The Abel & Cole Cookbook

First of all, a confession.

My name is Rachel and I am a cookery book addict! I am passionate about food and cooking, and over the years I have collected literally dozens of recipe books. Some of them are used regularly and others are more... shall we say decorative? The Abel and Cole cookbook was something of an impulse buy - it was advertised alongside my regular veg box and it seemed rude to say no!

Written by co-founder Keith Abel, the book concentrates on using fresh, organic and seasonal produce. In the introduction Abel makes it clear that he is not a trained chef, but that over the years he has gleaned an enormous amount of knowledge about food and cooking, both from the food producers he works with, and from his customers. The book is neatly divided into the four seasons, with each section containing a range of seasonal recipes.

Although there is an emphasis on using fresh fruit and vegetables, this is not a vegetarian cookbook - there are meat- and fish-based starters and main meals too, as well as delicious simple desserts. The recipes are presented in an informal, ‘chatty' style and are very much aimed at those of us who want to feed our families healthy, tasty food without it taking hours, costing a fortune or damaging the planet. Abel does not take himself too seriously and is not ‘precious' about cooking - he is happy to suggest that almost all of the recipes can be adapted or improved, and even suggests ingredients which can be substituted.

Another very engaging aspect is the photographs used throughout the book - not just the usual perfect plates of food, but real people gathering and cooking fresh produce, quirky close-ups of vegetables, and some truly evocative landscapes to introduce each season. They give the book a very personal feel, and really add to the sense that this is much more than just a recipe book.

Since I bought the book I can honestly say that I've used it more than almost any other on my shelf. What I find appealing about it is its honesty, simplicity and sense of humour. As each new season approaches I find myself getting excited about making the shift to cooking whatever is appropriate and available. The Abel & Cole Cookbook provides inspiration and fires up my enthusiasm for getting into the kitchen and really enjoying the whole process of providing and sharing food with my family.

Rachel Cox

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