COOK THE BOOKS

ON THE SIDE Ed Smith, Bloomsbury Publishing, $39.99

Humble old vegies, mash, rice, salad or even chips can star alongside the star main course with the help of this wonderful title from chef, blogger and foodie writer Ed Smith. The book offers a bounty of ways to partner proteins well beyond the usual vegie afterthoughts. Anchovy mashed potatoes, blue cheese leeks, tomato tonnato, butter-braised chicory, mac ‘n cheese and three-pepper rice are just a few. You’ll never be stuck for sides again.