Culinary

Food writer Maria Speck s passion for propelling Old World staples such as farro, barley, polenta, and wheat berries to the forefront of new American cooking is beautifully presented in Ancient Grains for Modern Meals. In this inspired and highly personal book, Maria Speck draws on food traditions from across the Mediterranean and northern Europe to reveal how versatile, satisfying, flavorful, and sophisticated whole grains can be. ustic but elegant dishes--Creamy Farro with Honey-Roasted Grapes, Barley Salad with Figs and Tarragon-Lemon Dressing, Lamb Stew with Wheat Berries in Red Wine Sauce, and Purple Rice Pudding with Rose Water Dates--are sure to please discerning palates and become favorites in any whole grain repertoire. ood lovers and health-conscious home chefs alike learn how to integrate whole grains into their busy lives, from quick-cooking quinoa and buckwheat to the slower varieties such as spelt and Kamut. The stunning flavors and lively textures of whole grains are enhanced with natural ingredients such as butter, cream, and prosciutto--in moderation--to create lush Mediterranean-inspired recipes.

Juan Mari Arzak is the owner and chef of Arzak restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain, and was one of the first Spanish chefs to be awarded 3 Michelin stars. The restaurant is now rated 8th best in the world, and Juan's daughter Elena, who cooks with him, was voted best female chef in the world in 2012. They both studied with the great chefs of their day - Juan in France with Paul Bocuse and the Troisgros brothers; Elena with Alain Ducasse, Ferran Adria and Pierre Gagnaire. 'What we eat, how we eat, is in our culture,' says Elena, 'our signature cuisine is Basque. Our taste is from here. We were born here. We cook unconsciously with this identity.' Thus Arzak is considered to be one of the most influential masters of the New Basque cuisine, which has continued to have a major influence on international cuisine, particularly on such world renowned chefs as Ferran Adria, who took the techniques pioneered by Arzak to new heights. Originally published in Spanish and now available in English for the first time Arzak Secrets is THE behind the scenes recipe and technique book from the world famed restaurant.Gorgeously photographed, this volume is a glimpse at some of the secrets behind the dishes that have made the restaurant and chef famous. Arzak's kitchen is a laboratory for flavours, aromas and textures, and his dishes and techniques are revealed in this fascinating cookbook, which is not only for professionals looking for inspiration but for any dedicated cook committed to understanding the creative development and innovations behind this exceptional food. Colour illustrations

Lesley Russell has spent a lifetime as a professional cook, and cooking teacher. She was also the cook who set TMix+ magazine on its journey, as the magazines inaugural head chef. Throughout her career, she has been a wonderful pastry chef and baker. As Lesley writes: The smell of baking that permeates my house just cant be bought from any shop. For me, its the smell of nurturing, welcome, love and the smell of home. Her recipes for TMix+ have always been aimed at the home cook, while using the wizardry of the Thermomix to great advantage. As she writes in her introduction to Baking, The Thermomix is the bakers best friend. It can whip up a cake batter in no time and the knead function never fails to impress me. Baking includes more than 70 recipes, from simple biscuits and muffins to marvellous cakes, and a selection of breads that will turn any keen Thermomix user into a master bread maker.

Going back to basics, small breweries are using meticulous craftsmanship to create beers with rich taste. These beers represent a new authenticity and way of life. For some, beer has always been a treat for body and soul. Now, beer is establishing itself as the drink of choice among a hipper, cultured audience. "Brew it yourself" is more than a trend; it’s the credo of a new creative scene that has developed around beer and is questing for its lost taste. What began over 30 years ago with hobby brewers in the United States has today become an international movement with beer-loving adherents from Europe to South Africa. Small enterprises worldwide are combining fresh ideas with traditional methods to create outstanding craft beers. Their inspired experimentation has resulted in a growing range of products that are rekindling passion for the golden goodness. No matter how they are brewed or whether they feature special flavors or new production methods, these beers are all made for maximum drinking enjoyment for those with discerning tastes. Their packaging design is as characteristic as the beers themselves and includes striking labels or bottles with unusual shapes or colors. Barley & Hops gives beer connoisseurs a behind-the-kettles look at their favorite beverage —from its historical origins and regional distinctions to current developments. The book includes portraits of those who are united in their passion for craft beer, the brewing process, and creating something unique. Here, they share their personal stories of how they came to brew beer and, in the process, give insight into how beer is advancing our drinking culture today. The beers featured in Barley & Hops are not just meant to be drunk in a bar. Rather, the book introduces a range of brews with individual facets that lend themselves to different occasions —for example, a beer that makes a good aperitif, another that is recommended to be served with fish, and yet another for dessert It also includes a glossary with key beer-related terminology and recipes. Cheers!

Delicious DIY foods you can make at home. From granola and beef jerky to graham crackers and kimchi, this inspired collection features more than 60 easy-to-follow recipes for making many of your favourite foods from scratch.