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Cookbook review: Flavours of England

13/3/2021

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Having lived in England for the past 15 years, I now feel more British than ever (despite being an American from Minnesota). Over the years, I've developed a bit of a taste for British food and drink and I've since become fond of afternoon tea and the joys of sipping a warm cuppa on a grey, drizzly day.

In my pursuit of all things foodie and fabulous, I recently came across the Flavours of England cookbooks, which feature a variety of recipes focusing on English cuisine.  Two favourites inlcude Flavours of England: Afternoon Tea and Flavours of England: Suppers & Snacks, both by authors Gilli Davies and Huw Jones.
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Flavours of England: Afternoon Tea
Nothing is more British than afternoon tea. While lockdown makes going to The Ritz a thing of the past, there's no reason you can't treat yourself to a sense of occasion even if you're sitting at home in your living room with your family!

The book includes suggestions for teatime sandwich fillings, recipes for crumpets, scones with jam and clotted cream, lemon curd tartlets, chocolate fork biscuits, and macaroons, to name a few. 

We're already putting the kettle on in anticipation of these tasty delights!

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Flavours of England: Suppers & Snacks
What does one eat at Supper (a meal eaten after work) or 'high tea'? A lighter meal than dinner or a tasty snack, of course. Whether it's light and tasty, or more filling, the choice is yours!

From sausage rolls to cauliflower cheese to Scotch eggs to Toad in The Hole, this book contains scrumptious recipes and snack suggestions to tantalise your tastebuds.

I for one can't wait to try my hand at making my own Scotch eggs and sausage rolls!
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Flavours of England Suppers & Snacks and Flavours of England: Afternoon Tea by Gilli Davies and Huw Jones, published by GRAFFEG are available from Wordery.

Ashley Miln
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Big Macs & Burgundy by Vanessa Price with Adam Laukhauf

21/2/2021

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Although I didn't really start appreciating good wine untiI I was in my 30s, I now consider myself to be a bit of an oenophile and I'm always looking to improve my wine knowledge.  While in my 20s I was more focused on the quanitity of the wine I was drinking rather than the quality, these days, I'm definitely more focused on finding and appreciating a nice tipple.

As many people know, the wine world has a reputation for being a bit stuffy, so it's great to come across a book that is not only accessible for any wine fan, but is playful in its approach.  Big Macs & Burgundy Wine Pairings for the Real World by Vanessa Price with Adam Laukhauf, is focused on the more unusual wine pairings that people likely wouldn't think to pair. From Cheetos paired with Sancerre to Honey Nut Cheerios with Mendoza Chardonnay, Vanessa recommends a variety of weird and wonderful combinations to tantalise the tastebuds.

The key to pairing wine with foods is to get the perfect balance of acid, fat, salts and minerals to unlock the best flavours of both the food and the wine.  For more novice wine connoisseurs, Vanessa also provides some helpful tasty tips to get you started on your journey to tasting like a pro.

We think this book is nothing short of genius, and it will certainly give you the ability to impress your friends with your wacky pairings knowledge at your next dinner party!

Big Macs & Burgundy Wine Pairings for the Real World by Vanessa Price and Adam Laukhauf is published by Abrams Books.  Available from Amazon.co.uk for £15.39.
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Ashley Miln
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Cookbook review: The Forest Feast Mediterranean by Erin Gleeson

1/11/2019

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The best vegetarian cookbooks - The Forest Feast Mediterranean by Erin Gleeson
​The Forest Feast Mediterranean is an absolutely gorgeous cookbook compiled by Forest Feast blogger Erin Gleeson, who is the author, illustrator and photographer behind the book. With its beautiful cover featuring an Italian beach and artistic illustrations of fruits and flora, you know that the contents within are going to be just as alluring.
 
The cookbook was inspired by Erin’s family’s travels in Europe and the amazing meals they enjoyed while travelling in France, Portugal, Spain and Italy.

​The stuff of bucket list dreams, their 3-month travel itinerary chalked up a selection of iconic destinations including: Barcelona, Spain; Antibes, France; Liguria, Italy; Sicily, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; The Algarve region in Portugal and Madrid, Spain.  Of these, I’ve had the fortune of visiting Barcelona, Sicily, Madrid, and The Algarve and I can vouge that the local cuisine in all of these places is superb, so I can understand why Erin felt compelled to capture every tasty morsel to bring a flavour of her adventures back home.

