The booklist
Spring is coming, as Mark Diacono’s pick of the best new books shows. Find seasonal inspiration, fresh recipes for entertaining and two explorations of Italian cuisine. Plus: the ultimate egg cookbook
Recipe I can’t wait to make:
Asparagus, hot-smoked trout and pea shoot tart (above).
I didn’t know that... Mackerel can swim at 10km/hour.
BOOK OF THE MONTH
SEASONING: HOW TO COOK AND CELEBRATE THE SEASONS
Writer and cook Angela Clutton’s third book explores the seasonality of over 50 fruit and veg. Those familiar with her award-winning The Vinegar Cupboard know she does a deep-dive brilliantly; to this we can add – as Rachel Roddy’s cover quote states – the ‘poetic and practical’. Each season includes a list of what’s at its best but also what’s on that season’s shoulders, where overlaps and culinary possibilities exist. The 75 recipes offer ideas for doing something different with the familiar: broccoli tempura with white miso mayonnaise, and kohlrabi and sprout winter slaw tasted every bit as good as they looked on the page. Beautifully photographed and illustrated, Seasoning is both a toolkit for delicious seasonal eating and a joy of a read.