Simple Pleasures by Annabel Langbein

Annabel Langbein's Simple Pleasures focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients. Image courtesy ABC Books.

'Sharing meals around the table has been a constant thread throughout human history and binds us to our families and communities. Growing, preparing and enjoying food together quickly gives us a sense of belonging and nourishment. ... In these simple pleasures we build good lives for ourselves and create memories to savour.'
                                                                                                                                        - Annabel Langbein

Award winning author, Annabel Langbein shares her passion for cooking and fresh seasonal through her books and television programs. Her philosophies include gems such as: a little kitchen alchemy creates food for the soul; the changing seasons bring new harvests to savour; a spirit of resourcefulness lives on in the country; sometimes simplicity is the ultimate luxury; fruit savoured at its peak makes your palate sing; and create happiness on a plate.

In her latest book, Simple Pleasures: The Free Range Cook, Ms Langbein shares some 150 recipes based on fresh seasonal ingredients from her kitchen garden. The chapters have self explanatory titles, and include From the Oven; From the Garden; From the Farm; From Lake and Sea; From the Orchard; and From the Larder. There's also a useful section on tips, tricks and terminology. In addition, there are 13 menus for stress-free entertaining. As an added bonus, Simple Pleasures is interactive with Ms Langbein′s website and there are QR codes on some recipes which link the reader to a video of the author making that recipe or providing tips for tricky techniques.

There are some beautiful recipes here, plenty to cook from and all accompanied by colourful, enticing photographs of food and countryside. Those who enjoy down to earth, honest cooking will greatly appreciate this book.

Simple Pleasures : The Free Range Cook by Annabel Langbein, $49.99 (ABC Books). Thank you to ABC Books and Annabel Langbein for giving me the opportunity to share this title.