters all include unusual and outstanding recipes, including soups, risottos, pasta dishes, tarts and pastries and wonderful desserts. Chapters on Sides and Breads finish the book off with more inspiring ideas." (Amazon.co.uk)

Confetti Cakes for Kids: Delightful Cookies, Cakes, and Cupcakes from New York City's Famed Bakery by Elisa Strauss.
"Elisa Strauss of Confetti Cakes has created confections as elaborate as a platter of sushi, a wine bottle in a crate, and a designer handbag. Now she focuses her talents on her younger fans with this enchanting collection of cakes, cookies, and cupcakes for kids. Strauss starts readers off with 20 delicious recipes and all the basic techniques needed to complete any project in the book. Then she offers step-by-step instructions for 24 jaw-dropping designs that can become the centerpiece of any celebration. Projects span the imagination - from a charming sock monkey, to an MP3 player, to playful hula gingerbread girls and boys - and will appeal to anyone looking for the perfect way to thrill a child with a delectable, spectacular creation." (Amazon)

Everything but the Squeal: Eating the Whole Hog in Spain, by John Barlow.
"The attraction of Barlow's book is that he goes well beyond the business of eating. He gives us a fascinating journal of his Galician wanderings . . . What comes through is a deep affection not just for Galicia's pigs . . . but also for Galicia's people and culture." (Amazon)

Party Food Bible, by Margaret Barca.
"Party Food Bible includes more than 140 great recipes for finger food and cocktail bites as well as large-scale dishes, with vegetarian options and lots of sweet treats too. There's sanity-saving advice on planning and preparing ahead, choosing the right type of food for any and every occasion, working out quantities, and creative but fuss-free serving ideas. Add inspirational photos to the mix, and you've got the ultimate party guide." (Book Jacket)

Seafood Bible, by Jacki Passmore.
"For a fuss-free meal, you can't go past a grill, salad or stir-fry featuring your favourite fish. And it's a super healthy option too. Seafood Bible is packed to the gills with recipes both traditional and thoroughly contemporary, as well as useful information and tips on selecting, storing and preparing the catch of the day." (Amazon)

Osteria : hearty Italian fare from Rick Tramonto's kitchen, by Rick Tramonto.
"Rick's books never fail to deliver delicious flavours and techniques that are perfect for the home cook and savvy enough for chefs. Osteria is a cookbook you can take real conmfort in when you are good and hungry." (Book Jacket)

Cutting the curd : cheese making at home ; with a collection of delicious recipes, by Katherine Mowbray.
"Katherine Mowbray has been presenting home cheese making courses in New Zealand for the past seventeen years. Her classes are fun, practical and concise and have inspired people from all walks of life. She loves promoting and educating the public about the different qualities of milk and home made cheeses so that people have the confidence and the skills to make their own milk delicacies." (Book Jacket)

Australian Kids' Birthday Cakes : Featuring Wallythe Wallaby and many more!
"Birthdays are always so much fun for kids - friends and family, presents, a big party and of course, a cake. Now you can make the type of cake that friends will talk about for weeks and your kids will remember all their lives." (Book Jacket)

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