Combining lovely illustrations alongside stunning photos from each of the destinations they visited, it instantly transports you to the Mediterranean. Bursting with more than 100 vegetarian recipes covering everything from small plates to pasta to vegetable sides to drinks and desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Although I enjoy eating meat, I do think it’s important to make an effort to reduce my meat consumption (both for my health and the environment) and this book has given me lots of inspiration on how to jazz up vegetables to create mouth-watering dishes that are both beautiful and delicious. All of the recipes within the book serve 4-6 people (unless otherwise noted), so they are perfect for meals with family or friends.
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My favourite food recipes within the book (which to be honest was difficult to choose as I loved pretty much everything), included the Seared Fennel and Clementine Salad, the Winter Caprese salad and the Honey and Balsalmic Green Beans. For drinks, I loved the Grapefruit & Thyme Aperol Spritz and the Lavender Lemonade, both of which would be great on a hot summer’s day (not that we’re going to be having a heatwave anytime soon in November, but hey, we can dream).
 
The verdict:
This is a fabulous book for those who love travel and Mediterranean cuisine. With its gorgeous pictures and illustrations, it would make a lovely gift any foodie is certain to love.
 
The Forest Feast Mediterranean by Erin Gleeson is published by abrams & chronicle books and is available at Amazon.co.uk (£26.99).
 
Ashley Miln
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The best cookbooks and cocktail books to give to your favourite foodies this Christmas

11/12/2018

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For all of the foodies on your list, nothing beats a gorgeous cookbook. We've rounded up our favourite cookbooks that would make the perfect gift for any gourmand. 
Best champagnes - 101 Champagnes and other sparkling wines to try before you die by Davy Zyw
101 Champagnes and Other Sparkling Wines to Try Before You Die by Davy Zyw
We love champagne (who doesn't?!) and with the festive season upon us, the bubbles are flowing freely.  Everyone has their favourites (my go to is always Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, a rich, fruity and toasty Champagne, which makes the list (p.134), but it's always nice to branch out from what you know to try something new and unexpected.  Compiled by Davy Zyw, one of the UK's experts in sparkling wine, you can rest assured that this man knows his fizz.

The book is broken down into useful sections such as origins, glassware, pairing with food, fun facts (such as up until a couple of years ago London drank more champagne than the entire United States) and of course the list of the Davy's 101 top picks, which includes 51 champagnes and 50 sparkling wines.  This book is a great reference guide for when you're hosting your next dinner party or selecting a special bottle of fizz to give as a gift.
101 Champagnes and Other Sparkling Wines to Try Before You Die by Davy Zyw is published by Birlinn Limited. Available at Amazon.co.uk for £12.29 (hardcover).

Season: Big Flavours, Beautiful Food by Nik Sharma
Written by food blogger and acclaimed photographer Nik Sharma, this cookbook is inspired by his time growing up in Bombay, India, as well as his time spent living in America. 

Throughout the book the moody photos with their predominantly black backgrounds, highlight the beauty of each dish and draw you in.

Nik's inventive recipes often take a simple dish and elevate it by adding his own unique twist. For example, Sweet Potato Fries drizzled with Basil Yogurt Sauce or Chicken Soup with Omani Limes.  Packed with 100 recipes and 270 photographs, it is certain to be treasured by those who love injecting surprising flavours into traditional dishes.

Season: Big Flavours, Beautiful Food by Nik Sharma is published by Chronicle Books LLC. Available from Amazon.co.uk for £25.00 (hardcover).


Season: Big Flavours, Beautiful Food by Nik Sharma book review
The Cook's Atelier: Recipes, Techniques, and Stories from Our French Cooking School by Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini
The Cooks Atelier cookbook review
The Cook's Atelier cookbook review by Destination Delicious
This cookbook by mother and daughter American expats Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith shares their story of their life in Burgundy where they founded The Cook's Atelier, a French cooking school.

Featuring 100 market-inspired recipes and classic French cooking techniques, this cookbook is a must for any Francophile.

This weighty book (coming in at an impressive 400 pages) is beautifully written and immediately transports you to France with the vivid description of their school, "Inside sounds of old-time French jazz floats through the air and an aroma of baking madeleines wafts down from the kitchen above. Clanks of pots and pans and the rythmic chop-chopping of knives on wooden cutting boards blend with the whir of grinding coffee beans and the hiss of the vintage Italian espresso machine."

