Claudia Roden, Gary Mehigan (MasterChef Australia, Gok Wan and more…
By Andrea Pafitis-Hill
LEMONGRASS AND GINGER
(Duncan Baird Publishers, R303)
Leemei Tan, author of food blog, My Cooking Hut, gives classic Asian dishes a modern twist. Flavours range from Cambodia to Thailand and you’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of recipes that include Chinese roast duck pancake rolls, caramelised salmon with pineapple, and Malaysian madeleines with coconut, lime and chocolate.
GARY MEHIGAN’S COMFORT FOOD
(Lantern/Penguin, R246)
There couldn’t be a more apt title for this cookbook by the award-winning restaurateur and MasterChef Australia judge. Packed with recipes like his mum’s lamb stew with dumplings, roasted pork belly with garlic and braised red cabbage, and Eton mess with poached rhubarb, it’s all about the down-to-earth, soul-soothing flavours Gary loves to eat at home.
GOK COOKS CHINESE
(Michael Joseph/Penguin, R297)
English fashion consultant, author and TV presenter Gok Wan grew up in a family takeaway where his father (Poppa Wan) taught him that authentic Chinese food is not “deep-fried and covered in pink and gloopy sweet and sour sauce”. As a tribute to his father’s patience and guidance, Gok presents quick and healthy dishes that “take out all the rubbish and leave all the good stuff in”.
UNDER THE WALNUT TREE
(Hardie Grant Books, R339)
With Scandinavian cuisine as the backbone of their culinary heritage as well as strong family influences from the south of France and Chile, mother and daughter team Anna and Fanny Bergenström bring together 16 chapters of eclectic dishes based on a main ingredient like citrus, horseradish, ginger, cardamom and coconut.
LA TARTINE GOURMANDE
(Roost Books, R358)
Be inspired by the exquisite photography and gluten-free recipes by Béatrice Peltre – a freelance food writer, stylist photographer and author of awardwinning blog, La Tartine Gourmande.
THE FOOD OF SPAIN
(Michael Joseph/Penguin, R368)
Claudia Roden’s travels across Spain culminated in this compilation of recipes that are as much a journey through Spanish culinary history as they are a flavourful offering of everything from simple tapas and rustic soups to grand paellas and luscious desserts.
* August 2012 prices
