For those who avoid the non-fiction

I love to learn new things. Learning crafty things, especially - particularly now, with the new crazes on handmade gifts and items and the amount of craft blogs everywhere. Crafting is cool now, and more than once have I made goals to start 'learning how to _____' - it will probably happen again for this New Years.

I am always looking at the latest craft books, and admiring the handmade quilts on pinterest or being envious of my friend who just recently made her first bar of soap (and not from other soap shavings, like you do in Tech at high school, but with all the fandangled techniques and the big cutty wire thing and lye).

However, though it pains me to admit it, I can't read a non-fiction how-to book to save my life.

Oh, I can read, of course. And I know what the words say. I know what all the words mean, separately, but put together in a string like that, it turns into a jumble of nonsense that makes my head hurt. I have to put the book down and am thus left without a clue how to make a handmade tea cosey.

 
Now, there are ways to get around this, of course. With an abundance of tutorials on almost anything on youtube, there is a video to help get you through whatever you so desire. I bound my very first book (which I made for a friends 21st gift. I was very proud) by watching a very lovely, slow and simple tutorial (this coptic stitch tutorial by Sea Lemon). But even then, sometimes, I just can't stand hearing someone tell me how to do something. I've listened to other tutorials before as well, and half of them just drove me crazy. 

Until I found a perfect little book that was just my speed.

That book was My first crochet book : 35 fun and easy crochet projects for children aged 7+.Using that book, along with my mothers careful instruction and company, I began to crochet. It was amazing - the pictures helped me to understand and it was in such simple language (not that dastardly jargon) that anyone would probably be able to follow the steps. My mind was blown, and before long I had a little bundle of crocheted-something that I was again, very proud of. It's wonky, and missing a few stitches, and overall a general failure as any kind of usable item, but it was my first step into a world of crafts I might actually be able to do.

Since then, some others I've come across include this baking cookbook, and these books about gardening, cooking, embroidery and sewing - so many things I've always wanted to try my hand at but always been put off by intimidating tutorials and books. 

When you have a short attention span like me, I guess it just pays sometimes to be more open-minded about where you get your information from... The important thing is to understand and learn - no matter how you do it or how simple or silly it feels. If one of your New Years Resolutions is to be more crafty or good with your hands, these could help - so get crackin' with these handy dandy kids books (which just happen to be, of course, suitable for actual children as well).

Not Your Usual New Year Resolutions

New Year Resolutions are hard.  Really hard. And every year we break them.  So it's time that we throw the usual resolutions out the window and opt for resolutions that are a little more realistic.... or at the very least attainable

1.  Eat what you like when you like especially if it comes in a mug (see yesterday's post Can't Cook Won't Cook for some inspiration)
2.  If you want cereal for lunch then have cereal for lunch... and dinner too.  Because cereal is the ultimate comfort food
3. Try a boozy shake. Go on I dare you

4.  Paint your nails a different colour... every week
5.  Embrace your inner mad cat lady (see post Purr, Purr, Meow, Meow for all the cat books you could possibly want)
6.  Take up a craft.  Whether it's making friendship bracelets or Pride and Prejudice characters or pixel blankets.  Just think of all the gifts you'll be able to give your friends.
7.  Follow Shona Rhimes example and say yes to something at least once a week
8.  Clean out the clutter... you're going to need room for all those gnomes
9. Drink at least one cup of tea day.  Even better try a tea cocktail (see post The Elixir of Life)

And finally...

10. Read all the books mentioned in this blog post and all the others.

Can't Cook Won't Cook

I love food.

Unfortunately for me I am the world's worst cook.  Trust me. You don't want me anywhere near your kitchen or your oven or any kitchen appliance that makes beeping noises.  If it can be burnt, flattened or fall apart I'm your man... well woman really.

So as you can imagine cooking is pretty much off my agenda.  Occasionally though I am filled with the sudden yearning to make something, anything really, as long as it tastes yummy and requires very little cooking.