The book is broken into easy-to-follow sections including: tools of the trade, cook's larder, and of course, lots of fabulous recipes (100 to be exact)! Throughout the book the stunning images (300 cracking photos)  help to set the scene. We loved how they shared their family tales (and photos of their gorgeous clan) detailing their day-to-day foodie activities. They also share insights about French culture and Burgundy, so the reader comes away with a better understanding of the region. 

While French cuisine can often be thought of as complex or too fussy for the average home cook to attempt, the recipes within the book are approachable and family friendly.  We're sold.

The Cook's Atelier: Recipes, Techniques, and Stories from Our French Cooking School by Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini is published by Abrams. Available from Amazon.co.uk for £21.56 (hardcover).
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Jakarta Bites: Exploring Vibrant Street Food from the Heart of Indonesia by Petty Elliott
Recently named 'Winner' at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, this cookbook is inspired by Jakarta's street food scene.

Written by food writer Petty Elliott, who was inspired by her time spent living in Jakarta, The recipes feature authentic Indonesian recipes with a modern twist, all of which are relatively easy to prepare.

From Roasted Chicken, Jakarta Style to Fish Fillet with Turmeric and Chilli Sauce to West Sumatera Dried Beef Curry, the wealth of recipes will get your mouth watering, while introducing your taste buds to a taste of Jakarta without having to to make the trip.

​Petty Elliott will be bringing Jakarta's street food culture to the UK in 2019 as part of the spotlight on Indonesia at The London Book Fair.

Jakarta Bites: Exploring Vibrant Street Food from the Heart of Indonesia by Petty Elliott is available from Amazon.co.uk for £20.22 (hardcover). 

​
Ashley Miln
Jakarta Bites cookbook review by Destination Delicious
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Cocktail book review: Bourbon Bartender: 50 Cocktails to Celebrate the American Spirit by Jane Danger, Alla Lapushchik

3/5/2018

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Cocktail book review: Bourbon Bartender: 50 Cocktails to Celebrate the American Spirit by Jane Danger, Alla Lapushchik
Photo ©Max Kelly.
Bourbon cocktail recipes
Photo ©Max Kelly
My favourite cocktail hands down is a well-made Old Fashioned, so I was excited to come across this book dedicated to bourbon - in my estimation the best spirit. Nothing beats its delicious warmth and sweet undertones with a bit of bite. 
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This cocktail book provides an in-depth history of bourbon, which is great for enthusiasts who are keen on expanding their bourbon knowledge.

​The Whiskey Rebellion of 1791 highlighted the growing importance of American whiskey.  After the Revolutionary War, Kentucky was still part of Virginia, which was divided into smaller counties. Bourbon got its name from Bourbon County where it was made by corn farmers who found it easier to make a profit distilling whiskey rather than transporting corn.

So, what exactly is bourbon? Bourbon is whiskey produced in the USA that is made from fermented mash of 51% corn, with 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof), stored at not more than 62.5% alcohol by volume (125 proof) in charred new oak containers.
“It’s robust sweetness and underlying bit support a body of invigorating spice, tangy citrus, and energizing bitterness. It’s big bold notes of vanilla, cinnamon and stone fruits eagerly romp with other ingredients. It likes nothing more than to tumble into a glass with a few mixers.”- Clay Risen
Bourbon cocktail book - Cocktail book review: Bourbon Bartender: 50 Cocktails to Celebrate the American Spirit by Jane Danger, Alla Lapushchik
Mint Julep. Photo ©Max Kelly.
Old Fashioned cocktail recipe
Old Fashioned. Photo ©Max Kelly.
Bourbon is the perfect companion for cocktails, whether it be a Southern classic such as the Julep (mint leaves, bourbon, demerara syrup), a Silver Whiskey Sour (bourbon, demerara syrup, lemon juice, orange juice and egg white) or a New York Sour (bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice and a red wine float made with dry red wine). Being a child of the 80s, I couldn’t help but love the cocktail Guns N Rose (bourbon, apricot brandy, lime juice, orange juice, sparkling rose), which is the ultimate summer cocktail with a kick.
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New York Sour. Photo ©Max Kelly.
For those who like their cocktails hot, why not give the Minnesota Breakfast a whirl? Given it’s my home state, I’ll certainly be trying this cocktail made with bacon bourbon (yes, that’s a thing), spiced rum, Benedictine, maple syrup (another favourite ingredient), hot water, butter and cinnamon. If that doesn’t warm your cockles, I don’t know what will!
The book has gorgeous cocktail photos throughout alongside fun facts and quotes. I particularly enjoyed these cracking quotes:

Hollywood legend Ava Gardener – “I wish to live to 150 years old, but the day I die, I wish it to be with a cigarette in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other.” A pretty decent philosophy in my estimation, with the exception of the cigarette.

