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

Road Test: What’s For Dinner? by Michele Curtis

Michele Curtis is one half of the team that created the perennially popular In the Kitchen – always a bestseller at Fairfield Books. It is a huge book, and includes just about everything you could possibly need to know about food and cooking. What’s For Dinner? is equally fabulous, though on a smaller scale! In it Michele has focused on recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weekday family meals. It has over 220 recipes set out in easy-to-use categories (stir-fries, one-pots, on the grill, in the oven etc), with lots of gorgeous photos to provide inspiration.

I have two young kids, and not a lot of time to cook. Although we have a rotation of tried and true recipes that we all like (read: that both kids will actually eat!), we really could do with some new ideas to add to the mix. After a flick through What’s for Dinner?, I decided to try out the Greek lamb and feta meatballs. The recipe was laid out clearly and was easy to follow, didn’t take too long, and actually ended up looking just like the picture! I served them with tzatziki, lemon, Greek salad and pitta bread – yum. And best of all BOTH kids ate it all and asked for more! Now I just have to decide which recipe I should try next… maybe Spanish rice with chicken, Moorish lamb with quince glaze, or sticky lemongrass pork patties? Fancy being this excited about everyday cooking! Highly recommended. Paperback, $39.95.

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