Top Ten Foodie Books I Bought in 2009 (4)

7. The Big Book of World Tapas: 365 delicious light bites for all occasions – Julia Hartley

This book is packed with ideas from all round the world for canapés and bite-sized snacks. There’s Asian, Mediterranean, British – it’s all in there. There’s even a chapter with suggestions of light bites for wedding receptions – but what’s stopping you indulging in these sophisticated flavours any time you want to? If you like snacks and tapas, then you’ll definitely like this book!

By the way, my bruschetta with feta, herbs and mushrooms was loosely based on this book’s recipe no.13 Bruschetta al Funghi.

The Big Book of World Tapas: 365 delicious light bites for all occasions

[Update Feb 2021 – this book is now difficult/expensive to obtain so I’ve removed the links.]
Julia Hartley
Softback (spiral-bound), 216 pages
2009, Duncan Baird Publishers
ISBN 978-1-84483-679-6
RRP: £12.99

8. 400 Sauces: dips, dressings, salsas, jams, jellies & pickles – Catherine Atkinson, Christine France and Maggie Mayhew

You’ll never be stuck for a sauce idea with this book handy. But it’s much more than just a compendium of sauces. It features over 400 step-by-step recipes illustrated with more than 1,400 photos. It also contains sections on ingredients and all sorts of tips and techniques to liven up your cooking.

Keep your eyes peeled for this one!

The book seems to have been improved and updated into an encyclopedia since my edition was published (2007). It looks good and certainly the reviews are favourable.

The Encyclopedia of Sauces, Pickles and Preserves

Catherine Atkinson, Christine France and Maggie Mayhew
Hardback, 512 pages
2009, Lorenz Books
ISBN 978-0-75481-681-8
RRP: £14.99