Flour, Too

Chinese philosophy has given the world the concept of yin-yang; opposing but complimentary forces. Joanne Chang's latest cookbook demonstrates this with Flour, Too. It's the yin to her yang (Flour). 

published by Chronicle Books, 2013, $35 (US)

Joanne's first cookbook concentrated on the sweet side of her baking business while the follow-up focuses on the savory. 

So often we think of bakeries as repositories of all things sweet. It's refreshing when a bakery can successfully show off its savory side as Flour has done in Boston (US). Sandwiches, soups and salad recipes showcase the author's dedication to zingy flavors and incredible freshness. 

Recipes to help you discover the savory side of life include:

• Flour's Famous Egg Sandwich
• Breakfast Pizzas
• Smoky Tomato and Potato Soup
• Chipotle Chicken and Black Bean Soup
• Roast Beef with Horseradish Mayo, Crispy Onions, and Tomato
• Warm Quinoa Salad with Roasted Autumn Vegetables and Ginger-Scallion Dressing
• Roasted Pork Loin with Chive Spaetzle
• Best Boston Cream Pie (of course there had to be something sweet included)

For the Dads

As today is the day we give a big high-five to the dads (happy Father's Day), it only seems right to feature a cookbook with a masculine bent to it. 

We all know that Dads love trucks, right? And especially trucks that sell hamburgers or hotdogs or anything that partners well with a cold beer. So it makes complete sense to feature The Truck Food Cookbook by John T. Edge.

published by Workman, 2012, £12.99

Food on wheels is nothing new in the US, but what is new is the fantastic variety on offer as ethnic flavors mix with the entrepreneurial spirit of Americans. The resulting foods are a showcase of America's increasingly adventurous food exploration. It's interesting to see such far-flung flavors showing up in foods like Kimchi Quesadillas or Roast Duck Tacos.

If you are one for bold flavors and adventure, then perhaps street food is for you. The recipes in this cookbook are gathered from street food vendors all over the US. Their stories are inspiring and their recipes are a testament to unabashed creativity. This is my idea of fun on wheels.

Recipes that are manly enough for the Dads include:

• Jamaican Meat Patties
• Crawfish Pies
• Chorizo Tacos
• Korean Short Ribs
• Dante's Chicken Dogs

Le Pain Quotidien

Are you getting out of London on the Eurostar this weekend?  If so, then you might already know about Le Pain Quotidien in St Pancras station. It's where I go to have a taste of Europe before arriving on its doorstep (ooh la la). And that's why I am excited about their new Le Pain Quotidien Cookbook. 

published by Mitchell Beazley, 2013, £20

Healthy eating is the norm with their food even if they don't shout about it. The founder and author, Alain Coumont, describes his concept as "a bakery with a communal table." When you see the displays of their famous breads used for the tartines, you can see his vision come to life.

As much as I like the concept of healthy eating, a small few of the recipes might be bordering on too healthy for my taste buds (microalgae dip springs to mind). Worry not, for there are plenty of fantastic recipes with easily accessible ingredients. 

And if you want something more filling than a frittata, there are solidly built recipes for Meatballs with Beans (the picture with the recipe raises meatballs into a league of their own). Even macaroni and cheese gets a makeover with Macaroni Gratin.

Recipes that will have you rethinking what you can do with fresh ingredients include:

• Pumpkin Hummus and Merguez Tartine
• Pea, Pancetta and Radish Tartine
• Spicy Shrimp and Avacado Tartine
• Tunisian-Style Oatmeal
• Celeraic, Goji Berry and Turmeric Salad
• Brown Rice Risotto with Nuts and Herbs
• Pearl Barley Paella