Clayton Swanepoel

Blogging has changed the way the world looks at publishing and writing. What’s fantastic is that as a result we have access to rich personalities and recipes we may not have had access to otherwise.

Sarah Graham is one such individual. Her debut recipe book, Bitten, is a way for anyone who loves food but knows little about cooking to learn to prepare and to enjoy some delicious food.

“I have spent countless hours in the kitchen indulging in this passion, and blogging about it,” Graham says. “So this book is an extension of my delight in sharing my discoveries and my conviction that anyone can cook delicious, wholesome food.”

What’s fantastic about this book are the helpful hints and tips provided for kitchen newbies. The first few pages contain glossaries of basic cooking terms in language anyone with a mild grasp of English can comprehend. It also contains a kitchen and baking starter kit providing a list of equipment and ingredients you need to get started.

The recipes have been tried and tested by Graham and have her husband and resident taster, Rob’s, seal of approval.

The recipes are a mixed bag of homely, comforting eats that will make your palate sing with delight.

The book is broken into different food categories, namely: brunch, afternoon tea, nibbles, salad, soups, chicken, meat, seafood, pastas and risottos, sides and desserts.

What I love about the recipes is that they are really not very complicated, with most of them not having more than six or seven steps.

A quirky addition to the end of the book is Graham’s addition of a list of meals for a month, which takes the fuss out of deciding on recipes.

Not only does the book contain delicious recipes but it’s also a genuine treat for your eyes. Gorgeous photography and matt varnish pages make this a collectable item that would make the perfect gift for loved ones.

“In our kitchen we are never alone,” Graham says. “We have memories, happy and sad. My love for food is inextricably bound to the pleasures of friendship and great company.”

Extracted form Bitten, by Sarah Graham (Random House Struik):

Why-he-married-me bacon pasta

What you’ll need:

• 250g pasta• 3 tbsp olive oil + more for drizzling

• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

• 1 tsp dried chilli flakes

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped

• 250g bacon, chopped

• 2x 410g cans chopped, peeled tomatoes

• 2 tbsp chutney or sweet chilli sauce

• 1 cup chopped courgettes

• 1-2 tsp freshly ground black peppe

r• ½ cup cream or plain yoghurt

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley

What to do:

1. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, drain, drizzle with olive oil and set aside.

2. Heat the 3 tbsp olive oil in a pot and brown onion, chilli, coriander and garlic.

3. Add the bacon and brown that too, before adding the tomatoes and chutney or sweet chilli sauce.

4. Bring to the boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken and changes to a rich brick-red colour.

5. Add the courgettes, pepper and cream or yoghurt, and simmer for a further 5 minutes.

6. Serve over pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Note: you could easily add mushrooms to the dish or use chicken instead of bacon. You could also serve it with some crumbled feta cheese sprinkled over the top.

claytons@thenewage.co.za

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