You can guess then how thrilled I am that there are now a plethora of cookbooks made for someone just like me.  Books that require very little, if any, cooking.  Books that are filled with yummy delicious easy recipes that even a bad cook like me can fail at... *cross fingers*

And don't get me started on mug cookbooks. Because yes there is a God and she's a woman who hates to cook as much as me.  Mug cookbooks are the best.  Seriously.  You just have to try them out. Because once you do you won't want to cook any other way.

Mmm do I smell something burning....

Review: One Pot Cooking by Richard Till [Jan]

There are over 60 easy recipes for busy people to throw together quickly after a busy day.  They use the minimum of pots and pans to cut down on mess and the dishes are easy to make with minimal effort while being tasty and nutritious.  The recipes are only base starting points to creating dishes; you are urged to add your own ingredients and touches to the dish.

The recipes are divided into sections, soup, beef, seafood, etc....., with most accompanied by stunning photos of the dish.  The layout of the recipes is attractively pleasing, with step by step instructions given.  I was confused by a word or two; I’m not sure if it was a mistake in proof-reading or because I’m a novice cook.  It’s an easy guide to follow though and I have tried quite a few already.

Instructions are given on how to make your own dough and dumplings instead of buying it, which may be handy for those with dietary requirements.  To make the Crayfish Cabbage Rolls though, instructions are given on how to properly kill a crayfish.  I’m sure there are many out there who wouldn’t turn a hair but I’m not one and I felt a little queasy.

It is a handy guide of quick, simple dishes and useful for anyone to have in their kitchen.  I recommend it for students or anyone who has just gone flatting.  It will build up cooking skills as it increases confidence in the kitchen.


Title: One Pot Cooking
Author: Richard Till
Published: HarperCollins, 2013
Reviewer: Jan

Munch munch munch, crunch crunch crunch, slurp slurp slurp

Food.

At this time of year it's everywhere.  There are work-dos, barbeque's, Christmas parties, Christmas Day lunch.. The list, it seems, is never-ending and of course, as is usual at this time of year, there are a plethora of cookbooks, books on cooks and cooks on books... or something like that.

As a foodie... well someone who loves food anyway, I love looking through cookbooks, especially ones with lots of lovely coloured photos. I mean you just have to see what all the dishes look like, don't you?  I know I do.  I also know that it makes me wish I could have my very own chef.  Someone who'll cook all the lovely recipes as I point them out and say that please.

Sadly I don't yet have the financial means to hire a personal chef but I can still dream...

The pioneer woman cooks : a year of holidays : 140 step-by-step recipes for simple, scrumptious celebrations / Ree Drummond

"The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays is an all-out celebration of the scrumptious, mouthwatering recipes that define our favorite occasions throughout the year."

I'm all for supporting a sassy red head who can cook.  After all, us red heads have to stick together....

Mary Berry's Christmas collection : over 100 of my fabulous recipes and tips for a hassle-free festive season.

"In Mary Berry's Christmas Collection Mary combines all her favourite winter recipes with a selection of new mouthwatering dishes to give us not only the time-honoured traditional roast turkey and classic Victorian Christmas cake, but also a variety of new and exciting food ideas for the festive period."

Nadia Lim's good food cook book : simple, healthy & delicious food for busy people / Nadia Lim.

"Simple, healthy and delicious food for busy people from dietitian Nadia Lim. Well-known for her excellent healthy recipes which always work for the home cook, Nadia presents this new collection of carefully thought-out meals you can cook for breakfast, lunch and dinner."

Bluebell's cakery / Karla Goodwin ; photography by Kate Grewal.

"A truly beautiful book of baking recipes - picture-perfect cupcakes, cakes, biscuits, slices and more - with a special section on high teas. Indulge your inner romantic with these traditional home baking recipes, made with good-quality fresh ingredients and given a vintage look." 

The Revive Cafe cookbook. 3

"Following on from the first two Revive cookbooks, this book features even more healthy and delicious recipes. Inside you will find enlarged sweet and soup sections and a new breakfast section."

