Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Alyce Alexandra, Viking, $39.99.
Australia’s thermo-cooking queen, Alexandra believes fresh cooking is a celebration of produce, centering the dish on whatever is at its seasonal best.
“It’s about real ingredients – foods that cultures have relied on for years that don necessitate long ingredient lists. Fresh is uncomplicated, because quality ingredients brought together simply is all you need.”
For Alyce, cooking almost always starts with the produce. It’s not just fresh, but it’s also about flavour! There’s “no rabbit food” in this cookbook. There are pastas, pizzas, cakes, curries, soups, sorbets, burgers, breads, dips, dumplings, salads, drinks, tarts and much more. Recipes cover all the meals in the day, and everything in between.
The diverse range of techniques include freezer-friendly meals, fermenting procedures, hearty dinners, baked goods, ways to use up leftovers, snacks for on-the-go, preserving methods, refreshing sweet treats, warming breakfasts and so much more.
Beautifully illustrated, the cookbook is loosely themed into the four seasons and features include an outline of the basics, dietary requirements, thermo cookers and terminology.
Alyce offers some interesting insights. Thai zucchini soup is fresh and light, and it’s a really handy addition to her quick-fix repertoire. Despite its simplicity, it’s bursting with taste.
For something different, you may feel dubious about the recipe for cauliflower pizza bases, but she promises you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how impressive the healthy cauliflower bases really are!
Spanakopita Cigars, may be a “little fiddlier than most” of her recipes, but the end result is worth the effort. “Every time I create one I am pleasantly surprised, which says a lot as I am always my own harshest critic!”
You’ll be eating healthier, saving money, wasting less and doing your bit for the environment with these quick and fuss-free recipes, which include options for vegetarian, vegan, dairy-and-gluten-free diets.
They are said to be delicious and nutritious, never-fail recipes for any brand of thermo cooker. That makes it quicker, easier and vastly more enjoyable.