Comic W.C. Fields – “Once during Prohibition I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water.” We can sympathise.

We also liked that the book included recommendations for where to find the best bourbon bars in the States. I’ll be sure to visit the Butcher & the Boar the next time I’m in Minneapolis but sadly, I’ve just missed out on the Whiskey on Ice Festival, which was held in Bloomington, Minnesota on the 21 April.

With a wealth of innovative bourbon recipes, some classic and some new, it’s a must-read book for any bourbon lover.
Bourbon Bartender: 50 Cocktails to Celebrate the American Spirt by Jane Danger, Alla Lapushchik foreword by Clay Risen is published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Available online and at all good bookshops or at Amazon.co.uk for £16.99 (hardcover).
​
Ashley Miln
 

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Cooking with Love by Keith Squires

29/4/2017

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Cooking with Love by Keith Squires review Destination Delicious
Cooking with Love by Keith Squires review Destination Delicious
Cooking with Love is a unique cookbook, which combines advice on meditation and yoga alongside healthy recipes.
If you’re not into clean living and spirituality, then you’ll find the book a bit ‘hippy dippy’, but if you’re hoping to achieve a more balanced life and diet, then this might be the book for you.

The book provides details on the various types of Doshas, which is your constitution type based on Ayurveda, that recognises that we all have individual needs when it comes to what makes us function at our optimal level. The three doshas include the Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha and Kapha Dosha. 

I learned that I am a Vata Dosha, which means that I’m naturally creative and enthusiastic with high energy levels and variable digestion, which means that I should be eating regularly with easy-to-digest food. Surprisingly, it said that journalism is one of the careers that would suit someone with a Vata constitution, so maybe they’re on to something! 
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The book contains lots of information on different types of vegetables, herbs and pulses and it also has a variety of recipes for vegetarian soups and salads.

Given that I love a hearty soup, my favourite recipe was the Real Welsh Leek and Potato Soup, which I reckon would be great on a rainy day.

Cooking with Love by Keith Squires is published by Dru Publications and is available at Dru Yoga.com (£19.99 for a paperback).
​

A.A. Miln ​​​

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Taste of the French Caribbean by Chef Denis

14/1/2017

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Taste of the French Caribbean by Chef Denis book review Destination Delicious
​When I was last in the Caribbean on a press trip in Antigua, one of the greatest pleasures was eating freshly caught fish every day, all of which were lovingly prepared in inventive sauces. 

So, I was intrigued to read Taste of the French Caribbean by Chef Denis Rosembert,  a cookbook which is packed with fish recipes and well-known Caribbean classics - jerk chicken, anyone?

Chef Denis was born in St. Lucia and started his cooking career at the age of 15 as an apprentice at Holiday Inn Hotel in St. Lucia. His head chef saw his potential and recommended that he move to London to further his career, and he was transferred to the Swiss Cottage Holiday Inn in London.  

​After stints at several restaurants across the UK, he opened his own restaurant Chez Denis, which is now based in Norwich and focuses on the eclectic cuisines of Africa, Europe and Eastern India, which make St Lucian food so unique.

Taste of the French Caribbean by Chef Denis book review Destination Delicious
Recipes within the cookbook include soups, fish dishes, meat dishes, vegetarian dishes, sauces and desserts. All of the recipes are fairly simple and easy-to-follow, which is great if you're not a skilled chef!  Favourite recipes included:
Sweet Potato & Coconut Soup; Curry & Coconut Soup; Barracuda Cajun Style; and Monkfish Coco.  

Be warned though, cooking these recipes will have you yearning to visit the Caribbean! I for one, am already planning my next escape.

Taste of the French Caribbean by Chef Denis is published by Clink Street and is available from Amazon.co.uk (£25.00 for a hardcover).

A.A. Miln

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Buy your copy here: 
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Classic Cocktails by Salvatore Calabrese

11/1/2017

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This Gatsby-esque cocktail book by Salvatore Calabrese, one of London's most respected bartenders, is packed with 249 pages of cocktail delights. From the origins of the term 'cocktail' (named in 1798 in Britain) and later defined in an American publication in 1806), you'll find a wealth of intriguing information on the history of cocktails as well as modern trends.