The next time your in Auckland pay a visit to Revive Cafe.  Trust me their food is awesome and even better it's good for you.  Just my kind of food really.

Eat in : the best food is made at home / Anna Gare

"As a host on Australian Junior MasterChef and host of Great Australian Bake-Off, Anna Gare knows a thing or two about balancing busy days with eating well. In her new book, Eat In, she brings together her favourite collection of recipes. Anna gives plenty of hints and tips for shopping, meal planning and store cupboard standby."

I don't cook.  But if I did I might just work my way through most of these recipes.

Delicious : love to cook : 140 simply delicious recipes to share / Valli Little 

"Sharing good food with family and friends is one of life's great pleasures, but it's easy to become stuck in the daily routine and lose your passion. LOVE TO COOK is designed to help you discover (or rediscover) the joy of spending time in the kitchen and at the table."

Another book from the people at Delicious magazine and one that's bound to become a favourite.

River Cottage fruit every day! / Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

"With 180 delicious recipes, River Cottage Fruit Every Day! will show you how to enjoy a broader eating experience and make fruit easy, fun and irresistible."

I adore fruit.  Especially at this time of year.  There's strawberries, blackberries, plums and apricots and most importantly - cherries.  Which I love and which I have been known to eat a great many of.  Like a bag.  Every day.     

30 years at Ballymaloe : a celebration of the world-renowned cookery school with over 100 new recipes / Darina Allen.

"30 years at Ballymaloe is a fascinating insight into the cookery school, as well as being a history of food over the past thirty years, from a time when Darina couldn't get anything other than pre-packaged, grated Parmesan cheese to one where a local producer makes his own mozzarella."

And finally, something just a little bit different but still food related...
  
The dirty chef : from big city food critic to foodie farmer / Matthew Evans.

"The funny, heart-warming and at times exhausting behind-the-scenes story of Matthew Evans' transformation from high-profile food critic to television's Gourmet Farmer."
 
Under a mackerel sky : a memoir / Rick Stein.

"From the entrepreneurial days of his mobile disco, the Purple Tiger, to his first, unlikely unlikely nightclub where much of the time was spent breaking up drink-fuelled fights, Rick charts his personal journey in a way that is both wry and perceptive; engaging and witty."

Digital Eats

I have been browsing through our digital library recently. There is SO MUCH in there. It's a bit like Alice's rabbit hole. My most recent discovery has been on the digital media site Overdrive Media.

On a whim, I began searching for some of the books that I have on hold and have been waiting for for some time.

AND THEY WERE THERE! In e-Book format, which normally I wouldn't use because I don't have an e-Reader (yet..Christmas is coming up...*hint hint*). But! The most wonderful thing is that I can read them on my computer (in my browser or in an e-Reader programme), or even on my phone!

This really works out wonderfully for me because the books I was looking at are vegan, gluten-free, and other allergen friendly recipe books! So I can set up my computer or phone in the kitchen with these books on them and start cooking and baking up a storm!

I am a huge fan of cooking and baking, especially experimenting with vegan and gluten-free recipes. I am so excited to have these readily available for me, rather than having to wait for months! Some of them I did have to put a hold on, but with the digital copy I was 1 out of 1 holds instead of 18 out of 25 or something! It's a pretty great deal.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Bread

Gluten-Free and Vegan Holidays

Vegan Pizza

Gluten-Free and Vegan Pie

Stalking the catalogue: Movie dinners - Reel recipes from your favourite films

"A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chanti."
- Sir Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs

This isn't just any ordinary cookbook. Oh, no sir, it's not. In fact...

