In case you haven’t noticed, I’m obsessed with recipe books. My growing library has travelled all over the world with me – proof that they are one of my most treasured possessions.
I’ve been wanting to start a recipe book club of sorts for a while now, so decided to start sharing reviews of books I’ve been reading. Some of them I might receive from publishers and some of them might be from my existing library, but I’m kicking things off with the first instalment and a round-up of three books I’ve been reading this month.
If you have any recipe books (or books relating to food, for that matter) you’re loving at the moment, please leave me a comment below or send me a message via social media.
Recipe Book Club (May) Recommendations
À TABLE: Recipes for Cooking and Eating the French Way by Rebekah Peppler (Chronicle Books, distributed in South Africa by Jonathan Ball Publishers)
Rebekah Peppler is an American food writer and stylist who’s made the 18th arrondissement in Paris her home. She’s also the author of one of my favourite recipe books to date. It’s been a while since I’ve pored over something like I have À Table and admittedly, this is definitely motivated by the fact that I’m a serious Francophile and would happily live in Paris. However, the writing, recipes and photography alone are exquisite and transported me straight to a place that feels like home.
With recipes like Raclette, or Cheese Dinner with Carbs, (My First) French (Girlfriend’s) Apple Tart, Extremely French Carrot Salad, Expat Yogurt Cake and Boozy Fruit for Women+, it’s easy to understand why I love the sexiness and sass of this book.
I also particularly enjoy the stories, cheeky comments and suggestions Rebekah makes for many of the 125 recipes she’s included in this gorgeous book that I’ll definitely be referring to and making use of on a regular basis.
Available from Exclusive Books, Takealot and Amazon
“À Table takes the elegant, sexy, sparkling charm that is a French evening and gives you the tools to gather this way in your own home, wherever that may be and whether you’re cooking for a group of eight, a family of two, or your current self and your future leftover-loving self with leftovers in mind.”
Rebekah Peppler
Join The Greener Revolution: 30 Easy Ways to Live and Eat Sustainably by Ollie Hunter (Pavillion Books, distributed in South Africa by Jonathan Ball Publishers)
In this day, age and current climate, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who isn’t at the very least aware or trying to make greener decisions. I posted a quote on Instagram the other day by Anne-Marie Bonneau, which reads “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
And that’s me in a nutshell. I’m not perfect, I don’t always get it right, but I’m trying.
Ollie Hunter’s new book is broken up into three main principles which explore Zero Waste, Organic and Seasonal, and 50% Produce within 50 Miles. It’s then further divided into Your Home, Your Community and The World.
It’s a bright, colourful and beautifully illustrated book, including loads of info that’s easy to grasps, lots of tips and of course, some really lovely recipes like Chickpea Scotch Eggs with Aquafaba Aioli, Tomato Leaf Focaccia, Sunflower Seed and White Chocolate Tart, Elderflower Champagne, and Cauliflower Kedgeree with Smoked Salt and Boiled Eggs.
Some of the ingredients included in the recipes aren’t readily available in South Africa (like elderflowers, elderberries or cobnuts) but a simple Google search for suitable substitutes are only a few clicks away.
If you’re looking for easily adaptable and bite-size info that’s not preachy, this book is definitely one to consider adding to your collection.
Available from Exclusive Books and Amazon
“The Greener Revolution is all about celebrating and making the most of this infinite connection that we have no choice over. We are all part of the same beautiful planet, and by making the energy that we transfer sustainable, we are making ourselves the best we can be.”
Ollie Hunter
Break an Egg!: The Broadway Cookbook by Tara Theoharis (Insight Editions, distributed in South Africa by Jonathan Ball Publishers)
My first reaction to this book was “FUN!”. If you’re a fan of musicals, you will love this quirky collection of recipes inspired by some of the most famous Broadway shows like Cats, The Rocky Horror Show, Les Misérables and Little Shop of Horrors, to name but a few.
‘Break an Egg!’ is cleverly divided into various theatre-themed sections from Overture: Appetizers to Encore: Desserts, where you’ll find recipes such a Schnitzel with Noodles (if you’re a fan of The Sound of Music like I am, you’ll appreciate this as much as I do), Pain du 24601 (Les Mis), Spooky Mormon Hell Cream Donut (The Book of Mormon), The Amazing Technicolor Dream Throat (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) and Revenge Party Cake (Mean Girls).
This is one of the most unique recipe books I’ve read to date and absolutely loved it for its whimsical charm and creative recipes. It would also make a fabulous gift for anyone with a love for theatre.
“A great meal is like a great show – it leaves you satisfied, inspired and thinking about it for days afterwards. The two experiences require the same ingredients, after all: a creator, a book, a desire to make something great. If you love food and theatre, you’re in luck because this book is your ticket to creating delicious meals inspired by some of the most iconic and beloved productions in the business.”
Tara Theoharis
Available from Exclusive Books, Takealot and Amazon
DISCLAIMER:
All of the books included in Recipe Book Club (May) were sent to me by the local distributors/publishers.
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