The Cook’s Companion has established itself as the kitchen ‘bible’ in over 500,000 homes since it was first published in 1996. This massive volume changed my life and, if I am to believe the steady stream of letters and contacts with readers, the lives of many others. The 2014 revision includes two major new chapters, two expanded chapters, 70 new recipes and a complete revision of the text to reflect changes in the marketplace and new regulations.
The book contains information about ingredients, cooking techniques and kitchen equipment, along with inspiration, advice and encouragement and close to 1000 failsafe recipes. For each ingredient there is information on varieties, season, selection, storage, preparation and cooking, as well as recipes and quick cooking ideas.
I have been humbled by its reception. I am excited to think that maybe I have contributed something that has encouraged non-cooks to become cooks, men and boys to venture into the kitchen, good cooks to become more relaxed in their cooking, and perhaps most exciting of all, a work that speaks encouragingly to the very young.
Available from Booktopia and Angus & Robertson.
Signed copies available from the Kitchen Garden Foundation.