panna cotta

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Post Script: A Place to Remember – Jenn J McLeod

A Place to Remember

 

A Place to Remember

Jenn J McLeod

Head of Zeus

Harper Collins Australia

ISBN: 9781786699923

 

Description:

A man loses five years of his life. Two women are desperate for him to remember.

 

Running away for the second time in her life, twenty-seven-year old Ava believes the cook’s job at a country B&B is perfect, until she meets the owner’s son, John Tate. At twenty, the fifth generation grazier is a beguiling blend of both man, boy and a terrible flirt. With their connection immediate and intense, they begin a clandestine affair right under the noses of John’s formidable parents.

 

Thirty years later, Ava returns to Candlebark Creek with her daughter, Nina, who is determined to meet her mother’s lost love for herself. While struggling to find her own place in the world, Nina discovers an urban myth about a love-struck man, a forgotten engagement ring, and a dinner reservation back in the eighties. Now she must decide if revealing the truth will hurt more than it heals…

 

 

My View:

A remarkable read! Jenn J McLeod has out done herself with this epic Australian family saga. Fantastic settings, family dramas that will wrench your heart, a little mystery and a compelling narrative. All that is left to say now, is, what’s next Jenn?

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Post Script: Dolce: 80 Authentic Italian Sweet Treats, Cakes and Desserts – Laura Zavan

Decisions,decisions…

Dolce

Dolce:

80 Authentic Italian Sweet Treats, Cakes and Desserts

Laura Zavan

Murdoch Books

Allen and Unwin

ISBN: 9781743367391

RRP$49.99

 

 

Description:

80 easy and authentic Italian recipes for sweet treats, cakes and desserts. Tiramisu after dinner, panettone at Christmas, an icy lemon granita on a summer’s day. . . the delights of Italy’s many desserts, or dolci, are celebrated around the world; perhaps because, above all else, dolci are about family and simplicity. Laura’s uncomplicated approach to the traditional desserts of her childhood makes Italy’s finest tarts, puddings, cakes and sweets easy for everyone to share and enjoy.

 

Author bio:

Food writer Laura Zavan was born in Treviso, near Venice, and her earliest childhood food memories originate there. She has written several books including Little Italy and Venice Cult Recipes, both published by Murdoch Books. She has a food blog (http://www.laurazavan.com/le-blog-de- laura-zavan/), runs cooking classes and writes for a variety of magazines and newspapers

 

My View:

What a delicious way to inspire you back into the kitchen after the cooking hangover from all the festive cooking! I have a problem – which to try first? All the Panna Cotta recipes look divine and easy to make and they have a section in the cook book all to themselves (I never knew panna cotta came in some many varieties); coffee, licorice, chocolate, bitter almond…the list goes on. There are tarts and tartlets (note to self I must get some small square tart tins) the Mascarpone and Berry Tartlets ( these I must make – quite simple really once the tarts cases are baked blind- filled with mascarpone cream and berries – a prefect summer dessert), Lemon and Almond Crostata, Ricotta Tart with Dried Fruit… I don’t know if I can go on, I have a strong desire to start cooking right now! *takes a small break and comes back to book*

 

 

There is more! Pastries, cakes, biscotti (who doesn’t love a biscotti with their coffee?) Or some home-made semi – freddo, or ice-cream or granita? Ok I now I have narrowed down my choices: Coffee Panna Cotta, Biscotti, Choc Hazelnut Spread (Gianduja) and I must make Fruit and Nut Turnovers (Tortelli Dolci) purely because they use prune jam and at Christmas a made a few jars to give away and a couple to keep in my pantry. Look out kitchen, here I come!!!