Simple Pleasures by Julia Busuttil Nishimura

This cookbook is for the modern home cook, with easy, flavourful recipes that emphasise simplicity and enjoyment. Julia’s food draws on her Maltese heritage and her time living in Tuscany.  Dishes include delicious ginger-and-coriander one-pan chicken, spicy peanut and tofu noodles, and Moroccan eggplant and tomato salad. The book also includes a whole chapter devoted to desserts, including her classic chocolate mousse.

Julia shows how a well-stocked pantry and seasonal produce are all you need to cook well. She has a big emphasis on keeping things simple and flavourful.

Standouts in our house include:

• Summer zucchini lasagne – layered perfection!

• Fish with lemon, marjoram and potatoes – inspired by a Greek dish from Corfu.

• Miso pork and cabbage – a simple Japanese stir-fry dish.

• Nectarine, cucumber and feta salad – a beautiful salad to enjoy when fruit is in season.

• Blackberry iced buns – fluffy and not too sweet.

The production is slightly oversized, the photography is appealing and the recipes are delicious! Excellente!

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Plum