As reviewed by Karen Coleman in the November Food and Drink Buzz. Click here to see all of Booktopia's Newsletters.
The bestselling and award-winning Chunky Food series offer clever collections of easy-to-cook, flavoursome recipes. They take their inspiration from a variety of international cuisines, and have been re-launched in 2009 for a whole new generation of cooks. Their speciality is the technical ease and versatility of recipes on offer. Since this series was first published in 2002, over two million copies have been sold globally.
Of the nine, my two favourites are:
SWEET FOOD: Start with the crème caramel, dip into a cheesecake or two and finish with a taste of chocolate fudge. Just about every dessert you have ever tried to say no to lies between these beautiful covers.
VEGIE FOOD: Put 'em in a soup, stir fry, salad or pie - the choice is endless in this collection suitable for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. I am particularly looking forward to my Eggplant, Ricotta and Pasta Pots.
All remaining seven come in as close contenders for my third favourite spot:
HOME FOOD: an update on the wonder that was meat and three vege. Each recipe is straightforward enough to prepare after work, and the ingredients can be found on the way home if they are not already lurking in the larder.
FAST FOOD: Tailored to help find a little breathing space in a hectic day, using minimum preparation to create a delicious meal with minimum preparation.
HOT FOOD: Warm your heart in more ways than one! Spicy curries, robust stews and toasty bakes are found in here.
FISH FOOD: In addition to 200 recipes, this book demystifies seafood with its vital information on preparation methods, such as scaling, gutting, boning and filleting fish, and cooking crustacea such as crayfish and lobster. Basic cooking methods such as panfrying, grilling, baking and deepfrying are also covered.
BBQ FOOD: For all barbecues and grills (be they woodfired, electric or gas) here lies 200 recipes that will expand the mind about eating outdoors: from burgers, salads, salsas and sides to kebabs, roasts and desserts.
SMALL FOOD: All about the entertaining, this book features dips, fritters, rolls and tartlets - each recipe designed for easy picking from the plate!
COOL FOOD: As the sun comes out for summer you will love this collection of salads, mousses and fruity frozen delights.
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