"Let us get one thing straight here: The delectable dishes celebrated in this book are not available at your local multiplex cinema concession stands. Gloopy nachos and fluffy hotdogs are not what this book is about. These lovingly made recipes are for those movie moments that made you look away from the popcorn bucket, and up at the big screen and think 'Ooh, I bet that tastes amazing.!'
 - Becky Thorn in Movie Dinners

Bridget Jones' Diary had blue soup. A Fish Called Wanda had fish ceviche. Diner had poutine. American Pie had apple pie. Blazing Saddle had rude baked beans. Sweeney Todd had meat pie. (In a word: UGH). Garfield had lasagna. Annie Hall had lobster. Fatal Attraction had rabbit stew. Lost? Thorn's Movie Dinners is a cookbook of the strangest kind in that it contains recipes from big screen movies. Is it just me, or does that seem like a win/win situation? Food. And drink. (Including a velvet hammer from Cocktail, although I'm not so in love with the idea of a chocolate martini or a 'a horse's neck,' WHAT EVEN IS THAT?). And film. And dessert. WIN. And yes, before you ask, you will find a recipe here for liver, fava beans (and a nice Chianti) because no self-respecting movie cookbook would be without it. (Although EWW I'm not eating it).

If strange cookbooks with a rather unusual theme are your kind of schtick, look no further than here. Allons-y.

Title: Movie dinners: Reel recipes from y our favourite films
Author: Becky Thorn
Publisher: London: Portico, 2010

Summer Reads for Kiwis

Being a kiwi is a pretty great thing.

I count myself fortunate that I live in a country were the water is clean, the air fresh and I'm surrounded by beauty everywhere I look.

I do not have to dodge bullets as I walk the streets or wear a veil from head to foot.

I have the freedom to live where I want, how I want and do (within reason) pretty much what I want; all without the fear that I am going to be thrown into jail or worse, executed.

It's true we have our problems as a country but on the whole we are far luckier than a great many others.  So in celebration of all things kiwi, the little things that make who we are, the quirky, the weird and the wonderful here are just a few books that capture that kiwi essence.

New Zealand weather : captured through the camera lenses of New Zealanders / [Jim Hickey].

"A compilation of New Zealand's distinctive and sometimes wild and dramatic seasonal weather images, with comments and descriptions from the country's longest-serving television weatherman, Jim Hickey." 

The weather seems to hold a fascination for kiwi's, perhaps because it has such a significant impact on our environment and how we live our life's.  My Dad certainly never missed the weather report at the end of the news and seemed to be fascinated by all things weather related.  This would of been the perfect book for him.

The heart of our game : players and personalities in New Zealand rugby / Steve Hale.

"From former and current players to lifelong, one-eyed rugby fans and coaches, The Heart of our Game tells, in modern Kiwi-speak, just what the game of rugby means to us today."

Rugby and New Zealand seem to go hand-in-hand, so much part of our identity that it is.  Even I have taken a half-hearted interest in time to time.  This is one for fans everywhere.

Great kiwi firsts / Astral Sligo.

"Our fern may be silver but we Kiwis love to take that gold medal spot. First to give women the vote, first to climb Mount Everest, first to split the atom. Great Kiwi firsts combines the great, the good and the just plain crazy in a compendium of Kiwi ingenuity and inspiration with just a touch of oddball."

A touch of oddball sounds just like my kind of thing so this book is going on my TBR (To Be Read) pile.

Home & away : award-winning travel stories by New Zealand writers / selected and edited by Graeme Lay.

"Travel is in the Kiwi bloodstream: whether bound for Kaiwaka or Kowloon, we have an insatiable appetite for living out of a suitcase and, in select cases, writing about it. The stories in this anthology span not only every continent but also the homeland, proving you don't have to go far to discover distance."

Kiwi's are some of the great travelers of the world and this book celebrates just a few of those amazing journeys.

Urban chicks : celebrating backyard chooks in the city / Trevor Newman and Renée Lang.

"This publication features a selection of Aucklanders - some well-known, others less so - who have chosen to keep chickens in the suburbs."

I had a chicken when I was little.  She was a black hen and her name was Christine.  She also scared the living daylights out of me, though in hindsight she was probably just as afraid of me as I was of her.  Why I named her Christine I have no idea

The power of us : New Zealander's who dare to dream

"This book is a celebration of 50 New Zealanders who are extraordinary in their own fields, both locally and internationally."

