Festive feasting this holiday season
Here are my top picks for cruising through the festive season; I’ve tried to pick a cookbook for every occasion you may find yourself in.
⭑ For homemade gifting and storable-snacks for those – inevitable – unexpected guests ...
Preserving the Italian Way by Pietro Demaio
Want to give a little of your time and love to your neighbors and friends? Then make something from your garden and kitchen! Preserving the Italian Way is the ultimate guide for keeping it real and in jars.
Better yet, these creations are the perfect thing to keep on hand for when friends and family arrive unannounced.
⭑ Christmas drinks with friends – whether you're mixing or gifting ...
The Cocktail Cabinet by Zoe Burgess
Look, to be honest, I am happy receiving a bottle of plonk or a mixed jar of something delicious as a gift. It never ever has been a waste of time and money. It has always been appreciated. Zoe has the touch of mixing treasures and you two could gift a cocktail to your nearest lush. I promise a negroni premixed is a treat.
This one is also the perfect companion if you're a little nervous about your skills as a mixologist for the evening.
⭑ The end of year staff lunch ...
The Shared Kitchen by Clare Scrine
Everyone has been asked to bring a plate for the shared meal experience in the office. Trust me on this – believe everyone you work with is a vegetarian. It truly takes all the fuss out of menus and you are left only with thoughts of delicious fresh food.
Clare Scrine has got your back (think flexible, unfussy and short ingredient lists!) and each dish will proudly sit centre of your board room table or picnic rug.
⭑ Neighbourhood party in the back yard ...
YiaYia Next Door by Daniel & Luke Mancuso (with YiaYia)
Think of this gathering as your own more effective version of Neighborhood Watch. Inviting the people you share fences with leads to good cheery times. Impress with a sparkling wine, local beer and a spread of Greek inspired food. Those that eat will be drawn by the smell of lamb on the BBQ, while your vegetarian friends will delight in pastries, dips and olives.
Daniel and Luke have created the perfect feast for neighborhood sharing with an entire collection built around how food can feed relationships.
⭑ The big family gathering on the day ...
COOK by Karen Martini
Repeat after me: the most important part of this day is that we're all together, not what we are eating. It is the company that matters. Use this mantra with a quick slug of whatever keeps the nerves at bay and you will be fine. Karen understands pressure and she understands feeding en masse. Keep it simple with a few colorful dishes for sharing and lots of fresh flowers around the home.
You cannot go wrong with Karen in your back pocket – but for the love of a good cookbook, do not use this opportunity to improvise.
⭑ The day after you ate too much ...
The Joy of Better Cooking by Alice Zaslavsky
First, there is no shame in feeling like you are bloated and worn out. It’s okay. You are not alone. The best cure for that feeling of ‘too much’ is simply green food. The next day is all about eating as much vitamins as possible. Alice has you covered. There are approximately one trillion ideas in this book that will make you feel better. I promise.
⭑ And finally, quick perfect Christmas presents that show you understand food ...
Anyone that enjoys Melbourne because of our excellent reputation for having the very best food in the world, will be delighted to receive these books as gifts. On top of that it shows that you are in the know.
- Lune by Kate Reid
- Chinese-ish by Rosheen Kaul & Joanna Hu
- Salamati by Hamed Allahyari