FOOD FORAYS

The Hot Chicken Project Aaron Turner Hardie Grant Books

Victorian chef Aaron Turner had the enviable job of travelling to the home of fried chicken – Nashville, USA – and testing all the fried chicken he could find. Turner has been obsessed with the dish his whole life and the book is part love letter, part pilgrimage. It includes 40 recipes so you can recreate the dishes yourself.

Vegan Japan Easy Tim Anderson Hardie Grant Books

At the other end of the scale, Londonbased chef Tim Anderson tries to convince us that the country that gave us salmon sashimi can do vegan. And surprisingly, he does an OK job. Think mushroom ramen with vegetables and fried tofu, Cauliflower Katsu Curry and Vegetable Tempura.

Beatrix Bakes Natalie Paull Hardie Grant Books

Back in this writer’s favourite space – the one where cakes and sweets are plentiful – is Beatrix Bakes by Natalie Paull. Among the more than 70 recipes that will satisfy any sweet tooth are Pecan Maple Cinnamon Scrolls, Lemon Curd Cream Crepe Cake and Chocolate Caramel Bars with a salty sprinkle. Happy days.