A decade after producing their first bread book, the Holsts are back with one that features all the old favourite recipes and a bunch of new ones.
If you’ve got a whizz-bang breadmaker, then I’m sure you’ll be in the market for some new recipes to try but the beauty of this book is that the authors offer instructions for loaves made both by machine and by hand on most of the recipes. There’s also a good range of gluten-free bread recipes, which is great news for those who aren’t fans of wheat.
Even better, for the lazy cooks out there (like me), there are no-knead recipes. The focaccia recipe is recommended.
The New Zealand Bread Book, by Simon & Alison Holst (Hyndman Publishing, RRP $24.99)
We’ve got some great cooks and chefs in New Zealand and this book brings many of them together for a good cause. With a focus on family food and food you can share and give as gifts, there are 145 mouth-watering recipes for everything from paella to slices.
All the big names feature here, with the list of contributors reading like a who’s who of Kiwi cooking. Even better, all royalties from sales of this book will go towards the cost of rebuilding the neuroservices and medical specialties wards at Starship Children’s Hospital.
If you enjoyed the New Zealand Treasury of Baking, this book will fit well in your collection.
Comfort: Food for Sharing (Random House, RRP $45)
OK, so this one is actually a bit more than a cookbook but it’s still got a great selection of vege recipes to try. This comprehensive book has all you need to know about all the veges you need to try, including how to choose the best quality vegetables and even how to grow your own.
If you’re in a bit of a rut with your potatoes, a bit bored with your carrots, give this one a shot.
The New Zealand Vegetable Book By Horticulture NZ (Hyndman Publishing, RRP $24.99)
Here’s an interesting concept: take one ingredient and come up with five different ways of creating a family meal.
Mum of four Christelle le Ru has taken the ingredients her family loves and created a cookbook that is quite special, with really tasty recipes that are easy to create and easy on the budget. With its wide selection of vegetable dishes, meat dishes, lunch recipes and desserts, this one is likely to become one of your favourites.