"A sense of romance and intrigue surrounds the word 'cocktail'. It conjures up images of smoky speakeasies, gangsters and their associates, beautiful women in silk gowns, and gravel-voiced sirens crooning Cole Porter tunes..." - Salvatore Calabrese

From essential ingredients to top tips and techniques, including rules on shaking cocktails (fill 3/4 of the shaker with ice and 'shake it like you mean it' to 'wake up' the drink), it goes beyond the general information found in more mainstream cocktail books.

Interestingly, this book highlights the great bartenders and barflies of years gone by (predictably including Ernest Hemingway and Ian Fleming), both of whom have had a profound effect on the way we drink today.

Each of the 215 cocktail recipes within the book is accompanied by a dazzling image and easy-to-follow instructions, making cocktail making a breeze. Quite simply, it's a sensational book any cocktail aficaniado is certain to appreciate.

A.A. Miln

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Cuban Cocktails 100 Classic and Modern Drinks

11/1/2017

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Cuban Cocktails drinks book
This gorgeous cocktail book by Ravi DeRossi, Jane Danger & Alla Lapushchik is a must-have for any cocktail lover. Coming in at a weighty 229 pages, it's a hefty book of cocktail fabulousness that would look great either proudly displayed on one's bar or  coffee table. 
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Cuba - A unique cocktail history...
Cuban cocktail culture became stronger after Prohibition in the States in the 1920s, despite the challenges of the broader political and economic difficulties. Today, the cocktail culture remains just as strong, with bartenders taking great pride in their cocktails, many of which have withstood the test of time. 

Making your own cocktails at home...
This book shares everything you need to get started making Cuban cocktails at home including:  techniques, barware, glassware, ingredients and recipes for syrups and infusions. 

All of the recipes are easy-to-follow and include a lovely historical anecdote and beautiful photography, which instantly transports you to Cuba.

Having had the pleasure of visiting Cuba  a decade ago, I read the book with great nostalgia, and I am already planning my next visit to this beautiful island! In the meantime, I'll have to make do with enjoying  a delicious Hotel Naticonal in my London abode...

A.A. Miln

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Healthy Speedy Suppers by Katriona MacGregor

28/8/2016

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Healthy Speedy Suppers by Katriona MacGregor
A food obsessive and trained cook who started under the tutelage of Clarissa Dickson-Wright, Katriona MacGregor recognised how easily we forget the importance and ease of eating well day-to-day as even she, in the throngs of a full-time job, resorted to  ready-made meals.

Her book Healthy Speedy Suppers: Quick, Healthy and Delicious Recipes for Busy People is a collection of recipes that are low in wheat and dairy, focusing on replacing processed carbs for wholemeal where possible. Despite being more healthy, it doesn't make the recipes any less delicious - it simply showcases good quality whole foods that are paired intelligently. 
Dishes are categorised into soups and salads, poultry, meat, fish, grains pulses and vegetables, and dips sauces and dressings for easy navigation and for those restless nights where you know what sort of thing you’re hankering for but you need that bit of inspiration. It’s refreshing to flick through a cookbook where everything seems so accessible and un-daunting and it’s even more refreshing to discover that you’re not void of the endless ingredients needed to make it. She advises you stock your cupboards with the staples so that a red lentil and chicken saag, is only three fresh ingredients away.
 
Recipes span several cuisines and all seasons, touching on such diverse dishes as roast carrot tomato and dill soup, squid and courgette salad with chorizo, pheasant coconut and tamarind curry, one-pot chicken with bacon leeks and peas, venison sausage with kale and red wine, sea bass ceviche with chicory, stir-fried beef with peppers, smoked haddock and gruyère omelette and a broad bean and freekeh risotto.
 
I recently made the lamb leg with bashed peas and a tomato and mint salsa, a Sunday evening dinner for one, and it just summed the book up for me – quick and easy to cook, full of wholesome ingredients, while still feeling like a treat.
 
Healthy Speedy Suppers by Katriona MacGregor is published by Nourish, an imprint of Watkins Media Limited, and is available from Amazon.co.uk for £13.51 (hard cover).
 
Luci Lyne

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    Cookbooks and Drinks books

    We love cooking and enjoying cocktails and there's nothing better than discovering new recipes, which is why we've rounded up our favourite cookbooks and cocktail books from around the world. 

    A.A. Miln

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