Review : Winter on the Farm - Heartwarming Food for the Cold Months by Matthew Evans

Winter on the Farm by Matthew Evans, cover image courtesy Murdoch Books

Matthew Evans loves winter, in fact he adores it, evidenced by the introduction to his latest offering Winter on the Farm - Heartwarming Food for the Cold Months. "Winter is ... a time of hiberation, with less work to do in the garden and more excuses to pull up the pouf, get out the granny rug for the legs and read a book," he writes. Yeah Matthew, I'm hearing you!

Sitting down to read this book, I did feel the urge to snuggle into a woollen throw, crank up the heating and have a mug of spiced hot chocolate by my side. Fortunately, there's a lovely recipe for Spiced Hot Chocolate on pp 246-247. A combination of full cream milk, cinnamon, star anise, vanilla, good quality (70% cocoa) chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar and rice or potato flour. Matthew says the use of the light starch helps the chocolate to linger longer in the mouth. Use cream if you prefer, he adds.

Matthew Evans is not just a talented chef who loves his food, he's also a clever wordsmith. His seductive text and recipes cover Sleep-in-Food, Substantial Soups, Sturdy Dishes, Rib-sticking Meals, Winter Vegetables, Puddings and things to eat while drinking tea (you are my kinda person!!), and finally Hot Drinks and a Nibble. Definitely one to add to the collection.

Photographer Alan Benson's stunning images capture winter on the farm at its best and bring every dish to life, further whetting the reader's appetite. Winter on the Farm - Heartwarming Food for the Cold Months by Matthew Evans (Murdoch Books, $49.99). Thank you to Murdoch Books for giving me the opportunity to review this title.