SUQAR,

GREG & LUCY MALOUF, HARDIE GRANT, H/B, $60

As famed Lebanese chef Greg Malouf says, “...nothing makes people’s eyes light up the way desserts do. Make no mistake about it, sweet things are purely about pleasure! Desserts nourish the soul, if not the body.” Although Lebanese meals usually end with fruit, not pudding, here Malouf draws upon the sweets and sugary indulgences of his childhood as well as the pastry techniques of his French training. The result is more than 100 puddings and pastries, ice creams, cookies, cakes, confectionary, fruity desserts and drinks – inspired by the flavours of the Middle East. Scheherazade ice creammeringue cakes are a delight of pistachio meringue, delicately perfumed nectarine sorbet, yoghurt cream and a scattering of sugared rose petals – a special occasion show stopper if ever there was one. Malouf again, “...let’s be honest, life would be very bleak without a touch of sweetness from time to time.” TW