Titles discussed on Afternoons with Jim Mora

I chatted to Jim yesterday about the following titles on his popular Radio NZ National programme:

Food Rules – an eater’s manual – Michael Pollan. He was at the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival two years ago when his paperback edition of this book was a best-seller worldwide. Now the publishers Penguin US have put out an illustrated hardback edition. The illustrator is Maira Kalman a well-known NY artist and illustrator whose work I love so of course I just had to buy this gorgeous new hardback edition.

The Culinarian – a kitchen desk refrence – Barbara Ann Kipfer – Wiley - - filled with food trivia and history as well as being a genuine reference book, a compendium if you like – a food glossary

As Always – the letters of Julia Child & Avis Devoto – Houghton Miflin – Published last year – the fascinating correspondence between Julia Child and her “pen pal” and literary mentor. Julia Child has always been famous among foodies but in the US now there seems to be an insatiable appetite for all things Julia spurred on no doubt by the movie Julie and Julia.

Appetite for Life – the biography of Julia Child – Noel Riley Finch –Anchor Books – published 1999 – bought second hand at The Book Barn upstate NY – mint condition $4 !

Molto Gusto – Easy Italian Cooking – Mario Batali – Harper Collins. He is the guy who Bill Buford wrote about in HEAT a best-selling memoir some years ago.Arguably the most famous Italian chef in the US, a larger than life character who is a regular on the Food Channel. Harper Collins NZ released the first title last year and are about to release his latest, a follow-up called Molto Batali - Simple Family Meals (NZ$45) (left). I'm planning to use his Fettucine with Peas and Pancetta recipe later this week. These are easy to follow recipes, all beautifully illustrated.