New Zealanders have done amazing things.  Perhaps this sense of adventure and the desire to push ourselves come's from the pioneer spirit of our ancestor's or perhaps it's our isolation from the rest of the world that makes us strive to do the impossible.  Either way, we continue to show the world what you can truly achieve with just a little bit of determination and daredevil spirit.

A fabled land : the story of Canterbury's famous Mesopotamia Station / Bruce Ansley.

"The historic Mesopotamia Station is located in mid-Canterbury at the headwaters of the magnificent Rangitata gorge.  Author Bruce Ansley has brilliantly captured the spirit of this great sheep station: from the early pioneers who first braved its harsh winters and searing summers to the ingenuity and drive of the present-day owners, the Prouting family."

Back to the land : a year of country gardening / Lynda Hallinan

"Gardening guru Lynda Hallinan shares with characteristic wit and good humour a full year of her gardening eploits."

Just as the weather and rugby are a big feature of what makes us kiwi's, so is our love of the land.  Whether it's a spiritual thing or something more basic as the enjoyment of just getting our hands dirty, the land holds something for all of us.

On song : stories behind New Zealand pop classics / Simon Sweetman.

"On Song is a journey through New Zealand's diverse pop landscape. Featuring conversations with the many writers and performers of beloved Kiwi classics that illuminates the fascinating stories behind the pop songs we all know and love."

Counting the beat, Victoria, Rust In My Car - these are the songs of my teenage years.  Foot-tapping, head popping songs that I listened to on my cassette deck (yes before CD's had even been heard of), while driving around with friends on warm summer days, heading to who knows where.  Just thinking about them makes me want to go on a road trip...

Secrets & treasures : our stories told through the objects at Archives New Zealand / Ray Waru.

"The bizarre jostles with the extremely significant in the almost 100 kilometres of holdings in Archives New Zealand. The thousands of boxes contain all sorts of treasures and secrets, including such intriguing items as: a rare letter written by Captain Cook; records of secret weapons; exotic gifts to our Prime Ministers; grisly exhibits from murder trials; sightings of UFOs. This book delves into the archives to tell a very human story of New Zealand."

High Country legacy : four generations of Aspinalls at Mt Aspiring Station / Alex Hedley.

"Mt Aspiring Station is set in the craggy backblocks of Otago, between Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. The Aspinall family have farmed in this tough and unforgiving environment — on slopes so steep that horses cannot climb — since 1920."

I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to live in a place like Mt Aspiring Station.    Isolated and remote, it must also be incredibly beautiful and awe inspiring.

Food heroes / Simon Farrell-Green ; photography by Duncan Innes.

"A celebration of a remarkable group of producers and growers who are returning to artisan methods to create some of New Zealand's best food and finest quality ingredients. In doing so they are changing the way we shop and eat. Embracing a time when the grower grew food, took it to market, then sold it, the 20-plus [people] profiled in this book are dedicated to providing the best-possible food products for New Zealanders to eat and cook with."

The Kiwi ute driver's guide to life / Steve Holmes.

"Kiwis and utes go together like fish and chips. But what is it about the ute that has caught the attention of so many car enthusiasts Down Under? Join Steve Holmes as he profiles over 50 Kiwis and their utes, presented in full colour."

I don't drive but looking at some of these ute's almost makes me wish that I did.  I can see it now, me driving behind the wheel of a brightly coloured, old fashioned ute, the windows down so I can feel the breeze whizzing pass and the stereo turned up loud playing a selection of classic kiwi rock hits.

Road trip anyone? 

