It might be Australian, but much of the sentiment and most of the recipes cross the ditch well. You'll find things like Anzac biscuits, steak and kidney pies, bread and butter puddings, and roast lamb and much more here.
• Robyn Martin, one of New Zealand's most prolific cookery writers, has another book out: Simply Delicious Recipes for Crockpots and Slow Cookers (Chanel and Stylus, pbk, $35).
Those who loved her earlier book, Best recipes for crockpots and slow cookers (2007), will enjoy this with its variety of recipes for succulent slow-cooked soups, stews, sauces, terrines, lentils and desserts.
• When times get tough it's nice to treat yourself and your family and friends to something delicious - something like a chocolate dessert - that won't make too much of a hole in your weekly food budget.
Heavenly Chocolate Desserts: Tarts, mousses, brownies and more is one of Ryland Peters and Small's series of cookbooks (pbk, $40). With hot and cold desserts, cheesecakes, cakes and slices, it's for chocolate lovers to drool over - I think the chocolate, almond and cardamom cake might be my treat this weekend.
• A young person about to go flatting will find Tiffany Goodall's From Pasta to Pancakes: The ultimate student cookbook (Quadrille, pbk, $30) a useful guide to cooking simple but tasty food.
With lots of photographs showing all the details, she demonstrates how to make everyday dishes like cauliflower cheese, burgers, jacket potatoes, risotto, shepherds pie, casseroles, curries and roast chicken, and offers lots of tips.
