FISH AND FEATHER, FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A CULINARY TOUR OF BRITAIN’S SEAS AND SKIES
Simon Courtauld, illustrations by Lucy Vickery
Published by THINK BOOKS, H/B $24.95

This lovely little book came through from the publisher some months ago and was cast to one side wrongly thinking that the sub title would render it useless for Australia. Having read half of it in a night that notion was very foolish. Firstly one might suspect that Simon Courtauld and this old cook have outspoken crabbiness in common, for example p13 ’The best advice is always worth repeating: when you have a really good fish, don’t bugger it about.’ At least 80% of the ingredients are available fresh in Australia and the text is abrasive good reading splattered with loads of information, little tips and ideas that are refreshingly not same old, same old!

A PASSIONFOR FRUIT
Lorenza De’Medici, photography Mike Newton
Published by Pavilion, H/B $61.95, P/B $48.95

Lorenza De’Medici needs little introduction to anyone with a love of Italian cooking. Her books, like the woman herself are always classically stylish and elegant with exquisite photographs. In this instance the stunning photography of Mike Newton. Lorenza never writes ’just recipes‚ and the book is filled with ample historical anecdotes to make it a fascinating read and filled with recipes and ideas that always work. An exquisite production A Passion for Fruit is a highly recommended book.

THE ULTIMATE MUSHROOM BOOK
The complete guide to mushrooms — a photographic A – Z of types and 100 original recipes
Peter Jordan and Steven Wheeler
Published by Lorenz Books, retail $24.95 for P/B more for the H/B

This book is not so much for the recipes that are sound, with an interesting preserving section but do appear a bit dated. Instead this is an invaluable handbook for anyone wanting to identify mushrooms they might have found. A bit of rain and some sunshine and fungi start popping up everywhere. This book has full size colour photographs that clearly identify each mushroom from the Death Cap through to edible varieties. It is important to remember that people die every year from eating the wrong mushrooms and if you cannot easily identify your find, the best advice is do not eat them.

ULTIMATE OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Inspirational designs and plans
Michelle Kodis
Published by Gibbs, Smith, Publisher deluxe paperback $42.95

Well girls if you are sick and tired of the barby rolling around your patio with a crappy canvas cover looking a total eyesore you should buy this book for your bloke for Christmas. Flash is an understatement as Kodis takes the outdoor kitchen way beyond Yaya’s shed or the best barby outdoor kitchen you have ever seen. Spectacular outdoor entertaining areas Kodis’ selections make most Australian pool barbecue arrangements look third world. Very American, after all it is written by an American, there are some great ideas that could be applied to our climate. Some concepts are richly extravagant and fabulously over the top but there are elements in all designs that could be stolen and executed quite cheaply and to great effect by a handy person. Our favourite page 78 functionality and fun and clearly the love station of an obsessed family cook.