5 book titles to make you laugh (and then request them)

I'm pretty sure I'm a nice person. What's more, I think I'm a nice person who is capable of great philosophical thought. You just have to dig down deep. Like WAY down deep. When you hit the cold lump of coal that should be my heart, keep going. In fact, bring a shovel and a miner's hat. (Leave the canary at home, that's just cruel). I am all about the laughs because, as most people who know me know, I not-so-secretly possess a juvenile sense of humour. I forever watch terrible movies that are overladen with toilet humour and the worst puns ever. What's worse is I then con other people into watching them with me. And I'm that way about books, too. I'm forever making lists when I come across book titles that amuse me. What is the point of such titles if you cannot hold them up to people and say "THIS! THIS!" And so, here's my list of "THIS! THIS!" for today: 5 book titles to make you laugh (and then request them).

Planning your summer feasts #3

Celebrating three awesome Auckland eateries who've launched cookbooks this year. These books also give you a behind-the-scenes look at the experiences of those visionaries who set out to do something a little bit different in the Auckland foodie scene.

A life at Mudbrick : stories and recipes from Waiheke's famous Mudbrick Vineyard and restaurant by Robyn Jones. Over 20 years ago, Robyn & Nick Jones planted a small vineyard on Waiheke Island. This book details their journey and shares award-winning recipes from Mudbrick.

La Cigale : recipes and stories from the family who brought a slice of France to New Zealand by Elizabeth Lind. If you've not yet had the pleasure of perusing the French-style markets in Parnell, then you're missing a real treat. Get yourself along to experience a slice of France here in Auckland.

The Engine Room : No. 115 eatery by Natalia Schamroth and Carl Koppenhagen. Based in Northcote Point, this restaurant has become a drawcard for foodies across Auckland. My highlights from the cookbook include Ricotta Gnocchi with tomato basil sauce, Balinese Pork Belly with Tumeric Rice & Tamarind Salad and Salted caramel & chocolate tart.

Treat yourselves to a little bit of decadence & difference this Christmas, try out some of the delicious recipes on offer in these books. Be inspired by the people who've taken a different path to create the foodie magic.

Planning your summer feasts #2

I can't go past planning for easy & delicious summer feasts without reaching for cookbooks written by Annabel Langbein.

In my opinion, Annabel Langbein is New Zealand's answer to Nigella Lawson. Annabel makes the recipes all seem completely do-able, no matter what your level of cooking ability is. She combines down-to-earth ingredients, with an occasional dash of unusual ingredients, to conjure up amazing feasts. She has nearly 20 cookbooks to her name, as well as the recent Free Range Cook TV series.

Her latest cookbook, Simple pleasures : the free range cook, features several recipes that I want to try out at upcoming summer BBQs, including Corn & Israeli Couscous Salad. If you're a fan of Pinterest, visit Annabel's page for ideas & photos to inspire you. You can also check out her website for more food ideas as well.

And with a tip of the hat to Nigella (since Whittakers have featured her in their recent TV promotions), I'm going to recommend Whittaker's passion for chocolate as the go-to present for all the chocoholics in your life. They will love you for it.

Planning your summer feasts #1

With summer heading our way, and various holiday plans being hatched, now is the perfect time to pour over the cookbooks, plan some easy-to-put-together meals, write a shopping list, and maybe even think about giving great cookbooks for holiday presents.

I'm going to tempt you over the coming weeks with delights from some new Kiwi cookbooks.

Peter Gordon : everyday

I've long been a fan of Peter Gordon's food, so I was very happy to read through this one and be inspired several times over. The recipe for Banana and Coconut Fritters with Passionfruit Sauce is definitely on my list of recipes to try out this summer.

My favourite section of the books has to be Tea Trolley & Desserts. I'll be trying out Chocolate Ganache and Membrillo Tart with PX Cream (though I probably won't make my own sweet short-crust pastry) and Strawberry & Ginger-Beer Jellies.

The Food truck cookbook by Michael Van de Elzen.

I thoroughly enjoyed the TV series earlier in 2012 (the DVD is currently on order) , so am eagerly awaiting to get my hands on a copy of the book so that I can recreate some of the healthier versions of takeaways and fast food.

Let's see what I can tempt you with next week ...