A new bride is not the only person who you can think of gifting a cookbook to. Instead, with production qualities improving and books targetted at everyone — from the bachelor who wants to impress his lady love by cooking up a meal to health food fanatics — these make for chic gifts for just about everyone.
Here is a selection from some luscious-looking books that have appeared on the shelves recently. Hope they’ll lend themselves to cooking as well!
Original organics
The Original Organics Cookbook by Kuntal Kumar (who used to be a chef at Ananda and is at present executive chef at the Hilton, Shillim, situated in the lap of nature two hours from Mumbai) is obviously meant for those interested in healthy living.
The book takes you into the world of fine-dining by giving you a selection of international recipes — using only organic products.
The recipes are in a user-friendly format so that even a beginner can be certain of good results, the steps are given in great detail and finally, there is a useful description of every herb used in this book. Published by TERI Press — fittingly printed on recycled paper. Rs 595.
Honey, honey
Dabur has just published an entire cookbook (printed and marketed by Brijbasi Art Press) focussing on cooking with honey. Everyday Cooking with Honey by Komal Taneja brings to you a cross-section of recipes — most of which are fairly simple and easy-to-do — all using honey instead of sugar.
Known as nature’s wonderfood, honey is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and is indeed a healthier alternative to the processed sugar we use. This book makes sure that you can cook dishes both for parties as well as everyday eating with honey. Rs 350.
Indian food with a goodlooking chef
Anjum Anand is a familiar face on the telly in the UK. Her BBC TV series on Indian food focusses on light and healthy cooking of traditional recipes, all of which use fresh, local ingredients (found in the UK, of course, but finding the same in India obviously should not be a problem).
This cookbook features all the recipes from the TV series and more. There are chapters on light snacks, meat and poultry, vegetables, beans and lentils, bread and rice and drinks and dessert.
On the whole, this one is, again, a fairly easy do-it-yourself guide, at many places simplifying the otherwise complicated and laborious processes involving Indian cooking.
There is also guidance on using different spices and a glossary demystifying unfamiliar ingredients. Ideal gifting for someone who has not strayed into the kitchen before — apart from your expat friends. £14.99.
Correct Chinese
The picture above is of Ching-He-Huang’s previous book which is a good pick-me up too. But the latest is Chinese Food Made Easy, featuring 100 simple recipes using easy-to-find ingredients.
Huang is one of the brightest stars in modern Chinese cooking in the UK. Each week in her BBC2 series, she re-invents popular Chinese dishes, modernising them with fresh, easy-to-buy ingredients and offering simple practical tips and techniques.
Drawing on the experiences of top chefs, her family and friends, and celebrity enthusiasts, Ching sets out to discover the best, beginning with familiar takeaway dishes — sweet and sour prawns et al. £8.49 at www.amazon.com.
