Cookbook Review: Best New Releases

We round up some of the best new releases worth adding to your bookshelf.

La Latina – Grace Ramirez
You might recognise the author of La Latina – Venezuela-raised, New York-based chef Grace Ramirez was a judge on My Kitchen Rules NZ, during a recent three-year stint living in New Zealand. Although she has since returned to New York, her colourful culinary legacy remains in the form of her first cookbook, produced with local publishers Penguin Random House New Zealand. 

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but in La Latina’s case, its vibrant, festive jacket is a good indication of what’s in store. The book is a celebration of the many cultures and cuisines of Latin America, and it’s full of punchy, fresh ingredients and exciting flavour combinations.  

Rather than dividing by countries, the chapters cover meal types – starting with Grains & Soups and finishing with Fiestas. They include the traditional dishes of Ramirez’s Venezuelan childhood – such as cachapas (corn pancakes stuffed with buffalo mozzarella), Latin American favourites like tamales, empanadas and ceviche, and her own Latin-inspired creations, like Duck Breast with Guava and Wild Berry Sauce.

Helpfully, the cookbook has been created with New Zealand readers in mind, so all the recipes feature ingredients that are available locally. Anyone looking for inspiration to throw a margarita-fuelled fiesta will find La Latina to be an invaluable resource.  

Penguin Random House NZ – RRP$60 (hb)

East – Leanna Kitchen & Antony Suvalko
When Leanne Kitchen and Antony Suvalko close their eyes, they like to transport themselves east – to Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam – places where they have travelled and been enticed by the cuisine and culture. 

East is the second book from the pair (Kitchen is a chef, food writer and photographer in Australia, while Auckland-based Suvalko creates smartphone apps on food destinations) following last year’s release The Real Food of China. 

East brings together some of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated dishes, beginning with pickles, pastes, sambals and sauces, and moving on to snacks, soups, curries and more. From Javanese fish cakes and Vietnamese shaking beef to Malaysian fried chicken and Thai palm sugar cake, East takes us on a whirlwind culinary tour through the exciting sights, tastes and smells of Southeast Asia. 

Hardie Grant Books – RRP$39.95 (hb)

A Year of Practiculture – Rohan Anderson
A few years ago, Rohan Anderson did something many of us fantasize about and left his city desk job in search of a simpler life.  Now, in a small town in Victoria, Anderson grows, hunts, fishes and forages; documenting his experience on his popular food blog, Whole Larder Love. 

In his second book, A Year of Practiculture, Anderson shares the story of a year of his life – including victories and failings, philosophical musings and many recipes for the dishes he feeds his family. 

These are simple, rustic and seasonal, including dishes like rabbit and chorizo burgers and smoky bacon and snails. Apart from the food, a highlight is Anderson’s amusing and intelligent writing, which he uses to tackle issues surrounding our modern food system in a no-nonsense style. Practical and inspiring, this book will appeal to anyone who likes the idea of living closer to nature.

Hardie Grant Books – RRP$49.95 (hb) 

The Cook & Baker – By Cherie Bevan & Tass Tauroa
At a time when sugar and gluten are often banished, it’s an increasingly rare treat to see a book with custard doughnuts, brioche scrolls and pastry tarts gracing the cover. 

The first cookbook from New Zealand-born Bondi-based café owners Cherie Bevan and Tass Tauroa,  The Cook and Baker is a celebration of good old-fashioned baking, just like grandma used to make. Well, almost. 

Traditional recipes have been adapted to reflect contemporary tastes, but the lamingtons sure look like lamingtons. Recipes for fat jam melting moments, ginger crunch and caramel fudge are sure to evoke nostalgia, while a few recipes – such as a salted caramel slice, red velvet cake and even gluten-free raw brownies – are thoroughly modern. 

Described by the authors as “fool-proof” this book would make a great addition to the shelves of new and seasoned bakers alike. 

Murdoch Books – RRP $44.99 (hb)

Rick Stein: From Venice to Istanbul – Rick Stein

The latest book from TV presenter, restaurateur and master of seafood, Rick Stein, is inspired by the flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean. Rick Stein: From Venice to Istanbul accompanies the BBC series of the same name, and takes us from the restaurants of Venice to the aromatic street stalls of Turkey and beyond.  

Over 100 recipes discovered by Rick on his travels are presented here, divided into chapters such as Mezze, Street Food, Meat and Desserts.

It’s food that inspires feasting with friends: start with a mezze spread of smoky baba ganoush, pide and halloumi drizzled with honey and oregano, move on to slow-cooked chicken with apricots and almonds, and finish with a Dalmatian fresh fig tart. 

Guaranteed to inspire wanderlust, the recipes are accompanied by vibrant photography of beautiful Croatia, Venice and Istanbul. 

Penguin Random House NZ – RRP$65 (hb)

Naked Cakes – Lyndel Miller

For the last few years, naked cakes (cakes that forego an outer layer of icing to reveal layers and fillings) have been all the rage. Usually tiered and embellished with fresh fruit and flowers, they have a rustic, bohemian appeal. 

For anyone who fancies creating these cakes at home, Naked Cakes by Australian food stylist Lyndel Miller is an excellent resource. Inside you’ll find recipes for over a dozen bases, information on how to make fillings, buttercreams and frosting and instructions for making 13 of Miller’s ‘queens’ – her all-time favourite naked cakes. Standouts include a lemon and rosemary cake crowned with ornamental kale, a coconut and limoncello cake with honey buttercream and lemon curd, and a cardamom cake topped with spiced syrup and candied oranges. 

Miller also has advice on using fruit, flowers and herbs and offers styling inspiration for various themed parties, such as ‘Bohemian Dessert Party’, a vibrant Mexican fiesta and a baby shower.  

Murdoch Books – RRP$55 (hb)