We’re marching into March with Maggie, and the April cookbook club selection might surprise you – there’s something different coming up, but there’s plenty to comfort as well.
February is finished, but I hope that Salamati introduced you to some new favourite flavours. March sees us going back to an old favourite, and the April cookbook club selection might surprise you, so read on.
I just know you’re all going to love Maggie’s Harvest, our March selection. It’s full of classic and accessible recipes from Australian food royalty, Maggie Beer. Divided into the four seasons, all of the key ingredients are listed alphabetically under each season, making it super-easy to find what you want to cook. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes out of everyone’s kitchen.
We’ve had some fun, and maybe just a little confusion at times, with Hamed’s Salamati recipes (and with his omelette technique), but it’s all been very tasty, I’m sure you’ll agree. Both Hamed and his co-author Dani Valent have been keeping an eye on the #lambsearscookbookclub Instagram posts, so please make sure you post the images there (using the hashtag) as well, whenever possible.
Speaking of images – check out some of the gorgeously fresh dishes that have been posted on the Lambs’ Ears Cookbook Club Facebook page by our enthusiastic members.
As I mentioned – the April cookbook club selection is a bit of a surprise. The first surprise is that I’ve opted for two books this month. The second, is that one of them is a cocktail book. There, I’ll bet you didn’t see that coming. ?
Strong, Sweet and Bitter, by Cara Devine (Hardie Grant Books, available from 5 April 2023), is a collection of cocktail recipes that caters to beginners and experienced mixologists alike. Sectioned by cocktail type, Cara takes us through the ‘flavour triangle’ of drink mixing, showing readers how to fashion a great drink from just about anything on hand. She also demonstrates how to build on those basics to create some classics, and shares the history of each drink – because we all love a story, don’t we!
Cara also has a popular YouTube series called “Behind the Bar” where you will find lots of her recipes and helpful information and instructions.
(This selection is meant to be fun and I understand that it won’t be for everyone.)
Our second April cookbook club selection is a book that definitely comes from my happy place – baking. First Cream the Butter and Sugar are words that sing to me and to any baking fiend, so I think the title of this publication by Emelia Jackson (Murdoch Books) is inspired.
Packed with advice for every level of home baker, Emelia breaks down the steps required to produce a great bake, and dispenses with unnecessary fussiness. Broken down into chapters on cakes, cookies, tarts etc, this book is packed with all the inspiration and guidance you’ll need to make a simple but cracker oat and raisin cookie (we adored these) or a dead posh opera cake – and everything in between.
Even if you’ve never baked before, I know you will find something in here to bring you baking confidence and joy – give it a go!
So, recapping 2023 so far –
Our whole year “cookbook” for 2023 will be delicious. – either the magazines or anything from their website.
April – Strong, Sweet and Bitter by Cara Devine, or First, Cream the Butter and Sugar by Emelia Jackson
Maggie’s Harvest by Maggie Beer
February – Salamati by Hamed Allahyari
January – More Fish, More Veg by Tom Walton
YOU CAN BUY ANY OF THESE COOKBOOKS AT ALL GOOD BOOKSHOPS, OR ONLINE AT BOOKTOPIA USING THE LINKS IN THIS POST. (IF PURCHASED VIA THESE LINKS, YOU WILL GET A GREAT PRICE AND I WILL RECEIVE A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE COST.)
If you would like to join us in the Lambs’ Ears Cookbook Club, check out my original post here, or just click on the “Cookbook Club” link at the top of the page.
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sherry
that’s good news as I already have Emelia’s book! Yes there were a few surprises with Salamati.