Food of love

Whether it’s a pie to say ‘hi’, a casserole to signal ‘thinking of you’ or biscuits that mean ‘thanks for inviting me’, Sophie Hansen’s new book celebrates the joy of cooking for friends

Dishes to feast on with friends and family

‘COOKING FOR ANOTHER – be it a full meal or a jar of biscuits – is the most thoughtful act of all. It shows someone that you care enough to set aside Sunday morning to make a chicken pie for them.’ Over the years, the Australian food writer Sophie Hansen has baked pies, constructed glorious tarts and whipped up cakes for friends and family ‘in the best and worst of times’, to mark some of ‘life’s big moments’, but some of the most joyful have been the occasions when her nearest and dearest come together for lunch – simply because the weather is favourable.

Her new cookbook celebrates those dishes, such as the home-made tarts that can be the core offering of an al fresco spread, but also a handy idea to give to someone as an instant meal (they are freezable straight after making). Two colourful dips with crunchy vegetables or seedy crackers for dunking are easy to transport, while a jar of sweet-pickled strawberries is delicious eaten with hard, strong cheese, ice cream or a simple almond cake. A cool box or chiller bag will keep squares of frozen raspberry, orange and cashew slices at their best for the feast. ‘While fancy food can be fun,’ Hansen explains, ‘wholehearted food is what we truly crave,’ encouraging us to ‘take pleasure in the process as much as the end result’. And when the end result is a warm-weather gathering, happiness is guaranteed.

A Basket by the Door, by Sophie Hansen, is out now (Murdoch Books, £18.99). Order yours for £16.99 at books. telegraph.co.uk or call 0844-871 1514

Left Fresh produce and a relaxed outdoor setting are central to Sophie Hansen’s favourite lunch recipes