In the Kitchen by Allan Campion and Michele Curtis

When looking for a cookbook that covers all the bases, look no further than the bible-like In the Kitchen. This is the cookbook for every occasion and cuisine, managing to cover all the basics without ever being boring. When looking under corn in the index, one will find 3 alternate recipes for corn fritters; an item everyone knows is simply the best Sunday breakfast dish on earth. Having recently more-than-successfully road-tested the apple, fig and pecan cake (iced with the proposed suggestion – cream cheese frosting, page 702), we are satisfied that In the Kitchen is the cookbook for all kitchens! Hardback, $59.95

In the Kitchen by Campion & Curtis

For a number of years I have always kept in stock at the shop a cookbook called In the Kitchen by Allan Campion and Michele Curtis.  It is a brick of a book and has over 1000 recipes.  I have thought that it would be a terrific gift for someone leaving home who needs lots of recipes and ideas, along with techniques and suggestions.  I”m pleased to say that my theory  has been proven because I gave the book to my daughter who recently left home.  She has cooked from it already, and has plans for more meals from it.

The book has numerous chapters, including, roasts, brunch, slow cooking, curries & tagines, cakes, soups and lots more.  At the beginning is a chapter which lists everyday ingredients and suggestions for what you might keep in your pantry.  It isn’t loaded up with lots of glossy pictures but has lots of recipes which don’t have a hundred ingredients and they are all well explained.  Not just for beginners, any cook will find it useful.  Give it a look, and as I said, it is an ideal leaving home cookbook. Hardback, $59.95

Foodies Diary 2011: Campion and Curtis

Melbourne is food mad, and this is a cookbook Christmas. We are groaning under the weight of all of the wonderful new cookbooks we have in the shop. But if you are looking for a different take on a food related gift, how about the Foodies diary, by that well known team of Campion and Curtis.  There is a list of food markets, lovely photos and plenty of recipes.  The diary is a week to an opening and has an elastic closure to help keep all of those bits and pieces everyone collects, safe.  A flexi cover means it isn’t too heavy or bulky.  We always sell out of this diary, so don’t leave it too late.  $29.95