Book Review: Allegra McEvedy 'Bought, Borrowed & Stolen'

Here is my review of Allegra's new book:

As well as being a great cook, Allegra McEvedy is a great story-teller. From the moment I picked up this book, I didn't want to put it down. The book is centred around her collection of knives from all around the world and in visiting those places and sampling the local food, she has selected dishes to recreate, which appear in this book. Each section (country) starts with a fact file, focussing mainly on the food for that area, as well as Allegra's experience of it, then there's a story behind the knife. Allegra has a great way with words, hooking you in and you don't want to leave! The collage style of bits and pieces she's collected along the way add to the friendliness of this book.

There are several recipes I've earmarked to make from Japan (Rising Sun Salad), Brazil (Seafood Stew) and Spain (Catalan Sausage Tortilla), but have already succeeded in making some delicious (and moreish) Pumpkin and Ginger Doughnuts (New York), which I think are perfect for a Halloween/ Bonfire Night celebration (hot doughnuts on a cold night? Yes please!) - and have also made Pork Adobo from the Philippines (rich, deep and full of flavour). Both recipes were easy to make and looked like the pictures in the book (always exciting when that happens!).

All in all a perfect combination of new interesting recipes from the around the world and a great story.

Leon snacks launching soon

I've been doing some packaging design for some Leon snacks (launching soon in their restaurants)... there are 4 in total, but just three are launching to start with...