Our events manager Chris Gordon shares four cookbooks to love in April.

Also for foodies this month… Chris interviewed chef, gardener and restaurateur Annie Smithers, our staff tested out recipes from one of our favourite new cookbooks, and we’re offering 25% off a select range of our most popular cookbooks.

It’s Always About the Food by the Monday Morning Cooking Club

This group of delightful, passionate Jewish women decided to cook together every Monday morning 11 years ago, and have been inspiring people ever since. It’s Always About the Food is their third book and is another fabulous, nurturing treat for all. This book has been created for the home cook, and reflects their understanding of the importance of sharing lives. It is for this reason, and also for the Olive Oil Chocolate Mousse recipe, that this is my cookbook of the month.

Green Kitchen at Home by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl

I am a little in awe of the way David and Luise parent and run their completely wholesome home. Their new collection of recipes specifies shortcuts and contains valuable tips for bulk-cooking sessions and how to hide veggies (all those nutrients) even in the breakfast pancakes. This book is perfect for anyone coveting innovative and inspiring vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free recipes.

Annie’s Farmhouse Kitchen by Annie Smithers and Robin Cowcher

Annie Smithers started out under the wing of Stephanie Alexander and then did what we all reckon we are going to do; she moved to the country (Malmsbury), set up a farm and started cooking meals that she wanted to eat in a sweet, sometimes open bistro: du Fermier. This book is impressive for so many reasons, but mainly because the recipes are a marvellous affirmation of French culinary mysteries, yet easy to use. All our seasons are covered, as well as pragmatic directions for leftovers. I reckon the best action to take is to just give in: buy the book, some cheese and wine, and settle in for autumn feasts.

Kitchen Garden Companion: Cooking by Stephanie Alexander

Stephanie Alexander is proof that if you believe in something you can make it happen. Her Kitchen Garden Foundation started as a seed (ha!) of an idea and grew into a national program. Surely if she can do this, then you can actually grow enough food for a salad. This beautifully presented book is a step-by-step guide to the secrets of rewarding kitchen gardening. There is news about over 70 different veggies and also over 250 trustworthy (it is Stephanie, after all) recipes. It’s the type of book that can be used by both kids and adults, and balcony growers as well as the urban farmer. It makes you feel good just flicking through the pages.