Turkey: Recipes and tales from the road

Leanne Kitchen
Murdoch Books 
rrp NZ$85, A$70

I noticed this gorgeous book in the window of Matakana Village Bookshop last weekend and was immediately drawn inside to peruse it. Ten minutes later my wallet was $85 lighter and I was the owner of the beautiful book, it was simply too wonderful to leave behind.

Sadly I have only ever spent a week in Turkey, and that in the capital Istanbul, but Leanne Kitchen has enabled me to armchair travel the country widely and to get to know something of the diverse cuisines and culinary customs of regional Turkey.

She has roamed the country armed with her camera and her keen sense of observation and passion for all things culinary. From spicy red lentil kofte and slowroasted lamb with pomegranate juice to rose cream meringues, pomegranate jelly (left) and Turkish coffee custard, Leanne unveils not just the inspiration for her collection of authentic and contemporary recipes but the very essence of Turkish hospitality. I want to jump on the next plane!

She employs a stunning photojournalist style photography  and they accompany more than 80 new recipe photos; a mix of contemporary and authentic recipes showcasing the unique regional culinary styles of Turkey; and, fascinating anecdotes and snippets of life around Turkey accompany the recipes, all relayed in Leanne's informative, accessible manner.

Gosh do seek this book out at your favouite bookstore or library. It is beautifully designed, has a really attractive French folds cover, it is a work of art as well as being a wonderful story and great cookbook. Don't take my word for it, go and look at it for yourself. I'll wager you find it irresistible.

About the author:
Leanne Kitchen is a trained chef with a highly successful cooking career in Australia and New Zealand spanning 14 years. She has worked for the past 10 years in food and travel publishing with some of Australia's top publications.
For more on her travels in Turkey see:

www.facebook.com/byLeanneKitchen